NEW FUNDING PROGRAMS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH
New Jersey is a participant in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cooperative effort by ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. The first of its kind in U.S. history, this unique program relies on a market-based cap-and-trade approach to curb emissions while at the same time promoting energy efficiency. States that participate in RGGI sell emission allowances through auctions and invest the proceeds in consumer benefit projects that include energy efficiency, renewable energy and programs that provide assistance to low-income taxpayers. Since joining RGGI, New Jersey has taken part in three allowance auctions, which have generated $ 47.3 million in proceeds for clean energy and utility assistance programs.
The methods for allocating the proceeds from these auctions are set forth in the Global Warming Solution Fund Law signed by Governor Corzine in January 2008. Under the GWSF, the proceeds shall be distributed as follows:
- 60 percent to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to promote end-use energy efficiency, renewable energy, and state-of-the-art electric generation facilities, such as combined heat and power, within the commercial and industrial sectors;
- 20 percent to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to assist limited-income households with their electric bills;
- 20 percent to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to advance programs that help local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage investment in forestry and tidal marshes to maximize carbon sequestration.
The DEP, EDA and BPU have each kicked-off their funding programs to support New Jersey's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency and economic growth.
- Click here to learn more about the DEP's Local Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction grant program.
- Click here to learn more about the BPU's energy assistance program.
- Click here to learn more about the EDA'S Clean Energy Solutions Capital Investment loan/grant program for businesses, industry and institutions.
Call the State Forestry Service at (609) 292-2520 to learn more about the DEP's enhanced forest stewardship and tidal marsh restoration initiatives.
WHAT IS YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT?
You may be wondering, "what is a carbon footprint?" A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment, in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. Please
click here to evaluate and determine ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
GREENHOUSE GAS MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM RULE AND AMENDMENTS PROPOSED
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) proposed rule and amendments establish a greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting program as required by the Global Warming Response Act. The proposed new rules and amendments require monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by electric generating facilities; fossil fuel manufacturers, distributors or wholesalers; gas public utilities and natural gas pipelines; and facilities that release or store greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide above thresholds proposed by the Department.
The written comment period ends on March 21, 2009. See the Notice below for guidance on submitting written comments.
GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS FUND RULE PROPOSED
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) proposed rule establishes a priority ranking system for allocation of funds under the Global Warming Solutions Fund Act. These funds are proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) CO2 emissions auctions.
A public hearing concerning the proposal will be held on March 23, 2009. The written comment period ends on April 18, 2009. See the Notice below for information about the public hearing and for guidance on submitting written comments.
DRAFT GLOBAL WARMING RESPONSE ACT
RECOMMENDATION REPORT RELEASED
The State has posted a draft report for stakeholder input as required by the New Jersey Global Warming Response Act. The report provides analyses on significant sources of GHG emissions and outlines policies as well as legislative and regulatory actions that are needed to achieve the Statewide 2020 greenhouse gas limit established under the Act.
CO2 BUDGET TRADING PROGRAM RULES ADOPTED
On October 10, 2008, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) adopted rules for the CO2 Budget Trading Program (N.J.A.C. 7:27C). This adoption was published in the November 17, 2008 New Jersey Register at 40 N.J.R. 6541(b). Courtesy copies of this adoption, the rules as they will be codified in the New Jersey Administrative Code, and the proposal can be accessed as follows:
