|
COMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND COMMERCE
U.S. HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
MEMORANDUM
May 16, 2009
TO: Members of the Committee
on Energy and Commerce
FR: Democratic Staff of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce
RE: Full Committee Business
Meeting on May 18
On Monday, May
18, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. in room 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, the full
Committee on Energy and Commerce will meet in open markup session to consider
H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES Act),
comprehensive energy legislation to deploy clean energy resources, increase
energy efficiency, cut global warming pollution, and transition to a clean
energy economy.
In the past two and
half years, the Committee has held dozens of hearings on energy and climate
change policy and has built a detailed factual record on the need for
legislation in this area. The nation's dependence on foreign oil has
significantly increased over the last decade. Consumers have faced increasing
and volatile energy prices. Other countries have overtaken us in the manufacture
of wind and solar energy. Energy company investments are paralyzed because of
uncertainty about what policies the Congress will establish. Meanwhile, global
warming pollution has increased unchecked.
On March 31, 2009,
Chairman Waxman and Chairman Markey released a discussion draft of the ACES bill
to address these problems. Since that time, nearly 70 witnesses have testified
before the Committee about the legislation. The views of members and
stakeholders have been considered by the Chairmen and a revised version of the
ACES bill was introduced on May 15, 2009.
Following is a
description of major provisions of the ACES bill.
TITLE I - CLEAN ENERGY
Subtitle A - Combined
Efficiency and Renewable Electricity Standard
Section 101,
Combined Efficiency and Renewable Electricity Standard: Amends
the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to require retail electric suppliers
- defined as utilities that sell more than 4 million megawatt hours (MWh) of
electricity to consumers for purposes other than resale - to meet a certain
percentage of their load with electricity generated from renewable resources and
electricity savings. The combined renewable electricity and electricity savings
2
requirement begins
at 6% in 2012 and gradually rises to 20% in 2020. Up to one quarter of the 20%
requirement automatically may be met with electricity savings. Upon petition of
the governor of any state, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is
authorized to increase the proportion of compliance that can be met with
efficiency savings to up to two fifths for electric suppliers located within
that state. This would reduce the renewable requirement for such States to a
minimum of 12% renewables and up to 8% efficiency by 2020.
Defines renewable
energy resources to include wind, biomass, solar, geothermal, certain hydropower
projects, marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy, and biogas and biofuels
derived exclusively from eligible biomass. Other qualifying energy resources
include landfill gas, wastewater treatment gas, coal mine methane, and qualified
waste-to-energy. An electric supplier's requirement is reduced in proportion
to any portion of its electricity sales that is generated from certain existing
hydroelectric facilities, new nuclear generating units, and fossil-fueled units
that capture and geologically sequester greenhouse gas emissions.
Requires retail
electric suppliers to submit Federal renewable electricity credits and
electricity savings each year equal to the combined target for that year times
the supplier's retail sales. One renewable electricity credit is given for
each MWh of electricity produced from a renewable resource. To encourage greater
deployment of distributed generation, like small wind and rooftop solar, these
projects are eligible for three credits for each MWh produced. Retail electric
suppliers may submit, in lieu of a renewable electricity credits and
demonstrated electricity savings, an alternative compliance payment equal to $25
per credit (2.5 cents per kilowatt hour).
Electric suppliers
choosing to use efficiency for a portion of their compliance are required to
demonstrate achievement of electricity savings relative to business-as-usual
projections through efficiency measures, including savings achieved through
reductions in end-use electricity consumption attributable to equipment or
facility upgrades, combined heat and power, and energy recycling (waste heat
recovery). Electric suppliers may meet the efficiency standards either by
achieving electricity savings directly or by using bilateral contracts to
purchase savings achieved by other suppliers or distribution companies, states,
or third-party efficiency providers.
Subtitle B - Carbon Capture
and Sequestration
Section 111,
National Strategy: Requires
the EPA Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other relevant federal
agencies, to submit to Congress a report setting forth a unified and
comprehensive strategy to address the key legal and regulatory barriers to the
commercial-scale deployment of carbon capture and sequestration.
Section 112,
Regulations for Geologic Sequestration Sites: Amends
the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator to establish a coordinated
approach to the certification and permitting of sites where geologic
sequestration of carbon dioxide will occur. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act
to establish a site certification program to ensure the environmental integrity
of geologic sequestration sites. 3
Section 113, Studies
and Reports: Requires the
Administrator to establish a task force to conduct a study of existing federal
and state environmental statutes that apply to geologic sequestration, including
the ability of such laws to serve as risk management tools, as well as other
areas relevant to geologic sequestration and long-term stewardship of such
sites. The section also requires a report to Congress on findings and consensus
recommendations.
Section 114, Carbon
Capture and Sequestration Demonstration and Early Deployment Program: Establishes
a program for the demonstration and early deployment of carbon capture and
sequestration technologies. Authorizes fossil-based electricity distribution
utilities to hold a referendum on the establishment of a Carbon Storage Research
Corporation. If approved by entities representing two-thirds of the nation's
fossil fuel-based delivered electricity, the Corporation would be established
and would be authorized to collect assessments from retail customers of
fossil-based electricity. The Corporation would be operated as a division of the
Electric Power Research Institute and would assess fees totaling approximately
$1 billion annually, to be used by the Corporation to fund the large-scale
demonstration of CCS technologies in order to accelerate the commercial
availability of the technologies.
Section 115,
Commercial Deployment of Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies: Amends
Title VII of the Clean Air Act to direct the EPA Administrator to establish an
incentive program to distribute allowances to support the commercial deployment
of carbon capture and sequestration technologies in both electric power
generation and industrial applications. Establishes eligibility requirements for
facilities to receive allowances based on the number of tons of carbon dioxide
sequestered. The allowance disbursement program is structured to provide greater
incentives for facilities to deploy CCS technologies early in the program and
for facilities to capture and sequester larger amounts of carbon dioxide.
Section 116,
Performance Standards for Coal-Fueled Power Plants:
Amends Title VIII of the Clean Air Act to establish performance standards for
new coal-fired power plants permitted in 2020 or thereafter. Describes
eligibility criteria, applicable emission standards, and the schedule upon which
such standards must be met. Plants permitted from 2009-2020 would be required to
meet the initial standard after certain technology deployment criteria were met
but no later than 2025.
Subtitle C - Clean
Transportation
Section 121,
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Amends
the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to require utilities to consider
developing plans to support electric vehicle infrastructure and to consider
establishing protocols for integration with smart grid systems.
Section 122,
Large-Scale Vehicle Electrification Program: Authorizes
the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance for regional deployment
and integration of grid-connected vehicles. Funds may be used for offsetting the
incremental cost of purchasing new plug-in electric drive vehicles, deployment
of electric charging stations or battery exchange locations, or facilitating the
integration of smart grid equipment with plug-in electric drive vehicles. Makes
data and results from the regional deployments publicly available. 4
Section 123, Plug-In
Electric Drive Vehicle Manufacturing: Authorizes
the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance for retooling existing
factories for the manufacture of electric vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary of
Energy to provide financial assistance to help auto manufacturers purchase
batteries for first production vehicles.
Section 124,
Investment in Clean Vehicles:
Provides for distribution of allowances for plug-in electric drive vehicle
manufacturing and deployment and advanced technology vehicles.
Subtitle D - State Energy
and Environment Development Accounts
Section 131,
Establishment of SEED Accounts: Creates
a program for each state to establish a State Energy and Environment Development
(SEED) Account, to serve as a state-level repository for managing and accounting
for all emission allowances designated primarily for renewable energy and energy
efficiency purposes.
Section 132, Support
of State Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programs:
Distributes emission allowances among states for energy efficiency programs and
renewable energy deployment and manufacturing support. At least 12.5% of the
allowances are distributed to local governments for these purposes.
Subtitle E - Smart Grid
Advancement
Section 141,
Definitions: Provides
relevant definitions.
Section 142,
Assessment of Smart Grid Cost Effectiveness in Products: Instructs
the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to assess
products evaluated for Energy Star ratings for benefits of Smart Grid
capability.
Section 143,
Inclusions of Smart Grid Capability on Appliance ENERGY GUIDE Labels: Instructs
Federal Trade Commission to include relevant information on the ENERGYGUIDE
labels for those products that include cost-effective Smart Grid capability.
Section 144, Smart
Grid Peak Demand Reduction Goals: Requires
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to coordinate and support a national
program to reduce peak electric demand for load-serving electric utilities with
peak loads in excess of 250 megawatts.
Section 145,
Reauthorization of Energy Efficiency Public Information Program to Include Smart
Grid Information: Amends
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize the joint Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection Agency energy efficiency public information initiative
and expands the initiative to include information on smart grid technologies,
practices, and benefits.
Section 146,
Inclusion of Smart Grid Features in Appliance Rebate Program: Amends
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand energy efficient appliance rebate
program to include 5
rebates for
efficient appliances with smart grid features and capability. Clarifies program
cost-sharing requirements from states.
Subtitle F - Transmission
Planning
Section 151,
Transmission Planning: Amends
the Federal Power Act to establish a federal policy on electric grid planning
that recognizes the need for new transmission capacity to deploy renewable
energy as well as the potential for more efficient operation of the current grid
through new technology, demand-side management, and storage capacity. Enhances
existing regional transmission planning processes by incorporating this federal
policy. Charges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with supporting,
coordinating, and integrating regional planning efforts.
Subtitle G - Technical
Corrections to Energy Laws
Sections 161-162,
Technical Corrections to Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and Energy
Policy Act of 2005: Makes
technical corrections to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and
the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Subtitle H - Clean Energy
Innovation Centers
Section 171, Clean
Energy Innovation Centers: Establishes
a program to support development and commercialization of clean energy
technologies through eight regional Clean Energy Innovation Centers selected
competitively by the Secretary of Energy. Centers may be awarded to consortiums
consisting of research universities, private research entities, industry, and
relevant state institutions. Each Center has a unique technology focus to which
at least 40% of support would be directed.
Subtitle I - Marine Spatial
Planning
Section 181, Study
of Ocean Renewable Energy and Transmission Planning and Siting: Requires
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Interior, and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to jointly recommend an approach
for the development of regional marine spatial plans for the siting of offshore
renewable energy facilities. The Council on Environmental Quality determines
whether the recommended approach should be implemented and coordinates the
implementation.
TITLE II - ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
Subtitle A - Building
Energy Efficiency Programs
Section 201, Greater
Energy Efficiency in Building Codes: Amends
the Energy Conservation and Production Act to require the Secretary of Energy to
support consensus code-setting organizations to establish building codes
achieving 30% and 50% higher energy efficiency targets in 2010 and 2016,
respectively, to establish codes directly if such organizations fail to do 6
so, to include cool
roofs standards, and to support state and local adoption of such advanced codes
by supporting training and funding for energy efficiency code enforcement.
Section 202,
Building Retrofit Program: Establishes
a program under which the Administrator of EPA, in consultation with the
Secretary of Energy, supports development of standards and processes for
retrofitting existing residential and nonresidential buildings. Authorizes the
Secretary of Energy to provide funding to states to conduct cost-effective
building retrofits, using local governments, other agencies or entities to carry
out the work, through flexible forms of financial assistance up to 50% of the
costs of retrofits, with funding increasing in proportion to efficiency
achievement. Also supports retrofits of historic buildings.
Section 203, Energy
Efficient Manufactured Homes: Establishes
a program to provide federal rebates of up to $7,500 toward purchases of new
Energy Star-rated manufactured homes for low-income families residing in
pre-1976 manufactured homes.
Section 204,
Building Energy Performance Labeling Program: Establishes
an EPA program to develop procedures to label buildings for their energy
performance characteristics, using building type and consumption data to be
developed by the Energy Information Administration. The program would be
implemented by states in a manner suited to increasing public knowledge of
building energy performance without hindering real estate transactions.
Subtitle B - Lighting and
Appliance Energy Efficiency Programs
Section 211,
Lighting Efficiency Standards: Amends
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to adopt negotiated agreements on
technical standards for lighting, including outdoor lighting - street lights,
parking lot lights, and parking structure lights - and portable light fixtures
such as typical household and commercial plug-in lamps.
Section 212, Other
Appliance Efficiency Standards: Amends
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to adopt consensus agreements on
technical standards for hot food holding cabinets, bottle-type drinking water
dispensers, portable spas (hot tubs), and commercial-grade natural gas furnaces.
Section 213,
Appliance Efficiency Determinations and Procedures: Amends
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to improve the Department of Energy
process for setting energy-efficiency standards by enabling adoption of
consensus testing procedures; requiring the adoption of a new television
standard; improving standard-setting cost-effectiveness formula; authorizing the
Secretary to obtain product-specific information as needed; authorizing state
injunctive enforcement of standards violations; changing the role of appliance
efficiency in building codes; and including greenhouse gas emissions, smart grid
capability, and availability of more-efficient models among factors affecting
efficiency standard ratings.
Section 214,
Best-in-Class Appliances Deployment Program: Creates
a Department of Energy program to provide rewards to retailers for successful
marketing of high-efficiency appliances, designating top performers as
"best-in-class," and providing bonuses based on efficiency 7
improvement compared
to average product. Provides additional rewards to retailers when best-in-class
sale includes return and recycling of inefficient appliances. Creates program to
reward manufacturers of new high-efficiency best-in-class models representing
significant incremental energy efficiency gain.
Section 215, Purpose
of Energy Star: Provides
"Purpose" section for Energy Star provisions clarifying that Energy
Star products must be cost-effective, recovering incremental purchase price in
expected energy savings during a 3-5 year period.
Subtitle C - Transportation
Efficiency
Section 221,
Emissions Standards: Directs
the President to work with the Department of Transportation, EPA, and California
to harmonize, to the maximum extent possible, the federal fuel economy
standards, any emission standards promulgated by EPA, and the California
standards for light-duty vehicles. Requires and sets deadlines for EPA to
establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for new heavy-duty vehicles and
engines and for nonroad vehicles and engines, including new marine vessels and
locomotives, aircraft, and aircraft engines. Such standards will be established
using existing authorities.
Section 222,
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions through Transportation Efficiency: Amends
Title VIII of the Clean Air Act to require states to establish goals for
greenhouse gas reductions from the transportation sector and requires the
submission of transportation plans to meet those goals by Metropolitan Planning
Organizations for areas with populations exceeding 200,000 people. Imposes
sanctions on states that fail to submit goals or plans. Authorizes a competitive
grant program for development and implementation of plans.
Section 223,
SmartWay Transportation Efficiency Program: Amends
Title VIII of the Clean Air Act to expand an existing EPA loan and fuel saving
technology deployment program, the SmartWay Transport Partnership, to help
American truckers upgrade to more fuel efficient and less polluting vehicles.
Section 224,
State Vehicle Fleets: Requires the Secretary of Energy to update state
fleet rules to be consistent with current law.
Subtitle D - Industrial
Energy Efficiency Programs
Section 241,
Industrial Plant Energy Efficiency Standards: Requires
the Secretary of Energy to establish standards for industrial energy efficiency
and to seek recognition of result by American National Standards Institute.
Section 242,
Electric and Thermal Energy Efficiency Award Programs: Creates
an award program for innovation in increasing the efficiency of thermal electric
generation processes, including encouragement for utilities to capture and
separately market excess thermal energy. 8
Section 243,
Clarifying Election of Waste Heat Recovery Financial Incentives: Clarifies
Section 451 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to ensure that
those who recover waste energy can elect to receive the incentive grants
provided in that section, or tax credits provided for combined heat and power,
but not both.
Subtitle E - Improvements
in Energy Savings Performance Contracting
Section 251, Energy
Savings Performance Contracts: Amends
the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to establish competition
requirements for specific energy savings performance contract task orders.
Subtitle G - Public
Institutions
Section 261, Public
Institutions: Amends the
Energy Independence and Security Act to include non-profit hospitals and public
health facilities among public institutions eligible for grants and loans and
clarifies loan and cost-share conditions.
Section 262,
Community Energy Efficiency Flexibility: Amends
the Energy Independence and Security Act to remove limits on funds received by
communities through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program
that can be used to fund revolving loan accounts or through sub-grants for
purposes of the program.
Section 263, Small
Community Joint Participation: Amends
the Energy Independence and Security Act to allow small communities to join with
other neighboring small communities in a joint program of sufficient size to be
defined as an eligible local government recipient under the Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Block Grant program.
Section 264,
Low-Income Community Energy Efficiency Program: Authorizes
grants to community development organizations to provide financing to improve
energy efficiency, develop alternative, renewable, and distributed energy
supplies, promote opportunities for low-income residents, and increase energy
conservation in low income rural and urban communities.
Title III - REDUCING GLOBAL
WARMING
Section 301, Short
Title: Safe Climate Act.
Subtitle A - Reducing
Global Warming Pollution
Section 311, Section
312, and Section 321, Reducing Global Warming Pollution: Establishes
Title VII of the Clean Air Act to provide a declining limit on global warming
pollution and to hold industries accountable for pollution reduction under the
limit. Adds definitions to section 700 of the Clean Air Act. 9
Title VII - GLOBAL
WARMING POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAM
Part A - Global
Warming Pollution Reduction Goals and Targets
Section 701,
Findings and Purposes
Section 702,
Economy-wide Reduction Goals: States that the purpose of Title VII and Title
VIII is to reduce economy-wide global warming pollution to 97% of 2005 levels by
2012, 80% by 2020, 58% by 2030, and 17% by 2050.
Section 703,
Reduction Targets for Specified Sources: Directs the EPA Administrator to issue
regulations to reduce emissions of covered sources to 97% of 2005 levels by
2012, 83% by 2020, 58% by 2030, and 17% by 2050.
Section 704,
Supplemental Pollution Reductions: Directs the Administrator to achieve
additional low-cost reductions in global warming pollution by using a small
portion of the emissions allowances to provide incentives to reduce emissions
from international deforestation.
Section 705, Review
and Program Recommendations: Directs the Administrator to submit a report to
Congress every four years. These reports will include: an analysis of the latest
science relevant to climate change, an analysis of capacity to monitor and
verify greenhouse gas reductions, and an analysis of worldwide and domestic
progress in reducing global warming pollution. The reports will identify steps
that could be taken to better improve our understanding of climate impacts,
improve monitoring and verification, and any additional reductions in emissions
that may be needed to avoid dangerous climate change.
Section 706,
National Academy Review: Directs the Administrator to commission reports from
the National Academy of Sciences every four years. These reports will include:
an update on the progress of various clean technologies, and an evaluation of
the most recent EPA report submitted under Section 705 . The reports will
identify steps that could be taken to better improve our understanding of
climate impacts, improve monitoring and verification, speed the deployment of
clean technology, and any additional reductions in emissions that may be needed
to avoid dangerous climate change.
Section 707,
Presidential Response and Recommendations: Directs the President to use existing
authority to respond to recommendations in the reports. If the National Academy
review confirms that further emissions reductions are needed, either
domestically or globally, the President must submit a report to Congress
recommending steps (including legislation) to achieve those reductions.
Part B -
Designation and Registration of Greenhouse Gases 10
Section 711,
Designation of Greenhouse Gases: Establishes a list of greenhouse gases
regulated under this title: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur
hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) emitted as a byproduct, perfluorocarbons,
and nitrogen trifluoride. The Administrator may designate additional
anthropogenic greenhouse gases by rule.
Section 712, Carbon
Dioxide Equivalent Value of Greenhouse Gases: Lists carbon dioxide equivalents
for each gas. Requires periodic review of equivalence values by the
Administrator.
Section 713,
Greenhouse Gas Registry: Directs EPA to establish a federal greenhouse gas
registry and comprehensive reporting system for greenhouse gas emissions.
Part C - Program
Rules
Section 721,
Emission Allowances: Establishes an annual tonnage limit on greenhouse gas
emissions from specified activities. Directs the Administrator to establish
allowances equal to the tonnage limit for each year (with one allowance
representing the permission to emit one ton of greenhouse gases, measured in
tons of carbon dioxide equivalent).
Section 722,
Prohibition of Excess Emissions: Prohibits covered entities from emitting or
having attributable greenhouse gases in excess of their allowable emissions
level, which is determined by the number of emission allowances and offset
credits they hold. Electricity generators, liquid fuel refiners and importer,
and fluorinated gas manufacturers are covered starting with emissions in 2012.
Industrial sources that emit more than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
per year are covered starting with emissions in 2014. Local distribution
companies that deliver natural gas are covered starting with emissions in 2016.
In addition to
emission allowances, covered entities are able to offset up to 2 billion tons of
emissions by using EPA-approved domestic and international offset credits, split
evenly between international and domestic offsets. The ability to use these
offsets is divided pro rata among all covered entities. If the Administrator
determines an insufficient number of domestic offsets are available, the number
of international offsets available may be increased up to 1.5 billion metric
tons. Beginning in 2017, covered entities using offsets must submit five tons of
international offset credits for every four tons of emissions being offset.
Covered entities may also submit an international emission allowance or
compensatory allowance in place of a domestic emission allowance.
Section 723, Penalty
for Noncompliance: Establishes penalties for parties that fail to comply with
the program guidelines. 11
Section 724,
Trading: Clarifies that the legislation does not restrict who can hold an
allowance, nor does it restrict the purchase, sale, or other transaction
involving allowances.
Section 725, Banking
and Borrowing: Permits unlimited banking of allowances for use during future
compliance years. Establishes a two-year rolling compliance period by allowing
covered entities to borrow an unlimited number of allowances from one year into
the future. Covered entities may also satisfy up to 15% of their compliance
obligations by submitting emission allowances with vintage years 2 to 5 years in
the future, but must pay an 8% premium (in allowances) to do so.
Section 726,
Strategic Reserve: Directs the Administrator to create a "strategic
reserve" of 2.5 billion metric tons of emission allowances by setting aside
a small number of allowances from each year's tonnage limit. Establishes rules
for releasing allowances from the reserve and for refilling the reserve if
allowances from the reserve are sold.
Section 727,
Permits: Clarifies the obligations of stationary sources under the Clean Air Act's
Title V operating permit program under the newly-established Title VII program.
Section 728,
International Emission Allowances: Establishes criteria that must be met before
allowances from foreign programs can be used for compliance by covered entities.
Part D - Offsets
Section 731, Offsets
Integrity Advisory Board: Establishes an independent Offsets Integrity Advisory
Board composed of scientists and others with relevant expertise. The Advisory
Board is charged with providing recommendations to the Administrator on: the
types of offset project types that should be listed by EPA as eligible;
potential levels of scientific uncertainty associated with certain offset types;
appropriate quantification or other methodologies; and other areas of the
offsets and deforestation provisions in the draft. The Board is also charged
with conducting a regular review of all relevant areas.
Section 732,
Establishment of Offsets Program: Directs the EPA Administrator to establish an
offsets program and requires that regulations ensure offsets are verifiable,
additional, and permanent.
Section 733,
Eligible Project Types: Requires the Administrator to establish a list of offset
project types that are eligible under the program, taking into account the
recommendations of the Offsets Integrity Advisory Board. Provides guidelines for
establishing and updating the list.
Section 734,
Requirements for Offset Projects: Requires that for each offset project type,
the Administrator establish standardized methodologies for determining
additionality; establishing baselines; measuring performance; accounting for
leakage; discounting for uncertainty; and addressing reversals. 12
Sections 735 - 737,
Approval and Verification of Offset Projects; Issuance of Offset Credits:
Establishes procedures to approve and verify offset projects. Requires the use
of accredited third-party verifiers. Directs the Administrator to issue offset
credits only if the emissions reduction or sequestration has already occurred
and other specified conditions are met.
Section 738, Audits:
Requires the Administrator to conduct, on an on-going basis, random audits of
offset projects, offset credits, and practices of third-party verifiers.
Section 739, Program
Review and Revision: Requires the periodic evaluation and updating of the
offsets program, including revisions to project methodologies.
Section 740, Early
Offset Supply: To ensure a supply of offset credits in the early years of the
program, allows for the issuance of offset credits for offsets from programs
that meet specified criteria. Such credits may only be issued for a limited
timeframe and only for reductions achieved for a specified time period.
Section 741,
Environmental Considerations: Provides requirements for additional environmental
considerations for forestry projects.
Section 742,
Trading: Provides that the trading provisions applicable to allowances are also
applicable to offset credits.
Section 743,
International Offset Credits: Allows the Administrator to issue international
offset credits for activities that take place outside the United States.
Requires that all international offset credits must meet the criteria
established in preceding sections, unless for specified types of international
offset credits compliance is infeasible and other safeguards for environmental
integrity are established. In addition, requires that the United States be a
party to a bilateral or multilateral agreement or arrangement with the country
where an offset activity would take place before any international offset
credits can be issued.
Requires the
Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to identify sectors
in specific countries in which the issuance of international offset credits on a
sector-wide basis is appropriate. Establishes the terms under which the
Administrator may issue international offset credits for other international
instruments, specifically requiring a determination that the issuing
international body has implemented substantive and procedural requirements for
the relevant project type that provide equal or greater assurance of
environmental integrity.
Establishes
procedures and requirements regarding the issuance of international offset
credits for activities that reduce deforestation. For major emitting nations,
international offset credits can only be issued for national-scale activities,
or for state or province-level activities in states or provinces that would
themselves be considered major emitters. Smaller-scale offset projects are only
allowed in countries that generate less than 1% of global greenhouse gas
emissions as well as less than 3% of global forest sector and land 13
use change
emissions. All countries must transition to national baselines to continue
generating credits.
Part E -
Supplemental Emissions Reductions from Reduced Deforestation
Section 751-752,
Definitions and Findings: Defines forest carbon activities and finds that land
use change, primarily deforestation, accounts for roughly 20% of global
greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 753,
Supplemental Emissions Reductions through Reduced Deforestation: Directs the
Administrator of EPA, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, to
establish a program to build capacity in developing countries to reduce
emissions from deforestation (including preparation to participate in
international markets for deforestation reduction credits), to achieve emissions
reductions in addition to those achieved under the domestic emissions limit, and
to protect intact forest from any shifts in land use as a result of reduced
deforestation in other areas.
Section 754,
Requirements for International Deforestation Reduction Program: Directs the
Administrators of EPA and USAID to support a broad range of activities to reduce
deforestation, create markets for deforestation reduction credits, and reduce
the leakage of emissions. Activities supported through this program must be
environmentally sound and should protect the rights of indigenous groups and
local communities. Support for emissions reductions must ensure that countries
are transitioning to nationwide accounting of reduced deforestation.
Section 755, Reports
and Reviews: Directs the Administrators of EPA and USAID to report annually to
Congress on progress in reducing deforestation through this program and perform
a review of the program every four years.
Section 756, Legal
Effect of Part: Clarifies that this program does not supersede or limit any
other federal or international law.
Subtitle B - Disposition of
Allowances
Section 321,
Disposition of Allowances for Global Warming Pollution Reduction Program:
Provides for emission allowances to be distributed for three primary goals: to
protect consumers from energy price increases, to assist industry in the
transition to a clean energy, and to spur energy efficiency and the deployment
of clean energy technology. Allocates a small amount of allowances to prevent
deforestation and support national and international adaptation efforts and for
other purposes.
Part H -
Disposition of Allowances
Section 781,
Allocation of Allowances for Supplemental Reductions: Directs the Administrator
to allocate allowances for the program under part E to achieve 14
supplemental
emissions reductions from reduced deforestation. Allocates 5% of allowances for
the years 2012-2025, 3% for 2026-2030, and 2% for 2031-2050.
Section 782,
Allocation of Emission Allowances: Provides for allocation of allowances to
electricity consumers; natural gas consumers; home heating oil and propane
consumers; low-income consumers, trade-vulnerable industries; investment in
clean energy from coal; investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy;
centers of excellence; clean vehicle technology; domestic fuel production;
workers; domestic, wildlife, and natural resources adaptation; international
adaptation; clean technology transfer; deficit reduction; and consumer rebates.
Section 783,
Electricity Consumers: Provides approximately 30% of allowances to local
electric distribution companies, whose rates are regulated by states, to protect
consumers from electricity price increases. Provides approximately 5% of
allowances for merchant coal generators and certain generators with long-term
power purchase agreements. Provides for phase-out of allowances over a five-year
period from 2026 through 2030.
Section 784, Natural
Gas Consumers: Provides 9% of allowances to local natural gas distribution
companies, whose rates are regulated by states, to protect consumers from
electricity price increases. Provides for phase-out of allowances over a
five-year period from 2026 through 2030.
Section 785, Home
Heating Oil and Propane Consumers: Provides 1.5% of allowances to states for
programs to benefit users of home heating oil and propane. Provides for
phase-out of allowances over a five-year period from 2026 through 2030.
Section 786-788
[Reserved]
Section 789, Climate
Change Rebates: Any unallocated allowances beginning in 2026 will be auctioned
and the proceeds returned to consumers on a per capita basis as a climate change
rebate.
Section 790,
Exchange for State-Issued Allowances: Provides for fair compensation and
exchange of allowances issued by the State of California, the Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Western Climate Initiative prior to
commencement of federal program.
Section 791, Auction
Procedures: Establishes single-round, sealed-bid, uniform-price auction
procedures, which may be modified by the Administrator.
Section 792,
Auctioning Allowances for Other Entities: Establishes rules by which the
Administrator may auction allowances on behalf of other entities.
Section 793,
Establishment of Funds: Establishes the Strategic Reserve Fund and the Climate
Change Dividend Fund in the U.S. Treasury. 15
Section 331,
Greenhouse Gas Standards: Establishes
Title VIII of the Clean Air Act to achieve additional greenhouse gas reductions
outside of Title VII.
Title VIII -
ADDITIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS STANDARDS
Section 801,
Definitions
Part A -
Stationary Source Standards
Section 811,
Standards of Performance: Requires the Administrator to use existing Clean Air
Act authority (section 111) to set greenhouse gas emission performance standards
for certain sources with greenhouse gas emissions that are not subject to the
annual tonnage limit in Title VII. Precludes the Administrator from using
existing Clean Air Act section 111 authority to issue standards for entities
covered by Title VII that directly emit greenhouse gases.
Part C -
Exemptions from Other Programs
Section 831,
Criteria Pollutants: Provides that greenhouse gases may not be listed as
criteria air pollutants on the basis of their effect on climate change.
Section 832,
Hazardous Air Pollutants: Provides that greenhouse gases may not be listed as
hazardous air pollutants on the basis of their effect on climate change.
Section 833, New
Source Review: Provides that New Source Review shall not apply to greenhouse gas
emissions.
Section 834, Title V
Permits: Provides that greenhouse gases shall not be considered when determining
whether a stationary source is required to operate pursuant to a permit under
Title V.
Section 835,
Existing Proceedings: Provides that this Act does not affect the requirements to
be applied in existing administrative proceedings or litigation initiated under
the Clean Air Act prior to the date of enactment, such that this legislation
does not interfere with or determine the outcome of ongoing permit appeals.
Further provides that new electric utility units subject to performance
standards adopted under this Act are not subject to any new source review
requirements with respect to greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 332, HFC
Regulation: Regulates the
production and consumption of HFCs, many of which are extremely potent
greenhouse gases, under a separate limit and reduction schedule. Allowances are
distributed through a combination of annual auctions and non-auction sales based
on the auction price. HFC consumption will be phased-down to 15% of the baseline
by 2032. Offset credits can be obtained through the destruction of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which contribute to global warming and deplete the
stratospheric ozone layer. 16
Section 333, Black
Carbon: Directs the
Administrator to report on existing efforts to reduce domestic black carbon
pollution and, if necessary, to use existing authority to achieve further
reductions. Directs the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of
State, to report to Congress on current and potential future assistance to
foreign nations to help reduce black carbon pollution.
Section 334, States:
Preserves states'
existing authority to adopt and enforce standards or limitations on air
pollution under the Clean Air Act, including greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 335, State
Programs: Bars states
from implementing or enforcing a cap on greenhouse gas emissions between the
years 2012 to 2017, but allows regulation of emissions by other means during
this period.
Section 336,
Enforcement: Provides
that for petitions for review under the Clean Air Act, the court may remand an
action of the Administrator without vacatur under specified circumstances.
Requires the Administrator to take final action on a petition for
reconsideration under the Clean Air Act within 150 days of receipt.
Section 337,
Conforming Amendments: Provides
for conforming amendments to Clean Air Act enforcement and administrative
provisions to incorporate titles VII and VIII.
Subtitle D - Carbon Market
Assurance
Section 341,
Oversight and Assurance of Carbon Market:
Amends the Federal Power Act to provide for strict oversight and regulation of
the new markets for carbon allowances and offsets. Ensures market transparency
and liquidity and allows trading in carbon allowance futures so that regulated
entities can protect themselves against future cost increases and obtain the
allowances they need for compliance at a fair price. The Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission is charged with regulating the allowance and offset
markets. The President is empowered to delegate regulatory responsibility for
the derivatives markets to an appropriate agency, based on the advice of an
interagency working group. Protects market participants from speculation and
manipulation of carbon prices, including default position limits of 10% on
carbon allowances and offset derivatives and a default ban on over-the-counter
trading of derivatives.
Subtitle E - Additional
Market Assurance
Sections 351 through
358: Amends the Commodity
Exchange Act to provide greater oversight of energy commodity derivatives and
credit default swaps. Establishes default Commodity Futures Trading Commission
regulatory authority over and regulations of allowance derivative markets.
TITLE IV - TRANSITIONING TO
A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY
Subtitle A - Industrial
Sector 17
Section 401,
Ensuring Real Reductions in Industrial Emissions:
Creates a program within Title VII of the Clean Air Act to ensure reductions in
industrial greenhouse gas emissions through emission allowance rebates and
international reserve allowances.
Part F - Ensuring
Real Reductions in Industrial Emissions
Section 761,
Purposes: Outlines the purposes of Subtitle A and the additional purposes of
Part 1 of Subtitle A. The purposes of Subtitle A include: promoting a strong
global effort to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preventing an
increase in greenhouse gas emissions in foreign countries as a result of
compliance costs incurred under title VII of the Clean Air Act, as added by ACES
of 2009. The additional purposes of Part 1 include: compensating eligible
domestic industrial sectors and subsectors for costs incurred under Title VII;
limiting such compensation to amounts that meet the goals of the program; and
rewarding innovation and facility-level investments in efficiency upgrades and
performance improvements.
Section 762,
International Negotiations: Finds that the purposes of this subtitle can be most
effectively achieved through international agreements and states that it is the
policy of the United States to work proactively under the UNFCCC and in other
forums to establish binding agreements committing all major-emitting countries
to contribute equitably to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 763,
Definitions: Provides relevant definitions.
Subpart 1 -
Emission Allowance Rebate Program
Section 764, 765,
Eligible Industrial Sectors, Distribution of Emission Allowance Rebates:
Establishes a program that rebates to eligible industrial sectors and subsectors
a sum intended to compensate entities in those sectors for the costs they incur
as a result of complying with the pollution limit established by Title VII.
Instructs the EPA
Administrator to annually distribute rebates to the owners and operators of
entities in eligible industrial sectors. The Administrator is required to
determine which facilities should be eligible for rebates through a rule based
on an assessment of economic factors, including (1) the energy or greenhouse gas
intensity in a sector and (2) the trade intensity in such sectors. Sectors
meeting the listed criteria for both factors would be deemed eligible to receive
rebates.
Rebates are
distributed to eligible facilities on a product output basis, with compensation
provided for both direct and indirect compliance costs. For direct compliance
costs, allowance distribution is calculated by multiplying a facility's
product output by the sector average tonnage of greenhouse gas emissions per
unit of product output. For indirect costs passed on by electric utilities,
allowance distribution is calculated by multiplying a covered or uncovered
facility's product output (1) by the "emissions 18
intensity" of
each facility's electric power supplier and (2) by the sector average
electricity use per unit of product output.
Subpart 2 -
International Reserve Allowance Program
Section 766,
International Reserve Allowance Program: Establishes an international reserve
allowance program, which may be implemented by the President beginning in 2025
pursuant to a determination under Part 3.
Subpart 3 -
Presidential Determination
Section 767,
Presidential Reports and Determinations: Requires the President to submit a
report to Congress no later than January 1, 2018, regarding the effectiveness of
the distribution of emission allowance rebates under Part 1 in mitigating the
risk of increased greenhouse gas emissions in foreign countries resulting from
compliance costs incurred under title VII.
Requires the
President to make a determination, no later than June 30, 2022, and every four
years thereafter, for each sector eligible for rebates under Part 1, of whether
more than 70% of global output of that sector is produced in countries that meet
at least one of the following criteria: (1) party to an international treaty to
which the U.S. is a party that includes a nationally enforceable emissions
reduction commitment that is at least as stringent as that of the U.S.; (2)
party to an international sectoral agreement for that sector to which the U.S.
is a party; (3) energy or greenhouse gas intensity for that sector that is equal
or less than that of the U.S.; or (4) implemented emissions reduction policies
that together impose a cost on that sector that is at least 60% of the cost of
complying with Title VII for that sector in the United States.
If the President
determines that less than 70% of global output of a sector is produced in
countries that meet one or more of the above criteria, then the President shall
continue emission allowance rebate program under Part 1 or implement the
International Reserve Allowance Program under Part 2 or a combination of the two
for that sector. In the absence of such a determination, the emission allowance
rebates for entities in the sector will decline by 10% per year.
Part G - Petroleum
Refineries
Section 771,
Domestic Fuel Production: Provides 2% of allowances to domestic oil refiners
starting in 2014 and ending in 2026.
Subtitle B - Green Jobs and
Worker Transition
Part 1 - Green
Jobs 19
Section 421, Clean
Energy Curriculum Development Grants: Amends
the Carl. D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to authorizes
the Secretary of Education to award grants to universities and colleges to
develop programs of study that prepare students for careers in renewable energy,
energy efficiency, and other forms of global warming mitigation. These grants
are peer reviewed by experts with relevant experience in the areas being
considered for funding.
Section 422,
Increased Funding for Energy Worker Training Program: Increases
the authorization for the Green Jobs Act, authorized in the Energy Independence
and Security Act, from $125 million to $150 million.
Part 2 - Climate
Change Worker Adjustment Assistance
Section 425-427,
Petitions, Eligibility Requirements, and Determinations; Program Benefits;
General Provisions: Establishes
a program to entitle any worker displaced as a result of the Title VII of the
Clean Air Act to be entitled to 156 weeks of income supplement, 80 percent of
their monthly health care premium, up to $1,500 for job search assistance, up to
$1,500 for moving assistance, and additional employment services for skills
assessment, job counseling, training, and other services.
Subtitle C - Consumer
Assistance
Section 431, Energy
Tax Credit: In the event
of any reduced purchasing power as a result of Title VII of the Clean Air Act,
provides tax credits to the lowest-income households to compensate for such
losses.
Section 432, Energy
Refund Program for Low-Income Consumers: Directs
the EPA Administrator to administer an "Energy Refund Program" to
provide monthly cash energy refunds to low income individuals to compensate for
any reduced purchasing power resulting from Title VII of this Act. Provides that
energy refunds shall not be considered taxable income.
Subtitle D - Exporting
Clean Technology
Sections 441-443,
Findings and Purposes, Definitions, Governance: States
that the purpose of this subtitle is to provide U.S. resources to encourage
widespread deployment of clean technologies to developing countries. Establishes
a Clean Technology Account administered by the State Department in consultation
with an interagency group. The Account will supplement and not supplant other
federal funding.
Section 444,
Determination of Eligible Countries: Generally,
only developing countries that have ratified an international treaty or
agreement or have undertaken nationally appropriate mitigation activities
achieving substantial greenhouse gas reductions are eligible for bilateral
assistance. Least developed countries may use assistance to build capacity
toward meeting eligibility criteria. 20
Sections 445,
Qualifying Activities: Eligible
projects must achieve substantial greenhouse gas reductions that are
substantial, measurable, reportable, and verifiable. Eligible activities include
deployment of carbon capture and storage, renewable electricity, efficiency
projects, deployment of low-emissions technology, transportation reductions,
black carbon reductions, and capacity building activities.
Section 446,
Assistance. The Secretary
of State is authorized to provide assistance through the distribution of
allowances bilaterally, through an international fund, or through a multilateral
institution pursuant to the UNFCCC. Preference is given to projects that promise
to achieve large-scale greenhouse gas reductions, may catalyze widespread
deployment of clean technology, build institutional capacity, and leverage
private resources. To the extent practicable, assistance should reinforce other
foreign policy goals.
Subtitle E - Adapting to
Climate Change
Part 1 - Domestic
Adaptation
Subpart A -
National Climate Change Adaptation Program
Section 451,
National Climate Change Adaptation Program.
Establishes a climate change adaptation program within the U.S. Global Change
Research Program.
Section 452, Climate
Services. Establishes a
National Climate Service within NOAA to develop climate information, data,
forecasts, and warnings at national and regional scales and to distribute
information on climate impacts to state and local decisionmakers.
Section 453, State
Programs to Build Resilience to Climate Change Impacts: Distributes
emission allowances to states for implementation of adaptation projects,
programs, or measures, contingent on the completion of an approved State
Adaptation Plan. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, those
designed to respond to extreme weather events such as flooding or hurricanes,
changes in water availability, heat waves, sea level rise, ecosystem disruption,
and air pollution.
Subpart B - Public
Health and Climate Change
Sections 461. Sense
of Congress on Public Health and Climate Change: States
that it is the sense of Congress that the federal government should take all
means and measures to prepare for and respond to the public health impacts of
climate change.
Section 462,
Relationship to Other Laws: Clarifies
that nothing in the subpart limits authorities or responsibilities conferred by
other law.
Section 463.
National Strategic Action Plan: Requires
the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare a strategic plan to assist
health professionals in preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate
change on public health with disease surveillance, research, 21
communications,
education, and training programs. Authorizes the Secretary to implement these
programs using authorities under this subpart and other federal laws.
Sections 464-465,
Science Advisory Board, Reports: Establishes
a science advisory board to advise the Secretary on science related to the
health effects of climate change. Requires a needs assessment for health effects
of climate change and periodic reports on scientific developments and
recommendations for updating the national strategy.
Sections 466-467.
Definitions, Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Fund: Establishes
a fund in the Treasury for carrying out this subpart. Funding will be
distributed by HHS but may be made available to other agencies and state and
local governments. Funding will supplement, not replace other public health
funding.
Subpart C -
Natural Resource Adaptation
Section 471-475,
Purposes, Policy, Definitions, CEQ, Resources Adaptation Panel: States
that it is the policy of the federal government to use all practicable means and
measures to assist natural resources to adapt to climate change. Establishes a
Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Panel, chaired by the White House
Council on Environmental Quality, as a forum for interagency coordination on
natural resources adaptation.
Section 476, Natural
Resources Climate Change Adaptation Strategy: Requires
the Panel to develop a strategy for making natural resources more resilient to
the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification. The strategy must assess
likely impacts to natural resources, strategies for helping wildlife adapt, and
specific actions that federal agencies should take.
Section 477, Natural
Resources Climate Change Adaptation Science and Information: Establishes
a process through NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey National Global Warming
and Wildlife Science Center to provide technical assistance, conduct research,
and furnish decision tools, monitoring, and strategies for adaptation. Requires
a survey of resources that are likely to be adversely affected and the
establishment of a Science Advisory Board to advise the science program and
recommend research priorities.
Section 478, Federal
Natural Resource Agency Adaptation Plans: Requires
federal agencies to develop natural resource adaptation plans, consistent with
the National Strategy, including prioritized goals and a schedule for
implementation of adaptation programs within their respective jurisdictions.
Section 479, State
Natural Resources Adaptation Plans: Requires
states to develop Natural Resources Adaptation Plans as a condition for
receiving funds under the programs in this subtitle.
Section 480, Natural
Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund: Establishes
a Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund. Amounts in the fund will be
distributed as follows: 22
38.5% of funds to
states (32.5% for the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, 6% for the
Coastal Management Act); 17% of funds to the Department of the Interior for
endangered species, bird, and Fish and Wildlife Service programs, wildlife
refuges, and the Bureau of Reclamation; 5% to the Department of the Interior (DOI)
for cooperative grant programs; 3% for tribes; 12% to the Land and Water
Conservation Fund (1/6 to DOI for competitive grants, 1/3 for land acquisition
under §7 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, 1/3 to the Department of
Agriculture for land acquisition, 1/6 to USDA for the Forestry Assistance Act);
5% to USDA for the Forest Service; 7.5% to EPA for freshwater ecosystems; 5% to
the Army Corps of Engineers for freshwater ecosystems; and 7.5% to NOAA for
coastal and marine ecosystems. All funds authorized must be used for adaptation
activities, consistent with federal plans.
Section 481,
National Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Information Program: Establishes
a program in the Department of the Interior to support States and tribes in the
development of a GIS database of fish and wildlife habitat corridors, and to
facilitate the use of database tools in wildlife management programs.
Section 482,
Additional Provisions Regarding Indian Tribes: Clarifies
that nothing in this subpart amends federal trust responsibilities to tribes,
exempts information on Indian tribe sacred sites or cultural activities from
FOIA, and clarifies that the Department of the Interior may apply the provisions
of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act as appropriate.
Part 2 -
International Climate Change Adaptation Program
Sections 491 - 493,
Findings and Purposes, Definitions, International Climate Change Adaptation: Establishes
an International Climate Change Adaptation Program within USAID to provide U.S.
assistance to the most vulnerable developing countries for adaptation to climate
change. Resources allocated to this program will supplement and not replace
other international adaptation assistance.
Section 494,
Distribution of Allowances: The
Administrator of USAID shall distribute allowances bilaterally and through
multilateral funds or institutions pursuant to the UNFCCC. Multilateral
institutions must receive between 40 and 60% of allowances; multilateral fund
eligibility is contingent on developing world participation, transparency
requirements, and community engagement.
Sections 495,
Bilateral Assistance. The Administrator of USAID shall distribute
allowances through public or private organizations to provide assistance to the
most vulnerable developing countries for adaptation efforts. The Administrator
must prioritize assistance based on vulnerability to climate change. The
bilateral assistance program must ensure community engagement and consultation,
and will seek to align broader US foreign policy goals with its assistance. The
program may use its assistance to support projects, policies, or programs, or to
build program capacity in developing countries.
|