Massachusetts & RGGI: In January 2007, Massachusetts joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cooperative effort by Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to global climate change. For more information, see RGGI Frequently Asked Questions (MassDEP).
RGGI, Inc: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first market-based regulatory program in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RGGI is a cooperative effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Together, these states have capped and will reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector 10 percent by 2018 (RGGI Inc).
RGGI Auction Proceeds : Massachusetts has directed all of its RGGI proceeds into clean energy programs and initiatives, primarily its nation-leading Energy Efficiency Investment Plans delivered statewide through Mass Save® and the Green Communities Designation and Grant Program for cities and towns. These auctions, which began in the fall of 2008, are fueling a cleaner energy future for the Commonwealth. Massachusetts has received more than $195 million, which it has used to implement energy programs that improve building performance, comfort, durability, health, and affordability for individuals, businesses, and state and local governments.
Program Review. As called for in the original RGGI Memorandum of Understanding, the Participating States conducted a program review of the CO2 Budget Trading Programs. Proposed amendments to the program as incorporated in an Updated Model Rule, were adopted by Massachusetts on February 7, 2013, and will guide DOER and the DEP in amending the regulations implementing the Massachusetts CO2 Budget Trading Program during the coming year. The RGGI program review was a comprehensive evaluation, supported by an extensive regional stakeholder process that engaged the regulated community, environmental non-profits, consumer and industry advocates. The Updated Model Rule and related materials can be found here.