Informing Federal Standards to Reduce Carbon Pollution
Georgetown Climate Center conducts legal and policy analysis, facilitates dialogues between federal and state agency leaders, and convenes states and stakeholders to inform the development of federal standards to reduce carbon pollution from the power sector. In December 2022, GCC submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Power Sector Policy Forum that expressed support for “strong standards of performance for existing coal-, oil- and natural gas-fired power plants” in order to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.
Convening States and Stakeholders
Georgetown Climate Center convenes states and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities for state leadership on climate and clean energy. The facilitation of regional and multi-state forums informs the development and implementation of federal policies and programs and serves as a resource for states. GCC’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Power Sector Policy Forum brings together state energy, environment, and utility regulatory agency officials in 11 states to support the transition to cleaner energy in the region.
Georgetown Climate Center also facilitates engagement by subnational leaders, including governors and state agency leaders, in international climate policy development.
Adaptation Clearinghouse: Energy Sector
An online database and networking site that serves policymakers and others who are working to help communities adapt to climate change. This page includes resources to help policymakers understand, plan, and prepare for impacts of climate change to the energy sector, ranging from changes in energy demand to preparing for threats to energy infrastructure.
Reducing Emissions from the Health Care Sector
With support from the Commonwealth Fund, the Georgetown Climate Center is reviewing federal and state energy policies that could help health care delivery organizations meet ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. This includes policies to reduce fossil-fuel use at health care facilities and shift to clean electricity, reduce transportation emissions from health care–related vehicles and fleets, increase resilience from extreme weather events and provide cleaner air for communities near health care delivery facilities, and drive reductions in supply chain emissions.
EPA Proposes Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants
September 20, 2013
On September 20 the EPA proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) performance standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants. The proposed standards represent an important component of President Barack Obama’s climate...
Delaware Gov. Markell Signs Executive Order to Reduce Emissions and Help State Prepare for Climate Change
September 13, 2013
On Sept. 12, 2013, Governor Jack Markell signed Executive Order 41, “Preparing Delaware for Emerging Climate Impacts and Seizing Economic Opportunities from Reducing Emissions.” The order creates a...
Maryland Finalizes Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 25 Percent by 2020
July 26, 2013
At the Maryland Climate Summit, Gov. Martin O'Malley laid out Maryland's aggressive new plan to reduce carbon pollution. The plan calls for an economy-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020,...
President Obama Unveils Climate Plan at Georgetown
June 25, 2013
President Barack Obama announced his new plan to combat climate change today at Georgetown University. The effort seeks to maximize steps the Administration can take to prepare for and slow down climate change without...
87 Percent of Americans – Including 78 Percent of Republicans -- Support Action With President Barack Obama scheduled to outline his plans for combating climate change tomorrow, the Georgetown Climate Center is...
California and Quebec Agree to Link Programs that Cap Carbon Pollution
April 21, 2013
On April 19, 2013, The California Air Resources Board (ARB) voted 5-0 to approve a plan to link its greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program with the province of Quebec’s emissions trading system beginning January 1,...
U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dropped 1.6 Percent in 2011
April 17, 2013
U.S. carbon pollution dropped slightly in 2011, according to an annual Environmental Protection Agency report released on April 15, 2013. The report, entitled Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, tracks...
President Obama Proposes Energy Security Trust to Reduce U.S. Oil Dependence
March 17, 2013
In his 2013 State of the Union address and again in a major speech at Argonne National Laboratory on March 15, 2013, President Obama proposed the creation of a new Energy Security Trust Fund, using a portion of...
RGGI Auction Price Rises 45 Percent in First Auction Since Strengthening Its Cap on Carbon Pollution
March 15, 2013
In its first auction since tightening its cap on carbon pollution, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) raised a total of $105.9 million for nine participating states to reinvest in projects such as energy...
RGGI States Propose Lowering Regional CO2 Emissions Cap by 45 Percent
February 8, 2013
On February 7, 2013, the nine Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced they are proposing to lower the regional power plant CO2 emissions cap by 45...