Government regulation of carbon emissions is slowly, but surely becoming a reality. Whether the federal government will demand a cap on greenhouse gas emissions, or require offsets and purchase of clean energy, is no longer an "if" but a "when." These changes are coming and promise to revolutionize the way America does business over the next few years.

The first businesses to feel the immediate effects of pending federal legislations will be the energy producers, and in turn, every energy consuming business. Regulations on carbon emissions production and requirements to be greener can be safely associated with higher costs and higher prices for end consumers. Companies who purchase energy to operate multiple sites, like big box retailers, restaurant chains, and hotel chains should take a close look at changes happening at the state level to be prepared for the day when their own states' energy producers are expected to meet similar guidelines, and they in turn see prices jump.

More than half of the continental United States is now either a member of, or observer of, a regional climate initiative, including the Western Climate Initiative, Midwestern Regional GHG Reduction Accord, or Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Many state governments have already passed legislation, ...