The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Sulfur Hexafluoride Emission Reduction projects prevent emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) to the atmosphere from equipment in the electricity transmission and distribution sector, through capture and storage, recycling, or destruction. Emissions reductions are determined in relation to baseline year emissions, using a mass-balance method that accounts for all SF₆ used by the utility.

To qualify for the award CO₂ offset allowances, Sulfur Hexafluoride offset projects must:

Landfill Methane Capture and Destruction projects capture and destroy methane (CH₄) at solid waste landfills. Emissions reductions are determined based on avoided fugitive methane emissions that would have occurred at the landfill in the absence of the offset project, and are calculated based on metered methane collected from the landfill and destroyed through combustion by a flare, industrial combustion, or electric generation.

Follow the links below to zip-files containing expired versions of auction materials.

These documents are provided for reference only and should not be used to participate in upcoming auctions. The current versions of these documents are available on the Auction Materials page.

In May 2011, New Jersey's Governor Christie announced that New Jersey planned to cease its participation in RGGI. The RGGI participating states issued a joint statement in response, and many state governors also issued individual statements.

To provide certainty to the market, the RGGI states confirmed that RGGI CO₂ allowances issued by New Jersey would continue to be recognized for compliance purposes.

As of January 1, 2020, New Jersey has resumed participation in RGGI.

RGGI was designed through a transparent five-year process that included active engagement with stakeholders, technical experts, and the public. The public comments received by RGGI are available through the links below.

Topical Comments

RGGI received specific comments on auction design, the Model Rule, and emissions leakage.

Auction Design

In March 2007, the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), on behalf of RGGI states, engaged a research team led by the University of Virginia and Resources for the Future (RFF) to evaluate regional auction design options and make recommendations to the Staff Working Group and Agency Heads for the specifications of a regional RGGI allowance auction.

The RGGI Model Rule

The Model Rule is a set of proposed regulations that form the basis for each RGGI state's CO₂ Budget Trading Program. Since its original design, the Model Rule has been periodically revised.