var statedata = new Array("", "", "Western Climate Initiative Observer", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "Western Climate Initiative", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "", "", "Western Climate Initiative", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "Western Climate Initiative Observer", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Individual State Cap-and-Trade Program", "On June 25, 2008, Governor Charlie Crist signed into law House Bill 7135, enacting several new energy and climate change policies. The policies include the Florida Climate Protection Act, which authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to develop an electric-utility greenhouse gas (GHG) cap-and-trade program. Pending legislative approval of the final plan, the cap-and-trade program may begin operation as soon as January 1, 2010. Among other goals, the program will develop a timeline to reduce electric sector GHG emissions to 2000 levels by 2017, 1990 levels by 2025, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, in accordance with Governor Crist’s Executive Order 07-127 from July 2007. Although Florida is developing its own program and has yet to formally join another cap-and-trade initiative, the state has announced its intention to collaborate with other states, either by fostering a cap-and-trade pact in the Southeast or by joining one of the other regional programs around the country.
Press Release
H.B. 7135", "", "", "", "", "Western Climate Initiative Observer", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "Midwest GHG Reduction Accord", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "MGGRA Observer", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "Midwest GHG Reduction Accord", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "Midwest GHG Reduction Accord", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "", "", "", "", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Midwest GHG Reduction Accord", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "Midwest GHG Reduction Accord", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "", "", "", "", "Western Climate Initiative", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "", "", "Western Climate Initiative Observer", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Western Climate Initiative", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "", "", "", "", "MGGRA Observer", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "", "", "Western Climate Initiative", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "RGGI Observer", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "", "", "MGGRA Observer", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "", "", "", "", "Western Climate Initiative", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative RGGI", "On December 20, 2005, the governors of seven Northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. In January 2007, the governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts committed their states to joining RGGI. Maryland joined in April 2007.
RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances. The program will begin by capping emissions at current levels in 2009, and then reducing emissions 10% by 2019. Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are observers in the RGGI process.
RGGI Q & A
More information on RGGI
Visit the RGGI site for more information", "", "", "Western Climate Initiative", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page", "", "", "Midwest GHG Reduction Accord", "On November 15, 2007, six states and one Canadian province established the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Under the Accord, members agree to establish regional greenhouse gas reduction targets, including a long-term target of 60 to 80 percent below current emissions levels, and develop a multi-sector cap-and-trade system to help meet the targets. Participants will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions reductions tracking system and implement other policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards, to aid in reducing emissions. The Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Premier of the Canadian Province of Manitoba, signed the Accord as full participants; the Governors of Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota joined the agreement as observers to participate in the development of the cap and trade system. The Accord represents the third regional agreement among U.S. states to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will be fully implemented within 30 months.
Press Release
Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord
Pew Center Statement", "Western Climate Initiative Observer", "On February 26, 2007, Governors Napolitano of Arizona, Schwarzenegger of California, Richardson of New Mexico, Kulongoski of Oregon, and Gregoire of Washington established the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Utah and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba, joined the WCI later in 2007. Quebec joined in April 2008. According to the WCI’s memorandum of understanding, members agree to jointly set a regional emissions target and establish a market-based system—such as a cap-and-trade program covering multiple economic sectors—to aid in meeting it.
In August 2007, the WCI announced its regional, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, or approximately 33 percent below business-as-usual levels. The regional target is designed to be consistent with existing targets set by individual member states and does not replace these goals. The WCI released Design Recommendations for a regional multi-sector cap-and-trade program in September 2008.
Press Release
Western Climate Initiative Statement of Regional Goal
Western Climate Initiative Website
Pew Center WCI page");