A number of domestic and international considerations have led many political observers to conclude that the Unites States will take legislative action during the remainder of 2009, or in 2010, to address climate change. The goal of these legislative efforts is to achieve a gradual but significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their earlier levels by the middle of the century. Action in this area would be a watershed regulatory and tax development and would affect all types of businesses in many aspects of their operations.
Most of the 130,000 jewelry retailers in the United Stated do sell treated gems. The practice is considered ethical only as long as any treatments are disclosed and their degree of permanence taken into account when pricing the gem. Many of the treatments used to enhance the marketability of the gem are not so eco-friendly.