Spring Update 2008

Note from the Executive Director

Advocates of climate change solutions and sustainable energy policy have much to take stock of in the region. Policy makers, businesses and other influential parties are increasingly recognizing the value of promoting energy efficiency and other clean, affordable alternatives to fossil fuels. They are changing outdated policies and adopting precedent-setting approaches to build a less polluting and less expensive energy system. Northeast states are continuing their leadership on climate change by passing legislation that sets clear targets and mandates specific steps toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide. This progress lays the groundwork for dramatic changes throughout the region that will bring a stronger economy, a more secure energy supply and cleaner air.

Please keep reading to learn more about ENE's priorities and progress in recent months. And don't forget to visit www.env-ne.org, where you can find more updates, bill summaries, press clips and other news and resources related to our work.

~Daniel Sosland

New England States Take the Lead on Climate Action

Making Efficiency Work for New England

Northeast Precedent: States Set Rules for First Carbon Auction

Exploring Climate Solutions in Forestry

In the News

New England States Take the Lead on Climate Action

Connecticut Passes Legislation Mandating Carbon Cuts

Following House approval in April, the Connecticut Senate unanimously passed An Act Concerning Global Warming Solutions (HB 5600), signed into law by Governor Jodi Rell on June 2nd. The groundbreaking bill sets mandatory caps on global warming pollution and requires the state to cut emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80% below 2001 levels by 2050. The bill establishes a system of accountability and establishes a rule of law, while also directing state agencies to explore and implement specific actions to achieve the reductions, including:

an inventory of emissions;
a subcommittee to explore potential impacts of climate change impacts and strategies for mitigation;
a Department of Transportation investigation of opportunities to expand railways and to establish a low carbon fuel standard;
and, a Department of Environmental Protection investigation of market-based mechanisms for reducing emissions.

The day the bill passed, Senator John McKinney made note of the work of ENE Deputy Director Jessie Stratton, among the advocates, for her leadership in advising the Senate on this important bill.

Enactment of this legislation is a major milestone for ENE's climate advocacy efforts in conjunction with other partners in the Stop Global Warming Connecticut campaign, and it builds on ENE's work from 2004 in successfully advocating for the adoption of statewide emission reduction goals.

Massachusetts Global Warming Bill Advances

The Massachusetts legislature is considering a similar bill. In March, the state Senate approved the proposed Global Warming Solutions Act, which would also set enforceable limits on global warming pollution levels, calling for emissions to reach 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The bill outlines several measures for achieving the reductions. It would require the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) to explore reducing emissions from sources such as: electricity generation, fuel supplies, heating and cooling of buildings and vehicle emissions; and it directs the EOEEA to examine a range of mechanisms for reducing emissions from those sectors, including: direct reductions, alternative compliance measures, market-based system, and incentives.

Making Efficiency Work for New England

Maine Adopts Building Codes with Innovative Options to Improve Compliance

With energy use in buildings responsible for about half of the region's greenhouse gas emissions, improving the efficiency of the building sector is one of the most effective ways that the region can reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Maine recently adopted new energy building codes that will help the state take advantage of this opportunity to cut down on the costs and emissions associated with building energy use. This year Maine homeowners and businesses will consume 430 million gallons of heating oil, costing up to $1.6 billion, or 4 percent of state GDP. Meanwhile, a recent study found that only 16 percent of newly constructed homes in Maine are being built to minimum standards of efficiency. Newly adopted legislation (LD 2257) closes a loophole in the former regulations by mandating that, by 2010, all new construction will comply with a model energy code. The bill enhances enforcement, to protect consumers and builders, but provides for flexible inspection options so that enforcing new codes is not a burden to municipal governments.

ENE played a major role in advocating for the new energy code and was instrumental in developing a set of options for municipalities to choose from to improve code compliance. Compliance is essential yet has been historically fifficult to achieve. With these new provisions, Maine's law is one of the most significant in the country.

ENE Starts Work on the New Maine Energy Conservation Board

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) appointed ENE Deputy Director and Attorney Michael Stoddard to the state's new Energy Conservation Board (ECB). The board will advise both the Commission and the new Energy and Carbon Savings Trust on programs to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The ECB is also charged with assisting the Trust in the development, coordination and integration of a comprehensive plan to invest up to $25 million from the sale of pollution allowances under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) into projects that are complementary to Efficiency Maine's ongoing programs. The board and its functions are part of energy legislation that ENE advocated last year. At the June ECB meeting, ENE's Executive Director Daniel Sosland and ENE board member and efficiency expert Doug Baston were invited to present information on efficiency programs and administration. The board activities in Maine parallel ongoing work with the Energy Efficiency Resources Management Council (EERMC) in Rhode Island, where ENE's Sam Krasnow has been appointed to the council and is working with other members to develop rules for implementing the state's new all efficiency procurement policy.

Connecticut Kicks Off Unprecedented Commitment to Efficiency Investments

The Connecticut Clean Energy Advisory Board (CEAB) recently approved the first two years of a proposed procurement plan submitted by two of the state's largest utilities. Under the plan, CL&P and UI will triple current efficiency investment levels from $113 million to $352 million by 2008, which would reduce demand below current levels by 2014. The plan was developed in concert with the Energy Conservation Management Board, of which ENE Senior Attorney Roger Koontz is a member. The proposal awaits approval by the DPUC and the proposed ramp-ups will be subject to annual review.

Northeast Precedent: States Set Rules for First Carbon Auction

States are planning for the first regional auction of carbon credits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which will take place in September 2008. The plan contains elements that ENE and other stakeholders advocated to help ensure that the region has a strong, consistent carbon market, including a decision to auction nearly 100 percent of allowances, an open auction design and a reserve price to offset concerns that the cap may have been set higher than recent emissions. RGGI is the nation's first cap and trade program, and the design and execution of the program could set important precedents for federal policies. ENE is working with the RGGI states to help ensure that the program meets its full potential to deliver emissions reductions. Information and resources related to RGGI.

Exploring Climate Solutions in Forestry

ENE is working with forestry professionals, state agencies, land owners, conservation groups and others to explore strategies for incorporating the region's forest resources into climate change planning and policy solutions. We presented our research on this topic at a number of recent meetings and events, including:

At the Annual Maine Land Trust Conference in May, ENE presented on "Carbon Markets and Land Trusts," and also presented a Carbon Fund concept as part of the Ideas Panel.
ENE participated on a panel about carbon markets and forestry at the Society of American Foresters meeting held in Saratoga Springs in February.

In the News

"A leaner, cleaner Massachusetts," Dan Sosland and Tedd Saunders Op-Ed piece for Boston Globe, 5/31/08

"Energy bill slows over 2 key provisions. Coal gas, biofuels firing debate over clean power," Rob Gavin, Boston Globe, 5/29/08

"Northeast States Will Hold First U.S. Carbon Auction," Bloomberg News, 3/17/08

Dan Sosland's Letter to the Editor on Energy Efficiency, New York Times, 2/9/08

For more clips of articles to which ENE contributed, press releases and other media resources related to our work, please visit the Media Center at our Web site.