On November 1 the Department of Environmental Protection submitted comments to EPA on its proposed Clean Energy Incentive Program designed to help states meet their obligations under the Clean Power Climate Plan.

Through this program, EPA will make additional allowances or Emission Rate Credits (ERCs) available to states to encourage early reductions from zero-emitting wind or solar power projects and EE projects.

EPA intends for the CEIP to have a reserve for wind and solar projects and a reserve for EE projects in low income communities and is taking comment in the federal plan on several aspects of the CEIP, including the size of these reserves. 

EPA is providing additional incentives to encourage EE investments that are implemented in low-income communities.

DEP’s comments on the proposal say in part, “DEP is fully supportive of a flexible compliance mechanism that would encourage early investments in zero-emitting renewable energy generation and remove barriers to investment in energy efficiency and solar projects that direct benefit low-income communities.

“The ability to operate a CEIP program without caps and using state and local definitions will maximize the potential positive impact this program will have on low-income communities and further the deployment of renewable resources that will benefit all citizens equally.

“We would ask EPA to consider expanding the limited timeframe for the program considering the time and resources necessary for full implementation.”

Click Here for a copy of DEP’s comments.

DEP has put the development of a Pennsylvania plan to meet EPA Clean Power Rule on hold pending the outcome of a federal court challenge.  EPA is expected to come out with its model rule for states by the end of this year.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s initiatives to combat climate change, visit DEP’s Climate Change webpage.

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11/14/2016