Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

What is RGGI?

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia to cap and reduce power sector carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

How does RGGI Work?

The program establishes a regional budget (cap) for CO2 emissions and each state's allocation of CO2 allowances under the budget. RGGI is composed of individual CO2 Budget Trading Programs in each participating state and these programs require electric power generators with a capacity equal to or greater than 25 MWe (megawatt electrical), to surrender a tradable CO2 allowance for each ton of CO2 they emit. Through quarterly allowance auctions, allowances are purchased and States invest the proceeds from the auctions into energy efficiency, renewables, and clean energy programs. Additional information on the investment of proceeds can be found on the Investment of Proceeds webpage. In Rhode Island, the Office of Energy Resources with guidance from RIDEM determines the allocation and distribution of RI’s RGGI auction proceeds.

What is Program Review?

Regular, comprehensive program review has been a key factor in the success of the RGGI program. It has enabled the RGGI states to periodically take stock of program successes, as well as potential areas for improvement. The participating states have conducted two comprehensive program reviews in 2013 and 2017.

What’s Happening Now?

The third program review is underway and the first listening session was held in early October 2021. Two additional stakeholder meetings are planned for the fall/winter 2021 timeframe. Additional meeting information, including how to register for and join these meetings, and how to provide comments, can be found here.

These meetings are part of this comprehensive program review, and we will continue to push out information in coming months as additional outreach opportunities are scheduled/announced.

What is RGGI Inc.?

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which provides technical and administrative services to the Participating States. The RGGI website is a comprehensive clearinghouse for this regional program. The design and benefits of the program, auction-related information, program review information and general news can all be found on the RGGI website.

Which RI power plants participate in RGGI?

• Manchester Street Power Station
• RI State Energy Center
• Ocean State Power
• Pawtucket Power
• Tiverton Power

Rhode Island Power Plants Map

Additional Resources

• RI RGGI Regulations: Rhode Island Budget Trading Program Regulations (Nos. 46)
• Rhode Island Budget Trading Program Regulations (Nos. 47)
• RGGI 101 Factsheet
• RGGI Inc. Website
• The RGGI Project Series
• U.S. EPA

For further information, contact Dena.Gonsalves@dem.ri.gov at (401) 537-4377