Pace Energy and Climate Center

05 Oct 2018

Virginia's Proposed Regulations for Linking with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: Complexity, Innovation, and a Few Cautions

Author: Karl Rabago

Topics: Cap and Trade, Energy, RGGI,

States: Virginia,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2018

Abstract: Virginia, and its governors in particular, deserve credit for taking on the complex issue of beginning to regulate carbon emissions from the power sector and other parts of the state economy. They have adopted an innovative approach based on a consignment method to accomplish these objectives. The approach has the consequence of added administrative complexity as compared to simpler models used in other states. Discussed here is the consignment method, its complexities, and an offering of a few cautions.

19 Mar 2018

A Distributed Energy Amenable Grid

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Pearl Gray, Radina Valova

Topics: DER, Utility,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2018

Abstract: Puerto Rico has the opportunity to rebuild its grid in a manner that makes the island more resilient. We find that PREPA can take action now to lay a strong foundation for distributed energy resources (DER) to integrate with the transmission & distribution system by making the right kind of capital equipment investments as it is being rebuilt. The future grid should be designed to accommodate far greater penetration of DER and ought to have the functionality to utilize DER as dynamic assets, supporting the grid. If PREPA fails to take actions to accommodate DER and beneficially utilize their grid support capabilities, it could face grid defection, and forego opportunities to significantly improve grid performance, productivity, and syst...

01 Sep 2016

UNEP Guide For Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Laws

Author: Richard Ottinger, Karl Rábago, Staff, Interns

Topics: Climate, International Energy, Renewable Energy,

States: International,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: The UN Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Laws is written to assist the many countries, communities, and companies responding with proposed sustainable energy initiatives to meet their commitments under the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Published by the United Nations Environment Program, it is written in response to needs expressed by energy efficiency and renewable energy project initiators, government officials, energy managers, developers, funders, and particularly developing country energy legal draftsmen, asking for assistance in drafting needed legislation. The Guide uniquely describes the laws applicable to every kind of efficiency and renewable energy measure, and those to pre...

01 Apr 2016

Amicus Brief in Support of Clean Power Plan

Author: Patrick Parenteau

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: Federal,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: none

01 Apr 2016

Clean Power Plan Amicus Brief

Author: Karl R. Rábago

Topics: Climate, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: Amicus brief filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by sixteen former high-level state environmental and energy officials in support of the Clean Power Plan.

01 Nov 2015

The Clean Power Plan Puzzle: The Future of Efforts to Control Pollution in the Northeast

Author: David Gahl, Pearl Gray, Nick Martin

Topics: Climate, RGGI,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: In October 2015 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first national plan to cut climate pollution from power plants. Called the Clean Power Plan (CPP), the effort requires a 32% nation-wide reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the power sector. The CPP also gives states multiple pathways to comply. Now states are on the clock: they must submit their individual compliance plans or signal their intent to submit multi-state plans by September 2016. The nine states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the first market-based trading platform established to cut climate pollution from power plants in the Northeast, must now decide the future of the effort. This paper explores a few of...

01 Jan 2014

Power Through Storms

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: NoneCombined Heat and Power delivers business continuity, risk reduction, and critical infrastructure resiliency benefits during times of extreme weather events and wide spread grid outages.

01 Jul 2013

Commity Energy Brief: CHP in Hospitals

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Combined heat and power systems can provide power, hot water, and space heating and cooling more reliably, more efficiently, and at lower costs than traditional systems. For these reasons, in addition to the ability to provide power during grid outages, hospitals make ideal hosts for CHP systems.

01 May 2013

Sizing up Progress Toward '15 by '15

Author: Jordan Stutt, Jackson Morris

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: The 2012 EEPS update

01 Jan 2013

New York's Renewabel Portfolio Standard: Where to From Here?

Author: Jacson Morris, Andrea Cerbin, Jordan Stutt, Adam Cohn

Topics: Climate, Renewable Energy,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: This report provides an analysis of New York's progress towards its Renewable Portfolio Standard, which aims to meet 30% of the state's electricity consumption with renewable generation by 2015. 'New York's Renewable Portfolio Standard: Where To From Here?' offers an assessment of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, as well as a series of recommendations as to how New York can more effectively achieve greater deployment of cost-effective renewable resources.

01 Jan 2013

Can the US get There from Here?

Author: Franz Litz, Nicholas M. Bianco, Kristin Igusky Meek, Rebecca Gasper

Topics: Climate,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Climate change impacts in the United States are increasingly evident and come with steep economic and social costs. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has increased in recent years, bringing record-breaking heat, heavy precipitation, coastal flooding, severe droughts, and damaging wildfires. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), weather-related damages in the United States were $60 billion in 2011, and are expected to be significantly greater in 2012. The mounting costs convey an unmistakable urgency to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). This report examines pathways for GHG reductions in the United States through actions taken at the federal and state le...

01 Jan 2013

Community Energy Brief: Powering Through Storms

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, Climate,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Combined heat and power delivers business continuity, risk reduction, and critical infrastructure resiliency benefits during grid outages caused by storms.

16 Apr 2012

Summary of Proposed Rule

Author: Franz Litz, Nicholas Bianco, Kristin Meek

Topics: Climate,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units

01 Jan 2012

The Impact of Climate Change on the Urban Environments of the Northeast

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, Technology, Utility Reform,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Explores the consequences of extreme weather conditions on the urban environments of the Northeast.

01 Jan 2012

Market-based Environmental Programs in New York State: A Primer

Author: Tim Banach

Topics: Emissions, Markets,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: The broad goal of environmental regulation is to protect human health and the environment. To that end, regulation often seeks to prevent or control the release of pollutants into the air or water or onto the land. New York State regulators have approached the control of pollution in two ways: through command-and-control requirements and market-based mechanisms. This primer introduces market-based mechanisms currently employed in New York State environmental regulation.

01 Jan 2012

Impact of Climate Change on the Rural Environments of the Northeast

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: Climate,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Explores the consequences of extreme weather conditions on the rural environments of the Northeast.

01 Jan 2012

Electric Vehicles Fact Sheet

Author: Dan Welch

Topics: Electric Vehicles,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Electric vehicle fact sheet

01 Jan 2012

Biofuels Fact Sheet

Author: Dan Welch

Topics: Alternative Fuels,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Biofuel fact sheet

30 Dec 2011

Analysis of Surplus Emission Allowances in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and State Control of the Surplus

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: RGGI,

States: New England,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: Analysis of Surplus Emission Allowances in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and State Control of the Surplus.

30 Dec 2011

Policy Brief: Analysis of surplus emission allowances in the regional greenhouse gas initiative (RGGI) and state control of the surplus.

Author: Laurence DeWitt, Jackson Morris

Topics: RGGI,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: This brief details the expected emissions from RGGI units during the first compliance period. It explores ways that surplus allowances can be eliminated making the RGGI cap binding.

01 Sep 2008

Federalism in the Green House: Defining a Role for States in a Federal Cap-and-Trade Program

Author: Franz Litz and Kathryn Zyla

Topics: Cap and Trade, Carbon Tax,

States: Federal,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2008

Abstract: Defining a role for states within a federal cap-and-trade program will require balancing the benefits of preserving states’ ability to innovate and spur emissions reductions with the challenges that state-by-state regulation may create for some businesses. Finding the approach that draws on the unique strengths of each level of government will help ensure a more effective nationwide cap-and-trade program and a more cost-effective means for reducing emissions. However, it requires expressly providing a mechanism for state action in the federal law. This policy brief presents the competing arguments for state-led and federal-led climate legislation, and argues for a third—“hybrid”—approach that maximizes the strengths of each level...