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, and Vermont, 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 three comprehensive program reviews in 2013 , 2017 and most recently in 2025.
What’s Happening Now?
The RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), Office of Air Resources (OAR) offers Notice of Public Comment Period for the proposed amendments to the RGGI regulation (250-RICR-120-05-46, ‘CO2 Budget Trading Program’) and Notice of Public Comment Period for the proposed amendments to the RGGI regulation (250-RICR-120-05-47, ‘CO2 Budget Trading Program Allowance Distribution). Refer to this Fact Sheet for summary of proposed updates to program. All interested parties are invited to request additional information or submit written or oral comments concerning the proposed amendments until January 20, 2026 by contacting the appropriate party at the address listed below:
Dena Gonsalves
Department of Environmental Management
Office of Air Resources
235 Promenade St Providence, RI 02908
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 Rhode Island power plants participate in RGGI?
- Manchester Street Power Station
- Rhode Island State Energy Center
- Ocean State Power
- Tiverton Power
Rhode Island Power Plants Map
Additional Resources
- Rhode Island RGGI Regulations:
- RGGI 101 Factsheet
- RGGI Inc. Website
- RGGI Project Series
Questions? Contact Dena Gonsalves at (401) 537-4377 or email DEM.AirRGGI@dem.ri.gov