The 15 th Congress, also known as the 15 th Conference of Parties, or COP 15, was initially intended to be a largely procedural summit, with many major negotiating points settled and most environmental ministers prepared to sign a binding emissions treaty that contained specific emissions targets as well as commitments to financing structures.

In 2005, Congress enacted the Renewable Fuel Standard as part of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and amended it in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). Such land conversion may disrupt any future potential for storing carbon in biomass and soil. Greenhouse gas emissions. Economic effects. Environmental effects.