RGGI Program

Summary of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and its implementation in Massachusetts

Program Overview

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative, market-based effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont to cap and reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector. It represents the first cap-and-invest regional initiative implemented in the United States.

For an introduction to RGGI, view the Intro to RGGI Fact Sheet, or the more detailed RGGI 101 Fact Sheet.

Massachusetts was authorized to participate in RGGI through the Green Communities Act of 2008. DOER implements the RGGI auction process through its regulations at 225 CMR 13.00, the DOER CO2 Budget Trading Program Auction Regulation. The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) concurrently regulates carbon emissions from large fossil-fueled power plants located in Massachusetts through 310 CMR 7.70, the Massachusetts CO2 Budget Trading Program. The RGGI program leads to real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while spurring local economic growth. Economic proceeds are invested in programs to promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and demand response.