Cutting Carbon Emissions - NYTimes.com "A Carbon Trading System Worth Saving" (editorial, May 7) is correct that Europe's carbon market is an important mechanism to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. In fact, this conclusion is reinforced closer to home, by the success of New York and eight other states that have operated a carbon reduction program known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, since 2008. RGGI demonstrates that protecting the environment in the United States can also promote job creation and a vibrant economy. An independent analysis has found that the first three years of the initiative have led to investments in clean energy that will reduce energy bills by $1.3 billion and create thousands of jobs regionwide. In 2012, California followed RGGI's lead by establishing its own market-based emission reduction program, and a handful of Canadian provinces are expected to join in the years ahead. Other nations, including Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, are also moving forward with market-based carbon reduction programs. In a yearlong analysis completed in late 2012, RGGI states found that market factors similar to those seen in Europe caused a reduction in demand for emission allowances. Rather than declaring victory and going home, the states decided to make the program even more effective by reducing the cap approximately 45 percent. This cap reduction will ensure continued progress in reducing harmful emissions while increasing the economic benefits from reinvesting auction proceeds. As Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said in his State of the State address, extreme storm events like Hurricanes Sandy and Irene demonstrate that we must continue to reduce the emissions that cause our climate to change. JOSEPH A. MARTENS Commissioner, New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation Albany, May 14, 2013