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.

California Launches Cap-and-Trade Market to Cut Carbon Pollution
November 16, 2012

California held the first auction for its cap-and-trade market on Wednesday, November 14, selling allowances under a cap in order to reduce the greenhouse gases that lead to climate change.  The state will release...

 

Illinois Clean Energy and Economic Development Policies
October 10, 2012

View Other Midwest Clean Energy Policy Approaches Ohio examples Michigan...

 

D.C. Circuit Upholds EPA Regulations of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
June 27, 2012

On June 26, 2012, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld four EPA rules related to the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The rules and related actions...

 

Challenge to New York’s Participation in RGGI Dismissed
June 20, 2012

An attempt to disrupt New York's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which caps carbon pollution from the power sector in the northeastern U.S., was dismissed by the Albany County Supreme Court...

 

EPA Proposes GHG Emission Limits for New Power Plants
March 27, 2012

On March 27, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed greenhouse gas emission limits for newly constructed power plants. The New Source Performance Standards would specifically limit carbon...

 

Michigan Clean Energy and Economic Development Policies
February 23, 2012

  View Other Midwest Clean Energy Policy Approaches Indiana...

 

Ohio Clean Energy and Economic Development Policies
February 23, 2012

View Other Midwest Clean Energy Policy Approaches Indiana...

 

Indiana Clean Energy and Economic Development Policies
February 12, 2012

View Other Midwest Clean Energy Policy Approaches Ohio examples Michigan...

 

Midwest States and Clean Energy
February 10, 2012

  Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State Programs to Attract, Retain and Retool Clean Energy Businesses Clean energy businesses help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy and energy...

 

D.C. Circuit Stays EPA Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)
January 2, 2012

On December 30, 2011, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay against implementation of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).  The CSAPR sets emissions budgets for 28 states whose emissions of SO2,...