This regulation establishes a declining limit on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large power plants in Massachusetts. The limit ensures that state programs, including the Clean Energy Standard, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Guide Electricity Generator Emissions Limits (310 CMR 7.74)
In this guide
Current Regulation
310 CMR 7.74: Reducing CO2 Emissions from Electricity Generating Units was finalized in August 2017 and amended in both December 2017 and August 2018.
See 310 CMR 7.00: Air Pollution Control, which includes the current Electricity Generating Units regulation.
Additional Resources for Current Regulation
Massachusetts Carbon Allowance Registry
The Carbon Allowance Registry tracks allowances for large power plants in Massachusetts for purposes of satisfying the requirements of 310 CMR 7.74: Reducing CO2 Emissions from Electricity Generating Facilities.
Administered by MassDEP, the Allowance Registry enables Designated Representatives to register their facilities, receive or transfer allowances, and manage their allowance holdings.
Before accessing the Allowance Registry, facilities must first mail notarized Certifications of Representation (available for download from Additional Resources below) to:
MassDEP Bureau of Air & Waste
One Winter Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Attn: Will Space
See Key Actions below for access to the Allowance Registry and a training video on how to use the system.
Related reporting and compliance forms are available in Available Resources below.
Key Actions for Massachusetts Carbon Allowance Registry
Additional Resources for Massachusetts Carbon Allowance Registry
Open DOC file, 95.5 KB, for
Annual CO2 Emissions Report
(DOC 95.5 KB)
Rulemaking Documents
310 CMR 7.74 was finalized in August 2017. Combined rulemaking documents for 310 CMR 7.74 and 7.75 are available here.
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) amendments to 310 CMR 7.74 developed in response to stakeholder input on the design of carbon dioxide (CO2) allowance auctions, allowance banking, and compliance flexibility took effect in August 2018.
Notice of Public Comment Period & Hearing
310 CMR 7.74 was previously amended in December 2017.
Stakeholder Input
In fall 2017, MassDEP and the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA) solicited stakeholder comment on auction design. MassDEP and EEA considered these comments in developing procedures for allowance auctions that will begin in 2019.
Stakeholder Document: Allowance Auctions
Stakeholder Meeting Presentation: Allowance Auction Design