The governors of 7 Northeast states announced their agreement on the first mandatory cap-and-trade program to control carbon dioxide emissions in the US. The regional climate change and energy program aims to reduce the heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming. A memorandum of understanding detailing the program was released and will be signed by Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. Called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the program will reduce carbon dioxide pollution through a mandatory emissions cap on the electricity generating (power) sector, coupled with a market-based trading program to achieve the lowest possible compliance costs. Beginning in 2009, RGGI will stabilize carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants in the region at current levels through 2015, and reduce emissions by 10 percent from current levels by 2019. RGGI also aims to achieve reductions through energy efficiency and through greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects outside of the power sector. Learn more about the power sector and environmental compliance by attending the Electric Utility Environmental Conference (EUEC) on January 22-25, 2006 in Tucson, AZ. by
Erin Swanson
ESwanson@enviance.com | 
