In this paper, we review the policy differences and associated reporting and verification protocols between three energy and/or environmental reporting programs in the United States, specifically the Conservation Verification Protocols (CVP) - a voluntary set of procedures for reporting acid rain reductions from energy conservation, the Greenhouse Gas Voluntary Reporting Program (GGVRP) to acknowledge greenhouse gas-reducing activities, and a national database on energy efficiency programs (DEEP) an informational database on utility demand-side management (DSM) programs. The most important lesson learned in developing these reporting programs is that the accuracy of the program for reporting energy savings activities is dependent upon both the estimation and verification protocols used in the program and the mapping procedures used to generate emission impacts from energy savings. Additionally, the types of protocols that may be used in the program depend upon who is participating in the program. The free market can also be a useful tool in determining how much money reporting entities want to spend on energy savings and emissions reductions estimation and verification protocols by placing a dollar value on atmospheric emissions. After such programs are implemented, the program managers should ensure that an iterative, quality control process is utilized. The reporters of such information must be made aware that their numbers will be reviewed carefully and will be questioned for accuracy. Finally, the accuracy and confidence of the reported information should be reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure that the goals and expectations of the program and the reporting entities are being met.