Member States put Emissions Trading Scheme into practice

Member States are looking to improve and harmonise ways of running the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), according to a report released today by the EEA. The report, 'Application of the Emissions Trading Directive by EU Member States', covers the first four months of the Emission Trading Scheme's operation in 2005 and provides the first comprehensive picture of how Member States are putting the Scheme into practice.

Based on a reporting obligation in the Directive, Member States completed a questionnaire for the European Commission. Their responses deal with practical issues related to the running of the Scheme, such as: the size of the Scheme; which national authorities are involved; how Member States will ensure compliance with permits; how the monitoring and reporting guidelines are applied; how registries operate; how to treat new entrants and closures; the legal status of allowances; and access to information on allowances and emissions.

Member States were also invited to make suggestions for improving the administration of the Emissions Trading Directive, and harmonising its implementation. It is hoped that the report will encourage a 'learning from best practice' approach to running the trading scheme, and help streamline the administration of the second period of the scheme (2008-2012).

See report - Application of the Emissions Trading Directive by EU Member States