Carbon Regulation for Existing Fossil Power: Design Options and State Implementation
An RFF workshop to discuss the structure and state-level implementation of existing source regulations
Event Details
In September 2013, the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed its rule for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants, and now it is turning attention to a rule for existing sources. Researchers at RFF have conducted considerable research around how this rule might be designed to maximize flexibility and minimize cost.
For this workshop, RFF researchers hosted representatives from the electric power industry—differentiated by geography, firm size, generation mix, and organizational structure—to discuss the structure and state-level implementation of the existing source regulations. Participants came from across the country to review policy design frameworks, interact with regulators, and share concerns and ideas.
Overview
RFF Darius Gaskins Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw led a discussion of key “decision points” that lawmakers will have to address in developing the existing source rule under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Three panelists then presented their views on ways that these points might be addressed and included in a regulatory proposal—and RFF Resident Scholar Nathan Richardson compared and contrasted their three approaches.
Additional Event Resources
Presentations
- Dallas Burtraw, RFF: Decision Points for EPA and the States
- Dan Lashof, Natural Resources Defense Council: Closing the Power Plant Carbon Pollution Loophole
- Bob Wyman, Latham & Watkins: CAA 111(d) Regulatory Approaches
- Nathan Richardson, RFF: 111(d) Existing Source Performance Standard (ESPS): Proposals, Decision Points, and Unknown
