Climate Change: Current Regulatory Initiatives, Programs, and Policies

EPA Released Final Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule

The EPA has set greenhouse gas emission (GHG) thresholds that define when permits are required for new and existing industrial facilities under the New Source Review Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Operating Permit programs. The nation’s largest GHG emitters are included, covering approximately 70% of national GHG emissions from stationary sources. For more information, please refer to the EPA New Source Review Regulations and Standards Web site or the  tailoring rule fact sheet.

Consolidated Emissions Data Repository (CEDR) Development

The MPCA is transitioning to a new air emissions inventory data management system that consolidates its current criteria air pollutants, air toxics, and greenhouse gas inventories. One key feature of this system will be electronic reporting.

• Air Emissions Inventory Redesign

High Global Warming Potential (HGWP) Gases

• High Global Warming Potential (HGWP) Gases: Information on HGWP gases and reporting requirements for automobile manufacturers, chemical manufacturers, and purchasers.
• A Report to the Minnesota Legislature on the Emissions and Control Costs of High Global Warming Potential Gases: (February 2009) (lrp-gen-3sy09) This report identifies the various sources, uses and control technologies for gases with high global warming potentials released in the state of Minnesota.
• Technical Evaluation of the Emissions and Control Costs of High Global Warming Potential Gases: (February 2009) (lrp-gen-3asy09) An award-winning report on the cost of control technologies for gases with high global warming potentials released in the state of Minnesota.
• Mobile Air Conditioner leakage rate reporting: Learn about Minnesota’s program for automobile manufacturers to report the average amount of refrigerant (HFC-134a) that leaks from new car’s air conditioner systems.

Energy and Conservation

• Governor’s Next Generation Energy Initiative: Governor Pawlenty introduced the Next Generation Energy Initiative that will result in more renewable energy, more energy conservation, and less carbon emissions for Minnesota.
• The Minnesota GreenCorps: will provide its members with opportunities to contribute to improve Minnesota's environment, while gaining experience and learning valuable job skills. Minnesota GreenCorps members will work on projects in the areas of Local Government Energy Conservation, School Waste Prevention, Living Green Outreach, Local Food Systems and Urban Forestry.
• GreenStep Cities: is an action-oriented voluntary program offering a cost-effective, simple pathway leading to implementation of sustainable best practices that focus on greenhouse gas reduction. Technical assistance will be available from state agencies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and others. Cities will be recognized for past steps and new actions. GreenStep Cities is under construction and will be launched in the fall of 2009.

Regional and State Programs

Many other states and regional coalitions are also addressing climate change.

• US EPA State and Local Government climate change Web site - includes information on emissions and action plans from states.
• North Carolina Climate Action Plan Advisory Group - resources page with many useful links. You will find a list of states with climate change action plans along with descriptions of regional groups.
• Midwest Governors’ Climate Accord
• Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord - The governors are now reviewing the recommendations of the Advisory Group to offer their input on next steps for regional and federal action. The recommendations are from the advisory group only, and have not been endorsed or approved by individual Governors.
  • Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord: Draft Final Recommendations

• The state of California has been especially active in passing new regulations and starting initiatives to address climate change and its impacts.
  • State of California Climate Change Portal: provides access to information about California rules, initiatives, and reports.
  • California Climate Adaptation Strategy (draft, August 2009)
  • AB32 Global Warming Solutions Act Scoping Plan (December 2008)
• Western Climate Initiative - began in February 2007 when the Governors of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington signed an agreement directing their respective states to develop a regional target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, participate in a multi-state registry to track and manage greenhouse gas emissions in the region, and develop a market-based program to reach the target.
• Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - the first mandatory, market-based effort in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states will cap and then reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector 10% by 2018. States will sell emission allowances through auctions and invest proceeds in consumer benefits.
• ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability - an association of 1,100 local governments from 67 countries who are committed to sustainable development.