How do states join RGGI?
States can join RGGI by passing a law or creating a new regulation. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf signed an executive order in 2019 telling his Department of Environmental Protection to make a regulation that would let Pennsylvania join.
What is the RGGI program?
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the nation’s first multi-state, market- based program designed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the electric power sector.
Is Pennsylvania joining RGGI?
Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration has finalized the regulation to combat climate change and allow Pennsylvania to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), fulfilling a promise made in a 2019 Executive Order to take part in the market-based program.
Is NY in RGGI?
In Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia, RGGI is promoting a clean-energy future with lower greenhouse gas emissions from electric power generation and savings for electricity customers.
When will Pennsylvania join RGGI?
In October 2019, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf directed the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to produce a proposed rule for the state to join RGGI. The earliest Pennsylvania could join RGGI is 2022.
What is the status of the RGGI program?
The RGGI program is currently in its fifth three-year compliance period, which began January 1, 2021. RGGI states have reduced their carbon emissions while still experiencing economic growth. Power sector carbon emissions in the RGGI states have declined by over 50% since the program began.
Why is Virginia not joining RGGI?
After the 2017 election of Governor Ralph Northam in Virginia, the state began to make preliminary moves to join RGGI. However, the move was stopped in 2019 when the Republican -controlled state legislature wrote a provision in the budget bill prohibiting the state from joining RGGI.
Is North Carolina ready to join RGGI?
RGGI compliance obligations apply to fossil-fueled power plants 25 megawatts (MW) and larger within the 11-state region. As of 2021, Pennsylvania is pending RGGI membership with an anticipated start in early 2022, and North Carolina is currently considering joining RGGI.