2005 States News Archives

Archives: Latest News | [1] Early 2007 [2] | [1] Late 2006 | [3] Early 2006 [4] | [1] 2004 | [5] 2003 [6]

Seven Northeastern states agree to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

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. 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.

RGGI Q & A [7]
More information on RGGI [8]
Visit the RGGI web-site [9]

New Jersey Classifies Carbon Dioxide as Air Contaminant

Furthering New Jersey’s commitment to combat climate change, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey adopted regulations classifying carbon dioxide as an air contaminant. The new classification was announced October 18, 2005, and amends several air pollution control rules. This announcement facilitates the state’s engagement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which aims to stabilize and reduce carbon dioxide emissions across nine Northeastern states.

Press Release [10]
Notice of Rule Proposal [11]
RGGI [9]

Rhode Island to Adopt California Vehicle Emissions Standards

Governor Don Carcieri announced Rhode Island’s intention to adopt California’s standards for motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions on October 13, 2005. The Governor cited concerns over climate change, air pollution and the threat to consumers of rising gasoline prices in the state’s decision. Beginning with new 2009 model year cars and trucks, these regulations mandate a 22 percent reduction of tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions by the 2012 model year and a 30 percent reduction by the 2016 model year. Connecticut projects that fuel savings will offset the costs of adding fuel efficiency and emission reduction technologies to new vehicles. Presently, Rhode Island’s transportation sector contributes 40 percent of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Press Release [12]
Map of States Poised to Follow California’s Vehicle GHG Emissions Standards [13]
California’s Vehicle GHG Emissions Standards [14]

North Carolina Establishes Climate Change Commission

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley signed a bill establishing the Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change on September 27, 2005. In addition to House and Senate appointees, the 34-member commission will include leaders from the state power industry, the Manufacturers and Chemical Industry Council, the North Carolina Farm Bureau and Forestry Associations, environmental organizations and academia, among others. The commission is charged with addressing the threats posed by global warming and determining the costs and benefits of the various mitigation strategies adopted by state and national governments. The commission will also assess the state’s potential economic opportunities in emerging carbon markets. Based on its findings, the commission will determine the desirability of a statewide greenhouse gas emission goal and make recommendations for an appropriate path forward. Findings and recommendations are due to the General Assembly by November 1, 2006.

Read the Legislation [15]

Texas Increases its Renewable Portfolio Standard

Texas Governor Rick Perry signed a bill on August 1, 2005, increasing the amount of renewable generation required in the state. Texas implemented a renewable energy mandate in January 2002 that required 2,000 MW of new renewable generation be built in the state by 2009. The updated law increases this capacity requirement to 5,880 MW by 2015, which will meet about 5% of the state’s projected electricity demand. The legislation also sets a cumulative target of installing 10,000 MW of renewable generation capacity by 2025. In an effort to diversify the state’s renewable generation portfolio, the measure also includes a requirement that the state must meet 500 MW of the 2025 target with non-wind renewable generation.

Press Release [16]
Read the Legislation [17]
States with Renewable Portfolio Standards [18]

New York Adopts New Energy Efficiency Standards

Governor George Pataki signed the Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards Act of 2005 into law on July 29, 2005. The Act, S. 5614A, sets energy efficiency standards for appliances not covered by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 such as ceiling fan and light kits; commercial washing machines; commercial refrigerators, freezers, and icemakers; torchiere lighting fixtures; and other commercial and household items. Governor Pataki first introduced the energy efficiency performance standards legislation in April. New York estimates that the standards will save consumers up to 2,096 gigawatt hours of electricity a year - enough energy to power 350,000 homes - and up to $284 million savings, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 870,000 metric tons. Additionally, the Act charges the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority with developing energy efficiency standards to reduce the amount of power used by certain products in standby mode. New York will join California in trying to reduce “phantom” energy use by DVD players, VCRs, and digital television adapters, which often draw power even when the device is turned off.

Press Release [19]
Map of States with Appliance Efficiency Standards [20]

Illinois Enacts Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Targets

Following more than five months of public comment and deliberation, the Illinois Commerce Commission adopted Governor Rod Blagojevich’s two- part Sustainable Energy Plan. On July 19, 2005, the commission passed a resolution that called for both Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards. To implement the RPS, Illinois utilities have agreed to acquire 2% of their electricity from renewable sources by the end of 2006, add another 1% every year, and reach the goal of 8% by 2013. Electricity generated from wind, solar thermal energy, photovoltaic cells and panels, biomass, and existing hydropower are considered renewable energy under this resolution. Under the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard, utility companies will create new programs to reduce the increase in electricity demand 10% by 2008. This standard increases to an ultimate goal of reducing Illinois’ growth in electricity demand 25% by 2015. Both Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Corp. - the state's largest utilities – have said they will comply with the new standards.

Press Release [21]
Read the Resolution [22]  
Map of States with Renewable Portfolio Standards [18]

Rhode Island Adopts Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards

Governor Donald Carcieri adopted appliance energy efficiency standards for Rhode Island when he signed the Energy and Consumer Savings Act on July 1, 2005. The Act sets minimum efficiency standards for 14 appliances. Some of these appliance standards are based on the U.S. EPA and DOE’s Energy Star standards and California’s existing appliance standards. The standards are expected to reduce annual GHG emissions by 20,000 tons and save the state $225 million in reduced energy generation costs over the next 25 years. Rhode Island joins Washington, Maryland, Connecticut, Arizona, New Jersey, and California in setting efficiency standards for household and commercial appliances.

The Energy and Consumer Savings Act (pdf) [23]
Map of States with Appliance Efficiency Standards [20]

Vermont Enacts Novel Renewable Portfolio Standard

Vermont Governor Jim Douglas signed a renewable portfolio standard into law on June 14, 2005. The legislation requires renewable generation to equal incremental load growth between 2005 and 2012, but does not require utilities hold renewable energy credits (RECs) equal to renewable generation. If utilities have not met this requirement, the state will instate an RPS equal to the percentage of load growth between 2005 and 2012. If the state experiences 7% load growth, but utilities have not obtained 7% of their electricity from eligible renewables by 2012, the state will adopt an RPS of 7%. Vermont’s definition of renewable energy includes wind, solar, small hydropower methane from landfill gas, anaerobic digesters, and sewage-treatment facilities, while excluding municipal solid waste. Vermont utilities are permitted to build generation capacity out of state to comply with the mandate, and may also sell Renewable Energy Credits.

Read the Legislation [24]
Map of States with Renewable Portfolio Standards [18]

U.S. Mayors Adopt Climate Protection Agreement

The U.S. Conference of Mayors voted unanimously to support the Climate Protection Agreement sponsored by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. The agreement, adopted June 13, 2005, mirrors the Kyoto Protocol’s goal of reducing GHG emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. The mayors committed to meet this emissions goal while urging state and federal governments to adopt policies that would achieve these reduction targets. The U.S. Conference of Mayors represents 1,183 cities from all 50 states. Before the Mayors’ Conference convened in June, 164 mayors from around the country had signed onto the agreement.

Press Release [25]
U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (pdf) [26]

New Mexico Announces Emissions Reduction Targets

New Mexico joined a growing number of states with targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions when Governor Bill Richardson signed an Executive Order on June 9, 2005. The Governor set New Mexico’s targets at achieving 2000 emissions levels by 2012, 10% below 2000 levels by 2020, and a 75% reduction below 2000 emission levels by 2050. These goals supplement New Mexico’s suite of climate-friendly policies that includes a renewable portfolio standard, a renewable energy tax credit, and a goal to increase energy efficiency. New Mexico is the first major coal, oil and gas producing state to set targets for cutting global warming emissions. Governor Richardson’s Executive Order creates the New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group, a 40- member stakeholder committee charged with finding ways for the state to meet these new targets. The executive order also tasks the state agencies with developing a report on climate impacts, a report on impacts to water resources, an emissions inventory and forecast, recommendations for state government emissions reductions, and annual progress reports.

Press Release [27]
Read the Executive Order [28]

California Sets Aggressive Emissions Reduction Targets

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order on June 1, 2005, setting greenhouse gas emissions targets for the state. The order directs state officials to develop plans that would reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions by 11% below current levels over the next five years, 25% by 2020, and 80% by 2050. These targets are equivalent to reaching 2000 GHG emissions levels by 2010 and 1990 levels by 2020. In collaboration with a variety of state agencies, the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency will develop strategies to achieve the targets. In a separate action on May 31, the State Assembly approved a bill that would set more stringent emissions targets for California. The bill, sponsored by Assembly member Ira Ruskin, sets a target of reducing emissions 7% below 1990 levels in 2010, and 10% below 1990 levels by 2020. California has a variety of existing policies and programs addressing climate change.

Read the Executive Order [29]
Read the Pew Center's statement [30]
Read the Assembly Bill [31]
Read about California Climate Change Policies and Programs [32]

Washington State Adopts Renewable Incentives, Standards for Vehicles and Appliances

On May 9, 2005, Governor Christine Gregoire signed two bills that will increase both supply and demand for renewable energy generation. On the supply side, SB 5111 offers tax breaks to Oregon companies that manufacture and sell solar equipment. On the demand side, SB 5101 offers the first state feed-in credit for solar and wind energy production. A feed-in credit provides performance-based tax breaks for small-scale renewable energy generation to “feed” electricity into the grid; a similar German law spurred high levels of investment in renewables. Governor Gregoire also signed HB 1397 adopting California’s vehicle GHG emissions standards for Washington, conditional on Oregon’s adoption of the standard. In April, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski formed a task force to adopt the standard, which would allow the Washington to become the tenth state intending to follow California’s standard. Finally, Washington joined Maryland, Connecticut, Arizona, New Jersey and California in adopting efficiency standards for 12 types of appliances.

Read SB 5101 providing renewable manufacturing incentives (pdf) [33]
Read SB 5111 providing renewable generation incentives (pdf) [34]
Read HB 1397 adopting vehicle emissions standards (pdf) [35]
Read HB 1062 adopting appliance efficiency standards (pdf) [36]

Montana Sets Renewable Energy Target

On April 28, 2005, Montana took a step towards increasing renewable generation in the state by passing Senate Bill 415, the Renewable Power Production and Rural Economic Development Act. The law requires that 10% of the electricity sold in Montana come from renewable sources by 2010 and 15% by 2015. On April 28, 2005, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer signed the bill, which, in addition to the targets, calls for a renewable energy credit tracking system and leaves open the option to trade renewable energy credits outside of the state. The legislation contains a cost cap that encourages utilities to invest in renewable generation that is cost competitive with conventional generation.

Read the Legislation [37]
See a map of states with renewable energy mandates [18]

Wind and Bioenergy to Fuel North Dakota

On April 28, 2005, Governor John Hoeven signed into law a legislative package that encourages wind power, ethanol, and biodiesel. North Dakota will now allow renewable energy credits (RECs) from in-state generation to be sold to out-of-state buyers, and will lower the barriers to siting wind power and investing in new transmission. Adequate transmission capacity is often a serious barrier to wind investments. The Legislature authorized continued funding for the ethanol incentives championed by the governor, as well as tax breaks for the purchase and production of both ethanol and biodiesel. The Governor also established an Office of Renewable Energy in the North Dakota Commerce department to assist public and private renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Press Release [38]

Iowa Governor Encourages Efficiency and Renewable Energy

On April 22, 2005, Governor Thomas Vilsack signed an executive order instructing state agencies to increase their operational energy efficiency and renewable energy use. The order mandates a 15% improvement in energy efficiency at state facilities by 2010, and the procurement of hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles for non-law enforcement state vehicles. The governor also directed state agencies to purchase equipment with the lowest life-cycle cost when possible, and to purchase 10% of their electricity from renewable sources. Iowa is the nation’s top producer of ethanol, one of the fuels that can be used by the vehicles mandated by the order. Iowa also has over 600MW of wind capacity, in part due to a Renewable Portfolio Standard that the state passed in 1999.

Read the Executive Order (pdf) [39]

Washington State Adopts LEED Standards for Public Buildings

On April 8, 2005, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill mandating that all new public buildings meet the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards. Washington is the first state in the country to require such standards. The law will apply to new public facilities over 5,000 square feet, as well as major renovation projects. A building can achieve a LEED standard by earning points based on energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials, and other environmental attributes. There are currently over 1,900 buildings in the United States completed or in progress that meet one of the LEED standards.

Press Release [40]
Read the Legislation [41]
Read about the LEED standards [42]

New Mexico Passes Suite of Energy Bills

In March 2005, the New Mexico legislature passed three bills to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in the state.

• The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bonding Act allows the sale of $20 million in bonds to support energy efficiency and solar projects in existing public buildings. The New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources, the bond administrator, estimates that the act will save the state $46 million in electricity costs over the 20-year life of the bonds.
• The Efficient Use of Energy Act encourages public gas and electric utilities to invest in energy efficiency. The act directs utilities to explore cost-effective efficiency investments, in order to reduce electricity consumption, the associated emissions, and the flow of money to out-of- state electricity generators.
• The Natural Resources Conservation Bids Act facilitates energy efficiency upgrades to public buildings.

These legislative initiatives were developed in part by Governor Richardson’s Clean Energy Task Forces created last year. The Task Forces were created in response to an executive order declaring New Mexico the “Clean Energy State”.

Read the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bonding Act (pdf) [43]
Read the Efficient Use of Energy Act (pdf) [44]
Read the Natural Resources Conservation Bids Act (pdf) [45]
Read the “Clean Energy State” Executive Order (pdf) [46]

Three States Issue New Appliance Efficiency Standards

Arizona, New Jersey, and California announced new appliance efficiency standards this spring. On March 8, 2005, Acting New Jersey Governor Richard Codey approved higher standards for eight products, including commercial refrigerators and washing machines. New Jersey projects consumer savings of over $742 million by 2020 on their utility bills. Also in March, the California Energy Commission set standards for 17 products, and estimates these regulations will save consumers $3 billion over 15 years. Most recently, in April Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed into law efficiency standards for 12 appliances. These states’ standards are for products not covered by federal standards. Without a waiver from the Department of Energy, states may not set standards for products with existing federal standards. Maryland and Connecticut have also passed appliance efficiency standards.

Read the New Jersey law [47]
Read the California Regulations (pdf) [48] 
Read the Arizona law (pdf) [49]

Arizona Governor Takes Action on Climate and Clean Energy

On February 2, 2005, Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona signed an executive order creating a Climate Change Advisory Group for the state. The governor charged the group with developing recommendations to reduce Arizona’s greenhouse gas emissions, culminating in the submission of a Climate Change Action Plan by June 2006. The advisory group will also produce an inventory of Arizona’s greenhouse gas emissions. The governor will appoint representatives to the advisory group from state government, industry, tourism, and non-governmental organizations. Governor Napolitano released a second executive order on February 11, requiring new state-funded buildings to derive at least 10% of their energy from renewable sources, either directly or through the purchase of renewable energy credits. This executive order also requires new state buildings to meet the “silver” level of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

Read the Climate Change Advisory Group Executive Order [50]
Read the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Executive Order [51]

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