Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
This multi-state initiative is the first step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. A model rule was finalized in August of 2006 and now each participating state must individually adopt final rules.
- Participating states are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont
- Caps power plant emissions at current levels from 2009 - 2014
- 10% reduction in emissions from 2015 - 2019 (2% per year)
- Promotes investments in energy efficiency and consumer protections
- Allows a percent of reduction to be meet through "offsets"
Further information about the process can be found on the RGGI web site. This program in combination with others, such as Renewable Portfolio and energy efficiency standands, are essential to achieving the reductions necessary to curb climate change impacts.
RGGI News:
Jan. 2008- New Hampshire RGGI bill before state House committee.
Sept. 2007- AMC comments on Maine RGGI rules.
June 2007- Maine enacts RGGI. Rules to be developed.
