| |
1605(b) Greenhouse Gas Registry Guidelines
On April 17, 2006, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued revised General and Technical Guidelines for the voluntary reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration and reductions, known as the 1605(b) program. The program will be implemented by DOE during 2007.
What is the Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Program?
- Section 1605(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 established a voluntary reporting program for greenhouse gas emissions and reductions.
- The initial program guidelines were issued in 1994 and over 200 utilities, industries, institutions and other entities now report annually.
- The 1605(b) program guidelines establish the requirements that must be followed by utilities, industries, institutions and others that choose to report, including the methods reporters must use to measure greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration, and to calculate emission reductions.
The revised program guidelines will substantially improve the accuracy, verifiability and completeness of greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration data reported under DOE’s existing voluntary reporting program. USDA provided the technical methods for estimating greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and emission reductions on farm, forest, and grazing lands.
The new guidelines establish an accurate and transparent national registry where businesses and institutions can submit comprehensive reports on their greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration and reductions.
The revised guidelines include “state-of-the-science” guidance and tools for estimating emissions from agricultural, forestry, and conservation activities important for carbon sequestration efforts, as well as from other sources of greenhouse gases. Other provisions encourage participation in the program by small emitters of greenhouse gases, such as farmers and small businesses.
1605(b) General Guidelines
1605(b) Technical Guidelines
Agriculture Appendix
Forest Appendix
Web site for the Carbon Management and Evaluation Tool (COMET-VR)
What happens next?
- The guidelines are scheduled to be implemented during 2007.
-
DOE’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) is preparing the forms and software necessary to implement the revised guidelines during its 2007 reporting cycle. As part of this process, EIA will make drafts available for public review this summer.
- Those filing reports in the 2006 reporting cycle should use the existing forms and instructions based on the existing guidelines which can be found at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/frntvrgg.html
Where can I get more information?
- The Federal Register Notice containing the General Guidelines, the Technical Guidelines, and a complete record of the documents released and public comments received during the guideline development process are available at: www.pi.energy.gov/enhancingGHGregistry/.
|
