Minnesota once had a model of energy efficient code when compared to other states. Minnesota Statute required that the Minnesota Energy Code"be designed to equal or exceed the most energy-conserving codes adopted by any other state." Continue reading
The Vermont Public Service Board (Board) ordered the creation of the energy efficiency utility in response to a request from the Department of Public Service, all of the state’s 22 electric utilities, and a dozen consumer and environmental groups. Through Efficiency Vermont, consumers, businesses, manufacturers, and farmers across the state can participate in the same seven energy and money-saving programs. Continue reading
As part of Illinois’ electricity deregulation process that began implementation in 1998, all electricity suppliers in Illinois must provide environmental information in utility bills four times per year. These include charts and graphs that will help consumers learn more about where their electricity comes from, and how much pollution it causes. Continue reading
As a result of the electricity crisis in California in 2001, initiatives to knock down the barriers to distributed power were enacted over subsequent years that can provide a model for other states to consider. Continue reading
Recognizing the benefits that small-scale and locally-owned wind projects can have, in 2005 Minnesota lawmakers enacted legislation requiring all of the state’s electric utilities to establish Community Based Energy Development (C-BED) tariffs. The key aspect of the C-BED tariff is higher payments in the first 10 years of a power purchase contract. The only other state to enact such a law is Nebraska. Continue reading
This resolution is targeted specifically at those communities that have signed on to the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. It will require that construction projects in a community funded with municipal bonds will result in no net increases in global warming pollutants within the community. The resolution can be modified to suit the needs of other communities and could be the basis for state legislation. Continue reading
In April 2001, Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners adopted a joint Local Action Plan on Global Warming with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2010. Continue reading
Enacted in 1997, the Oregon law requires any new power plant to reduce net carbon dioxide emissions 17 percent below the level of the best existing combustion-turbine plant anywhere in the United States. The standards are periodically updated as more efficient power plants are built in other states. Continue reading
In January 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC)adopted an interim Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Performance Standard(EPS) in an effort to help mitigate climate change. The standard is a facility-based emissions standard requiring that all new long-term commitments for baseload generation to serve California consumers be with power plants that have emissions no greater than a combined cycle gas turbine plant. Continue reading
Californiais the only state empowered under federal law to pass stronger air pollution standards than those set by the federal government. Other states can then choose California’s standards, but cannot be the first to surpass those set by the federal government. Thus, the passage of a California law leading to regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from cars eventually could spark changes in the design of automobiles sold across the country. As of 2009, at least 16 other states had passed legislation adopting California’s "clean cars" standard (pending waiver being granted by the EPA). Continue reading
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