Pace Energy and Climate Center

01 Apr 2019

Estimating the Air Emissions of Stationary Engine Generators under Two Megawatts

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Joseph O’Brien Applegate, Dr. Sreekanth Venkataraman, Dr. Praveen Amar

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2019

Abstract: The provision of electric power to homes, businesses and industry via distributed generation (“DG”)2 technologies has increased at a rapid pace over the last 10 to 15 years. New York has made the development of a distributed energy future a centerpiece of the Governor’s path breaking “Reforming the Energy Vision” initiative. The environmental consequences of dramatic increases in distributed generation, however, have not been empirically examined. Because certain forms of DG have previously only run to a very limited extent, their emissions were not regulated closely. However, evolving markets and new rate structures could create incentives that encourage an increase in the operating hours of fossil-fired DG. In this study we have...

05 Aug 2016

Comments on Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: Emissions,

States: Federal,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: Comments submitted to Assistant Attorney General Cruden, pursuant to the Department of Justice Notice dated July 6, 2016, on Proposed Partial Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act; In Re: Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, Case No: MDL No. 2672 CRB (JSC).

01 Oct 2015

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

Author: David Gahl, Pearl Gray, Nick Martin

Topics: Emissions, RGGI,

States: Federal,

Resource Type: Report

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 t...

08 Feb 2013

Power Companies, Environmental Groups Commend Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States for Strengthened Climate Change Program

Author: Jackson Morris

Topics: Emissions, RGGI,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Press Release

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: The new model rule to drive greater reductions in CO2 emissions from power plants in the region and increase investments in clean energy.

16 Apr 2012

Summary: Standards of performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New Stationay Sources

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

Topics: Emissions, GHG,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Summary of proposed rule on GHG emissions standards for new stationary sources: electric utility generating units.

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 Jul 2010

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States

Author: Nicholas M. Bianco, Franz Litz, Madeline Gottlieb, Thomas Damassa

Topics: Emissions,

States: Federal,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2010

Abstract: None

01 Oct 2009

Keeping the Lights on in the State Laboratory

Author: Nicholas Bianco, Franz Litz

Topics: Emissions,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2009

Abstract: In the United States, state governments have been leaders in addressing climate change through a wide range of energy, environmental, land use and transportation policies. As the United States Congress moves closer to enacting federal cap-and-trade legislation for greenhouse gases, lawmakers should carefully consider how to preserve robust state action. If states are to continue to innovate and achieve reductions in emissions from capped entities after a federal cap-and-trade program is implemented, such state action will need to be accounted for within the federal program. In practical terms, this will require retiring federal greenhouse gas emission allowances, rendering them ineligible for trading or future use, to reflect state-achieved...

01 Jun 2006

Guidebook for Small Combined Heat and Power Systems Seeking to Obtain Emissions Reduction Credits in New York State

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Daniel Rosenblum, Chris Young

Topics: CHP, Emissions,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2006

Abstract: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is typically more efficient than the separate generation of electricity in a central power plant and production of heat in an on-site boiler. This improved efficiency can result in a reduction of air pollutant emissions. CHP projects with significant reductions in emissions are eligible to participate in the NYSDEC emission reduction credit (ERC) program. Facilities certifying ERCs can trade them, thereby improving the financial benefit of installing CHP. This guidebook is intended to assist facility managers with quantifying emissions reduction credits. An additional report, “Emissions Allowance Market Opportunities for Small Scale CHP Projects,” (NYSERDA Report #06-04) evaluates how allowance-based regula...

20 Sep 2005

Allocation of Emissions Allowances for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Author: Cliff W. Hamal and Alan L. Madian

Topics: Emissions, RGGI,

States: New England,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2005

Abstract: The RGGI proposal under discussion among in New England and Mid-Atlantic states has resulted in a preliminary agreement to establish CO2 cap and trade program. Emission allowances worth billions of dollars may be given away to start the program. Intense interest in this allocation should be expected.