Download Burt Presentation 10.29.10

New England's Electricity Future
in Light of New Air Regulations
Restructuring Roundtable
Boston, MA
Laurie Burt, Commissioner
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
October 29, 2010
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New England’s Electricity Future
• Key solutions:
• Efficiency
• Zero-emission renewable energy
• Also:
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Clean low carbon biomass
High efficiency natural gas
Efficient transmission and storage
Combined heat and power
• Clean solutions address criteria pollutants and GHGs
2
Transport Rule: MA Perspective
• Upwind states contribute pollution in MA
• MA contributes to others
• MA commented on proposed rule supporting:
• Intra-state trading,
• Limited interstate trading
• Prohibition on using existing allowance bank
3
Transport Rule: MA Perspective
• MA commented that:
• More stringent NOx caps needed to meet ozone
standard
• Additional cost-effective reductions are available
• EPA should reward cleaner generation and energy
efficiency
• Quick action on “second” Transport Rule in 2011
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EPA GHG Regs: MA Perspective
• MA addressing GHGs
• Strongly supportive of federal action:
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Endangerment Finding
CA Motor Vehicle Standards
Tailoring Rule
GHG Reporting
• Welcome EPA partnership moving forward
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Electricity Emissions: RGGI
• Long-term reductions
across the power
sector and region
• Model market-based
solution for GHGs
• Will continue absent
federal cap-andtrade.
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RGGI Experience
• Regional auctions:
• 285 + million allowances sold at 9 regional auctions
• $729 + million, mostly used for energy efficiency
• EE spending includes energy audits,
weatherization, air sealing, equipment efficiency
• Influence on regional programs, federal legislation
• Emissions declining due to RGGI, economy,
efficiency investments, fuel switching, weather
• MOU requires program review in 2012
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MA GHG Policies and Statutes
• RGGI & MA Renewable Portfolio Standard
• Signed by Governor Patrick in 2008:
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Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA)
Green Communities Act
Clean Energy - Biofuels Act
Green Jobs Act
Oceans Act
• GWSA: long-term (2050) targets, GHG reporting
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Climate Action Plans (38 States)
Source: Pew Center on Global Climate Change
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Questions, Comments?
Restructuring Roundtable
Boston, MA
Laurie Burt, Commissioner
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
October 29, 2010
10
Regional Programs (33 states)
Source: Pew Center on Global Climate Change
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RE/AE Standards (36 States)
Source: Pew Center on Global Climate Change
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