M.J Bradley & Associates is pleased to welcome Constellation Energy as a member of the Clean Energy Group's Clean Air Policy Initiative (CAPI).  Participating companies are active in promoting effective federal air and climate change policies.

The Group's activities are guided by the following principles:

(1) CAPI members have a strong preference for market-based regulatory approaches - such as cap-and-trade - in order to minimize costs and drive technology innovation.  A well designed system will direct capital investment to the least-cost control opportunities and minimize total pollution abatement costs.  The result is better environmental outcomes at less cost.

(2) Reduction targets and compliance timelines should challenge the electric power sector to find innovative compliance solutions and continually improve performance, but at the same time must allow reasonable transition periods for the development and deployment of new energy technologies.

(3) In establishing a cap-and-trade program, the methodology used for distributing emissions permits (allowances) is fundamental to the integrity of the program.  The CAPI members support an equitable distribution of allowances that recognizes the value of low- and non-emitting forms of generation, while creating incentives for efficiency improvements and technology innovation.

(4) The CAPI members support the establishment of a robust greenhouse gas offset trading program-including national and international reduction opportunities-based on rigorous protocols to ensure the integrity of the program.

(5) Technology innovation has been a hallmark of the U.S. economy.  Federal policies should provide increased funding and support for research and development and deployment of advanced energy technologies and energy efficiency.

(6) The CAPI members support the establishment of a transparent and liquid federal carbon trading market.  A properly functioning trading system, with a clear price signal, is critical for a smooth transition to a lower carbon economy.  In support of this objective, federal legislation should include policies that will encourage the integration of domestic greenhouse gas trading markets-as well as international trading markets-into a single, harmonized U.S. trading system.

Constellation Energy is North America's largest competitive provider of power to wholesale, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers.  The company owns and operates a diverse fleet of power plants.  Constellation Energy joins Avista, Calpine, Entergy, Exelon, FPL, PSEG, and PG&E Corporation as members of the Clean Air Policy Initiative.