PA EQB Publishes Proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Program For Power Plants (RGGI) For Comment
On November 7, the Environmental Quality Board published a formal notice in the PA Bulletin inviting public comments on a proposed regulation establishing a Carbon Pollution Reduction Program covering power plants that is consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) covering mid-atlantic and northeast states. (formal notice)
RGGI is a market-based collaboration among 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating economic growth.
Under DEP’s proposal, power plants must acquire carbon dioxide allowances equal to the amount of CO2 they emitted. And while each state has its own allowance budget, the only firm cap is the regional one.
Entities in each of the qualifying states can purchase and trade allowances- allowing for what DEP hopes will be the most efficient and cost-effective emissions reductions.
Development of the proposal began more than a year ago when Gov. Wolf issued an executive order directing DEP, under its existing statutory authority, to prepare a proposed regulation establishing the program.
Since then there has been intense interest in the Senate and House, among stakeholders, environmental groups and many others about the potential impact of the proposal on the environment, energy prices and Pennsylvania’s economy.
Comments on the proposal are due January 14 and 10 virtual public hearing comment sessions have been scheduled over five days in December.
