Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative UPDATE

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was highlighted the last week of March as the House of Representatives positioned a bill (SB119), which if passed, limits the Governor’s ability on joining the interstate compact. RGGI is an initiative of 10 New England and Mid-Atlantic states, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector while generating economic growthOpens In A New Window. Together Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York Rhode Island and Vermont cap and reduce their power sector carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This is achieved by setting a regional cap or limit on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from electric power plants in the participating states.  
 
A disapproval resolution of the Governor’s executive order on RGGI, which is separate from SB119, is also being positioned for a vote by the Legislature. If neither pass by veto proof majorities, substantive actions will likely be decided in the Courts.