National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Emissions Trading Systems Around the World and the Role of Satellite Data

About the Talk Cap-and-trade programs, also known as emissions trading systems (ETS), are a key market instrument to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across energy, industry, and other sectors. ETSs have been strong drivers of emissions reductions to date, especially in the electricity sector, and feature prominently in jurisdictions’ long-term decarbonization plans. A key pillar for the functioning and credibility of any ETS is a robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification system. Opportunities may exist for NASA satellite data to play a role in existing and upcoming ETSs. This event will provide an overview of ETSs around the world, lessons learned in their design and implementation, as well as thoughts on the use of satellite data as a means to support ETS operations. The event will feature a presentation by the Secretariat of the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP), as well as interventions by policymakers from California and Maryland.

About the Speakers Stephanie La Hoz Theuer is a Senior Project Manager at the ICAP Secretariat in Berlin. She is a climate policy expert with 14 years of experience in the design and implementation of carbon pricing, with a focus on international carbon markets, emissions trading and offsets. At the ICAP Secretariat, Stephanie conducts policy research and delivers capacity building programmes. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil and an MPhil in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge. Rajinder Sahota is Division Chief at the California Air Resources Board, where she has worked on climate change programs for 14 years, and is also the Co-Chair of ICAP. Her portfolio of responsibilities includes the design and management of California’s ETS, climate and energy policy, the low carbon fuel standard, and the state’s climate change scoping plan. Her position requires coordination across state government and engagement with international jurisdictions. Ms. Sahota holds a BS and MS in Atmospheric Science from the University of California, Davis. Chris Hoagland is Climate Change Program Manager at Department of the Environment in Maryland. He is an economist responsible for statewide mitigation planning efforts and the administration of greenhouse gas programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), where he represents Maryland technical staff. With a Bachelor’s degree in History from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Master of Environmental Management and Master of Forestry, Environmental Economics and Policy from Duke University, Mr. Hoagland has varied experience working in government in the United States.

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