RGGI Expansion - Implications of Additional States Joining RGGI

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a regional market-based emissions reduction program that caps carbon dioxide emissions from electric generating units in nine northeastern states. Since the first compliance period in January 2009, the states have auctioned the vast majority of CO2 allowances, investing the proceeds into state energy efficiency initiatives, renewable energy programs, and other customer benefit programs.

While the current states are in the process of developing state-specific statutory and regulatory processes to align the requirements consistent with the 2017 Model Rule amendments, additional states have completed the regulatory process, or are considering options, to participate in RGGI - New Jersey, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. This issue brief explores the status of each state's process.