DURANGO, Colo.—The Southern Ute Indian tribe is joining efforts to establish standards for reporting and tracking greenhouse gas emissions.
The tribe said this week that it will start reporting its greenhouse gas emissions to The Climate Registry, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles. The registry already has enlisted 39 U.S. states including Colorado, seven Canadian provinces, six Mexican states, the District of Columbia and three tribal nations, including the Southern Utes.
Several corporations, nonprofit organizations, cities and counties also are reporting their emissions to the registry, which was established last year.
The registry aims to provide a clearer picture of the types of emissions being generated and their sources.
“It will offer a baseline of data, which is necessary for moving forward in reducing and regulating these types of pollutants,” said James Temte, an air-quality scientist for the tribe.
Emissions reports will be verified by private companies. Participants pay fees of $450 to $10,000, depending on their size.
The Southern Ute tribe has taken other steps to address climate change. Earlier this year, the Tribal Council approved an air-quality code, taking the tribe one step closer to regulating its own air quality with the aim of tightening standards within the reservation’s boundaries.
———
Information from: Durango Herald,
