Pace Energy and Climate Center

05 Dec 2017

Emissions Leakage In RGGI: An Analysis of the Current State and Recommendations for a Path Forward

Author: Sheryl L. Musgrove, Geordi A. Taylor, Radina R. Valova, Karl R. Rábago

Topics: RGGI,

States: New England,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: Emissions leakage is a looming threat to the ongoing success of RGGI. This report, called “Emissions Leakage in RGGI: An Analysis of the Current State and Recommendations for a Path Forward,” discusses this looming threat and provides recommendations for policymakers on reducing leakage risk. The recommendations include expansion of energy efficiency efforts, extension of RGGI coverage to fossil-fuel power plants with a capacity of under 25MW, extension of the cap to cover emissions associated with imported electricity, and linking RGGI with additional states.

27 Nov 2017

Energy Commission Investigation Regarding the State of Puerto Rico's Electric System after Hurricane Maria

Author: Radina Valova

Topics: Energy, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: The tragic weather events that destroyed so much of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s electricity infrastructure have sent a strong message about the brittle nature of central stationdominated electricity systems. The most important challenge facing the Commission is whether it will honor the grim lessons of recent hurricanes with actions to reduce the consequences of future severe weather events that are certain to follow.

01 Oct 2017

Recent Developmetns in Energy Efficiency Evaluation, Measurements, and Verification

Author: Seth Nowak, Maggie Molina, and Martin Kushler

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: The Report identifies states that exhibit policy and institutional leadership, discuss three topics that have recently received significant attention in the industry: deemed savings and technical reference manuals, common practice baselines, and advanced metering-based M&V enabled by greater data availability and improved data analytics.

11 Sep 2017

Voluntary and Corporate Renewable Energy in New York: Challenges to Maximize Voluntary Benefits and Meeting States Goals

Author: Prepared for Pace by CRS

Topics: DER, Renewables, Solar,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: Since the adoption of New York's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2004, voluntary and compliance markets for renewable energy have been used together to meet state goals and drive in-state development. Today, the New York State Energy Plan (SEP) coordinates the Governor's energy initiative, Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), and the State's Energy Standard (CES). However, it is yet to be determined what proportion of the goals the voluntary market will represent, what requirements will be placed upon it, and whether or not generation serving voluntary buyers will be surplus to regulation. Like the rest of the Northeast, New York residents and businesses buy a large volume of voluntary green power, but New York does not supply much of i...

11 Sep 2017

Voluntary and Corporate Renewable Energy in the Northeast United States: Barriers and Opportunities for Growth

Author: Prepared for Pace by CRS

Topics: Markets, Renewable Energy, RGGI,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: The second of three policy briefs prepared with the Pace Energy and Climate Center focusing on voluntary renewable energy in the Northeast United States, this brief identifies interactions between the voluntary renewable energy market and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). It also provides recommendations for strengthening mechanisms that protect voluntary demand in RGGI states.

01 Mar 2017

Transition Support Mechanisms for Communities Facing Full or Partial Coal Power Plant Retirement in New York

Author: Lisa Anne Hamilton, Radina Valova, And Karl R. Rábago, with the support of The Center's Law Student Interns: Sarah Main, Kirsten Yerger, Matt Farnsworth, and Perri Hom

Topics: Climate, Low and Moderate Income, Markets,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: The Transition Support Mechanisms report, prepared by Pace Energy and Climate Center with the support of Environmental Defense Fund, documents best practices for supporting the economic and environmental health of communities in New York facing the closure of a coal-fired power plant. The report examines several decades of just transition case studies from across the United States, and describes the challenges faced by New York communities bracing for the mothballing or retirement of coal generators. Every community is unique, so while there can be no one-size-fits-all approach, the report recommends a number of resources that these communities can use to develop a just transition plan after a plant’s closure.

01 Jan 2017

Renewable Energy as an Economic Driver of Sustainable Development: UN High-Level Political Forum Side Event Report

Author: Richard Ottinger

Topics: DER, Solar,

States: International,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: Renewable energy and sustainable energy more broadly must be central to efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Energy is often forgotten or glossed over as the basis for almost all modern human activity, seen as seperate from the healthcare, education, IT, construction, sanitation, etc that it enables. Renewable energy has become one of the most promising drivers for sustainable development, offering a way to reduce energy costs for households, and businesses.