CRS Releases Guide to Using Renewable Energy Tracking Systems to Assist States in 111(d) Compliance

San Francisco, July 1, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) today released a guide to help states comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s recently proposed Clean Power Plan, which directs states to cut carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. The CRS report, Tracking Renewable Energy for the U.S. EPA's Clean Power Plan: Guidelines for States to Use Existing REC Tracking Systems to Comply with 111(d), is intended to help state administrators use existing renewable energy certificate tracking systems to comply with the EPA's plan.

Under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act, the EPA is proposing that states use the most effective and least expensive reduction strategies for emissions from fossil-fuel power plants, including improving energy efficiency, improving power plant operations, and developing new renewable energy resources. For states choosing to develop new renewable generation, the CRS report outlines how renewable energy may be effectively accounted for and tracked, and ways to navigate potential challenges to integration with the current clean energy infrastructure.

"The EPA's Clean Power Plan will be a powerful tool for reducing carbon emissions across the country, and a strong incentive for states to build new emissions-free renewable energy," said Robin Quarrier, CRS chief counsel and the lead author of the report. "The infrastructure is already in place to help state officials integrate new renewable energy into their portfolios and comply with the EPA's plan."

Highlights of the report include:

• Production of renewable energy promises to be a significant option for states to meet power sector carbon standards.
• The production of renewable energy in the U.S. is tracked by the megawatt-hour (MWh) through existing tracking systems that are transparent, ensure a robust method for establishing legal REC ownership, and support regulatory compliance.
• Existing tracking systems were developed through extensive communication with stakeholders, including air and energy regulators, regional transmission operators, generation owners, and utilities. States can rely on these systems to support the use of renewable energy for power-sector carbon policy compliance.
• Using existing REC tracking systems and tracking protocols can ensure proper accounting for renewable energy generation, and supports the cost-effective achievement of the emission-reduction goals under 111(d) plans.

The CRS report, Tracking Renewable Energy for the U.S. EPA's Clean Power Plan: Guidelines for States to Use Existing REC Tracking Systems to Comply with 111(d), was written by Robin Quarrier, CRS Chief Counsel, and David Farnsworth, Senior Associate, U.S. Programs at Regulatory Assistance Project. It is available from the CRS website at www.resource-solutions.org/publications.

About Center for Resource Solutions
Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) is a national nonprofit with global impact. CRS brings forth expert responses to climate change issues with the speed and effectiveness necessary to provide real-time solutions. Its leadership through collaboration and environmental innovation builds policies and consumer-protection mechanisms in renewable energy, greenhouse gas reductions, and energy efficiency that foster healthy and sustained growth in national and international markets. For more information about its programs, including Green-e, visit www.resource-solutions.org and www.green-e.org.

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