Agency Honors RGGI States for Climate Protection
The 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) were awarded a Climate Protection Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award recognizes RGGI as a model for federal climate legislation and honors each state as a global leader in protecting the climate.
The EPA recognized the RGGI states for their leadership in building a model cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Each participating state has implemented rules to cap emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Together, the RGGI states auction over 80 percent of allowances and dedicate the proceeds to consumer benefit programs. To date, the RGGI states have conducted three auctions that have generated more than $262 million for energy efficiency, energy conservation, clean energy development, and other consumer benefit programs throughout the region.
“The successful RGGI program is the product of five years, 10 states and hundreds of stakeholders," said Pete Grannis, chair of the Initiative's Board of Directors. "I look to the new administration and Congress to partner with us to continue progress toward an 80-percent reduction in greenhouse gases by mid-century."
“The collaboration among RGGI states demonstrates that states still operate as the laboratories of the nation," said David Littell, vice chair of the board. "The pioneering experiment of RGGI auctions has worked and now sets an example for a national program."
"EPA applauds the leadership of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in protecting our global environment," said Kathleen Hogan, Ph.D., director of EPA Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "You have set the bar high, and for that, we thank you."
For more information about past winner accomplishments, visit www.epa.gov/cppd/climateawards.