The Department of Environmental Protection will give an update on the proposed final language for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Program regulation covering power plants (RGGI) at the April 20 meeting of the Citizens Advisory Council.

DEP also briefed the Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee on April 8.

DEP’s  presentation outlined changes from the proposed rulemaking, including--

-- Adjust the Value of Waste Coal Set-Aside (§ 145.342)

     -- Account for Colver’s continued operation in the set-aside value

-- Expand Co-generation Set-Aside with Qualifiers (§ 145.342)

     -- Expand the Set-Aside to cover all emissions for qualifying Combined Heat Power units

     -- Establish stricter efficiency requirements for a CHP unit to qualify

-- Refine and Clarify Strategic Use Set-Aside (§ 145.342)

     --Clarifying objectives for qualifying projects and application process

-- Add DEP Commitment to Air Quality Impact Assessment (§ 145.306)

     -- Assess annual air quality data and trends resulting from the program

     -- DEP will publish findings and associated data annually

-- Incorporate Equity Principles (preamble)

     -- Pledge to inclusively gather public input on the rule and mitigate adverse impacts with a focus on Environmental Justice communities

DEP also said it will continue its outreach with stakeholders on how to invest the proceeds from the RGGI credit auctions.

So far, comments suggest investing in disadvantaged communities, clean energy, energy efficiency, economically impacted areas, electric bill assistance and community transition.

Click Here for a copy of DEP’s presentation.

Visit DEP’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative webpage to learn more about the proposal.

Public Comments

Individuals interested in providing public comments during the meeting must sign up prior to the start of the meeting by contacting Keith Salador, 717-787-8172, ksalador@pa.gov.

Join The Meeting

The April 20 Citizens Advisory Council meeting will begin at 12:30.  Click Here to register to join the meeting via WebEx.  It will also be available by Conference Call: 1-415-655-0003 Conference ID#: 132 862 3136

For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage. Questions should be directed to Keith Salador, 717-787-8172, ksalador@pa.gov.

Related Article:

-- DEP Announces Equity Principles To Guide Investments Thru Proposed Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

[Posted: April 10, 2021]

4/12/2021