United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Policy
(2171)
EPA-236-R-98-005
September 1998
&EPA State and Local Climate
Change Program
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STATE AND LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
STATE GREENHOUSE GAS
INVENTORIES INITIATED
STATE GREENHOUSE GAS
ACTION PLANS INITIATED
CITIES IN THE CITIES FOR
CLIMATE PROTECTION CAMPAIGN
Puerto Rico
Albuquerque, NM
Ann Arbor, Ml
Aspen, CO
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Berkeley, CA
Boulder, CO
Broward County, FL
Burien, WA
Burlington, VT
Chicago, IL
Chittenden County, VT
Chula Vista, CA
Dade County, FL
Delta County, Ml
Denver, CO
Durham, NC
Fort Collins, CO
Hillsborough County, FL
Honolulu, HI
Little Rock, AR
Los Angeles, CA
Louisville, KY
Madison, Wl
Maplewood, NJ
Memphis, TN
Mesa, AZ
Miami Beach, FL
Milwaukee, Wl
Minneapolis, MN
Missoula, MT
Mount Rainier, MD
Newark, NJ
Oakland, CA
Olympia, WA
Orange County, FL
Overland Park, KS
Portland, OR
Riviera Beach, FL
Saint Paul, MN
Salt Lake City, UT
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Monica, CA
Schenectady County, NY
Seattle, WA
Takoma Park, MD
Tampa, FL
Toledo, OH
Tucson, AZ
West Hollywood, CA
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
AGENCY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: SETTING OUT
About the Program 2
Program Achievements 2
GETTING THE LAY OF THE LAND
What is Climate Change? 4
How Could Climate Change Affect State and Local Governments? 5
Why Should States and Localities Take Action? 5
What Can State and Local Governments Do? 7
Why Was EPAs State and Local Climate Change Program Created? 8
CHAPTER 3: SIGNPOSTS TO SUCCESS
State Greenhouse Gas Inventories 9
The Emissions Inventory Improvement Program 9
Emissions Inventory Highlights 10
State Climate Action Plans 12
Action Plan Highlights 13
Demonstration Projects 14
Demonstration Highlights 14
State Education and Outreach Projects 16
Education and Outreach Highlights 16
Cities for Climate Protection Campaign 17
CHAPTER 4: ONE-STOP SERVICE
The Road Ahead 20
Maps" 1998 Rand McNally R.L. 98-SJ39
STATE AM I PROGRESS REP
A 9
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECT
O N
AGENCY
SETTING OUT
"New Jersey is proud
of our long history of
leadership and inno-
vation in addressing
environmental prob-
lems. We recognize
that climate change
and sea level rise are
global issues with
local solutions. I hope
that by beginning to
address these issues in
New Jersey, we can
contribute to national
and international
solutions."
Robert C. Shinn, Jr.
Commissioner
New Jersey Department
of Environmental
Protection
For the past nine years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) State and Local Climate
Change'Program has helped states and communities reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in a
cost-effective manner while addressing other environmental problems. Thirty-four states and
Puerto Rico currently participate in the program, accounting for nearly 60 percent of total U.S.
carbon dioxide (CO;) emissions. The program also provides support for the International Council
for Local Environmental Initiatives' Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, an effort involving 54
cities and counties in the United States.
State and local officials oversee many sectors of the economy that are substantial sources of green-
house gas emissions. They also are involved in other environmental initiatives, so they are in a posi-
tion to take advantage of the multiple benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions—such as
reducing air pollution. Their sensitivity to environmental conditions and vulnerabilities in their own
states or communities can help them select the most appropriate emission reduction strategies.
About the Program
EPAs State and Local Climate Change Program was established in 1990, following discussions
within the agency about the need to increase states' awareness of climate change and help them
respond to its potential risks effectively.
This capacity-building program provides states and local governments with guidance and techni-
cal information, to help them prepare inventories of their greenhouse gas emissions, assess and
build awareness of the impacts of climate change, develop action plans to reduce emissions, deter-
mine how response options could be integrated within current state programs, identify areas in
which addressing climate change would be consistent with other state objectives, and demonstrate
innovative technologies and policies. It also provides financial assistance for analyzing policy
impacts at the state level and offers support for projects that encourage local efforts.
The goal of this technical and financial assistance is to encourage state and local decisionmakers
to implement voluntary measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease their state's
risks, or to help them take adaptive measures.
Program Achievements
EPAs State and Local Climate Change Program is helping state and local governments carry the
nation toward a cleaner future. As a result of the program's assistance, states and localities will
contribute substantially toward national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while them-
selves enjoying a range of economic and environmental benchts.
The program has held numerous conferences, roundtables, and workshops to foster dialogue on
this subject and increase technical expertise. The program also has produced 62 publications,
including state impact fact sheets, technical manuals, reports, a database, and other materials.
Between 1992 and 1997, EPA's State and Local Climate Change Program also allocated more than $7
million in grants and other awards for state greenhouse gas emissions inventories, action plans, demon-
stration projects, and education and outreach programs.
By developing awareness at the state and local levels, the program contributes to reductions in
greenhouse emissions resulting from state and municipal participation in other voluntary programs.
The potential for reducing emissions has been estimated for several successful demonstration pro-
jects supported by the program. Based on these estimates, the program will help reduce green-
house gas emissions nationwide by approximately 1.9 million metric tons of carbon equivalent
(mmtce) by 2000 and 4.2 mmtce by 2010. The implementation of state action plans is likely to
result in significantly higher additional emission reductions. These figures are revised frequently
to ensure accuracy. (U.S. Department of State. 1997. Climate Action Report.)
L PROGRESS REPORT
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
AGENCY
SETTING OUT
EPA Assistant Administrate David
Gardiner presents an award to Brcnda
Griffin, o/ the Illinois Dc/ummcnf i>|
Natural Resources, jor her slated com-
/jlcfinn of a greenhouse gas inventory
and Climate change action plan.
Results at a Glance
• Thirty-four states and Puerto Rico have started or completed inventories of their emissions
of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
• Twenty-five states and Puerto Rico have taken additional steps such as setting up task
forces and starting or completing action plans to curb their state's greenhouse gas emissions.
• Several states have initiated specific actions, such as enacting legislation to reduce emissions
from power plants or setting up demonstration programs for environmental technologies. These
actions benefit their own constituencies and test alternative policy options for the nation.
• Five states alone have developed strategies that could collectively reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 34 million metric tons of carbon equivalent, or 2 percent of projected U.S.
emissions in the year 2010, while saving over $600 million per year.
• Fifty-four cities and counties participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, a
program offered by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives with support
from EPA. The campaign helps localities improve local air quality and urban livability through
the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• The State and Local Climate Change Program produces outreach materials, including:
• "Inside the Greenhouse," a quarterly on-line report about state and local climate change
activities.
• Information sheets on partners' success stories.
• Guidance materials.
• Listserv messages.
• State-by-state information sheets on how climate change may affect the environment and
economy of individual states.
• The State Climate Database, a compendium of state-related climate information on the
Internet.
• The program established a federal and state workgroup, the Emission Inventory Improvement
Program, to ensure that states develop greenhouse gas emission inventories that are consistent
with national and international methods.
• The program also partners with climate change coordinators who were designated by each of
the 10 EPA regional offices. These coordinators work with state and local governments and
local constituency groups on climate change issues.
• The program has established working relationships with key stakeholder groups, such as the
National Governors' Association, Environmental Council of the States, State and Territorial Air
Pollution Program Administrators, Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials, *
National Association of State Energy Officials, and National Conference of State Legislators.
ATE AN A L PROGRESS REPORT
A 1998
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
AGENCY
GETTING THE LAY OF THE LAND
Climate change presents significant potential risks and challenges for state and local
governments. Global warming within the range forecast by many scientists could have a
number of adverse local and regional consequences. Parts of the country could experi-
ence more severe floods and droughts Changes in precipitation amounts and seasonali-
ty may harm ecosystems and water resources. Sea level rise could threaten low-lying
coastal communities and increase wetland losses. Human health could be affected by
increases in heat-related mortality and infectious diseases such as encephalitis.
In addition, higher summer temperatures are expected to increase the formation of sec-
ondary air pollutants such as ground-level ozone; exposure to air pollutants has been
shown to aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and cause premature deaths.
Agriculture may be harmed, especially in areas affected by increased drought or other
extreme weather events, although crop yields in other regions could improve. Forests could die
back in some areas, and the species composition of forest ecosystems could change significantly.
Greenhouse gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide trap heat in the atmosphere. Without
this natural "greenhouse effect," temperatures would be much lower than they are today, and lile
as we know it would not be possible Problems may arise when greenhouse gases such as carbon
dioxide build up faster than they can be removed from the atmosphere by oceans, forests, and
other natural carbon "sinks."
St>lar radiation passes through the
imin.splim'. mill is luli-r absvrht-J In
flu' fiaf/i, M'-t'mitlt'ti lc .spilt (•. (>t
l>\ greenhouse gasrs. 'flu*
( I is (i) warm the ctltlh
sell It'vcfs will Irtitl fi' liit;hrr
slt'fTn suit's Miisijii; [fir MS|; <)/
i i iitlsldl pM>prrn<-s
Act i vines such as the burning of fossil fuels to operate cars, homes, and factories are adding more
greenhouse gases to the atmosphere every day. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has increased by 30 percent
over the past two centuries. Other greenhouse gases also have increased: methane concentrations
have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have risen by about 15 percent.
Humans currently add approximately 26 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere
each year. By 2100, in the absence of emissions control policies, carbon dioxide concentrations
are projected to be 30-150 percent higher than today's levels.
Although scientists are not sure precisely how the earths climate responds to such changes, it is
clear that global temperatures are rising. Surface data from the continents and oceans indicate that
the world has warmed by a global average of 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit over the past century.
This rise has been accompanied by other changes such as a widespread retreat of mountain glaci-
ers and an increase in clouds and precipitation over some parts of the world. The climatic changes
have followed patterns that would be expected from an increase in greenhouse gases, although
researchers are not certain how much of the warming has been caused by humans and how much
may be due to the climate's natural variability.
Scientists expect there will be more changes in the future. The average global surface temper,iiuiv
could rise 1.6" F to 6.3° F by 2100 (IPCC, 1995), with significant regional variation.
Evaporation will increase as the climate warms, which will lead to a rise in average global
precipitation. Soil moisture is likely to decline in many areas, while intense
rainstorms are likely to become more frequent. Globally, sea level is likely
to rise by 6 to 38 inches by the end of the next century. The rate of
warming over the next century is expected to be faster than any the
earth has experienced in the past 10.000 years.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECT
O N
AGENCY
GETTING THE LAY OF THE LAND
How Could Climate Change Affect State and Local Governments?
Communities and states may find themselves dealing directly with the impacts of climate change
and paying for many of the associated costs. For state agencies, changes in climate will make protec-
tion of public health, the environment, and the economy more difficult. One need only look at the
effects of recent climate- and weather-related events, such as those related to the 1997-98 El Nino, to
realize the kind of impacts that may challenge local and state governments. The recent weather
events have not been shown conclusively to be caused by global warming, but they represent the
kinds of extreme phenomena that are consistent with scientists' expectations for global warming.
Certain key economic sectors, such as travel and tourism, may be especially vulnerable to cli-
mate change. These industries typically coordinate closely with local and state bodies of govern-
ment. Other affected economic sectors such as utilities and the insurance industry are regulated
by state governments. States with economies based on natural resources, such as agriculture and
forestry, also may be especially vulnerable. And changes in climate, because of the likelihood of
more extreme weather events, may damage regional, state, and local infrastructure, such as road-
ways, bridges, storm sewers, flood control levees, and water supplies. Severe storm damage is
already increasing the costs of repair and maintenance for governments.
Why Should States and Localities Take Action?
States have a significant role to play in addressing climate change:
• State and local governments can help meet air quality standards for currently
regulated pollutants by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
• State and municipal facilities offer significant opportunities for cost-effective greenhouse gas
reduction efforts that can trim expenses while helping the environment.
« State and local governments have regulatory authority over many direct and
indirect sources of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, local governments define
land-use, zoning, and transportation policy; operate landfills; monitor air quality; pass
and enforce building codes; define procurement policies; and regulate parking.
w Some states' total and per capita emissions exceed those of entire nations.
• States may be vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change and thus have a
stake in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
B States' experience in testing climate change policies and programs can provide
insights as the federal government develops its response strategies to global warming.
I
Source: U.S. Energy Information
Administration. 1994- State Energy
Data Report.
Vermont Sees Opportunities to Save
In its state action plan, funded in part by EPAk State and Local Climate Change Program, Vermont
found that it could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 21 percent, acid rain precursors by 24
percent, and ground-level ozone precursors by 30 percent, while increasing the gross state product
by more than $4.1 billion. Energy costs would be cut by more than $6 million in the state, and oil
use would decline by about 23 percent. Under this emission reduction scenario, employment in
Vermont would increase by 3,000 to 5,000 jobs above the baseline projections for each year.
POTENTIAL POSSIBLE PROJECTED RISE DIFFICULTY PROJECTED PROJECTED
IMPACTS ON TEMPERATURE IN HEAT-RELATED MEETING AIR INTRODUCTION SHIFT OR LOSS
STATES INCREASE (F) DEATHS BY QUALITY OF NEW ' OF FOREST
BY 2100 2050* STANDARDS DISEASES RANGE
PROJECTED
LOSS OF
PROJECTED
CHANGES IN
AGRICULTURAL
YIELDS
CURRENT RATE
OF SEA-LEVEL
RISE PER
CENTURY
EXPECTED
SEA-LEVEL
RISE 8Y
2100
California
Georgia
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
New Hampshire
New York
Texas
Washington
2-9'
i-r
2-r
1-7'
I*
2-10'
2-J'
1-9'
2-9'
2>
more than 2x
3x
more than 2x
nil
nil
more than 2x
3x
more than 2x
Yes
IK
n/i
Yes
n/a
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
n/a
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
n/a
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3-8"
13"
n/a
n/a
n/a
7"
10"
25"
8"
13-19"
25"
n/a
n/a
n/a
U"
22"
38"
19"
*Heal mortality studies typical^ /oi n^
on a spa i/k ofv MuJics nui\ no( /uilv
uaiMiMl /of nii n'lisnl «M- o| iiif
conditioning.
Noic: EPA lias prepared Information
sheets on potential impacts on itll
states Ilicsr m/omuinmi .shirts arc
availalbe online at http.V/WwtKCJMI
gov/globahvarmtng/tmpdcts/statdmp/
Index, html
Source: State iait Slurry prrnoiro!
by EPAJi Climate and Policy
Assessment Division
STATE A I A L PROGRESS REPORT
A 9
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECT
O N
AGENCY
GETTING THE LAY OF THE LAND
Potential Benefits of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Efforts to*reduce greenhouse gas emissions may yield a range of additional environmental and
social benefits. State and local governments are discovering that many policies and measures that
reduce greenhouse gas emissions can be justified on the basis of those added benefits alone. These
measures make good economic and environmental sense even if climate change is not an issue of
concern.
Public Health
• Reduced emissions of other air pollutants can exacerbate respiratory diseases such as chronic
bronchitis and asthma.
Economics
• Reduced energy costs to households, businesses, organizations, and governments.
• Improved compliance with air quality rules (i.e., fewer fines).
M Reduced environmental costs associated with air pollution.
• Reduced economic dependence on imported oil.
• Lower material costs and disposal fees because of recycling and source reduction.
• Lower maintenance costs of alternative technologies such as electric cars and
cllicient fluorescent lights, compared with conventional products.
• Increased worker productivity from efficient lighting and individual heating and
cooling controls in buildings, according to some studies.
Transportation
• Better air quality, reduced urban smog.
• Less congestion.
• Reduced dependence on imported oil, resulting in improved economic and national
security.
• More efficient use of land within communities
• Less urban sprawl, preserving the vibrancy of downtowns and conserving valuable
open space and farmland outside cities
• More walkable cities and towns.
• Job creation through development and deployment of new transportation technologies.
Forestry
• Reduced summer cooling costs through strategic tree planting.
• New incentives for tree planting programs in urban and rural locations.
• Promotion of sustainable forestry through initiatives for biomass energy or carbon
sequestration
• Reduced urban heat island effect and reduced urban runoff.
Agriculture
• Reduced energy costs from improved energy efficiency in farm building operations
and farm equipment.
• Reduced costs and improved productivity through alternative farming practices such
as no-till agriculture or the strategic use of fertilizers.
• New potential source of income for farmers from the use of agricultural crops for
biofuels such as methanol or biodiesel.
• Reduced energy costs for farms through processing of livestock waste to produce power.
A 1998
j D LOCAL PROGRESS REPORT
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E N V
RONMENTAL
PROTECTION
AGENCY
GETTING THE LAY OF THE LAND
What Can State and Local Governments Do?
States and communities can start by establishing a task force or advisory group to guide the
process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Government agencies, the private sector, local non-
government organizations, and others should be involved.
They can conduct outreach efforts, including educating the public and working with the private
sector to determine possible voluntary actions that they can take. State and local governments also
can do outreach to specific groups that might be especially vulnerable to the risks of climate
change or have a particular interest in the issue.
They can inventory their sources and sinks of greenhouse gas emissions. The inventory provides a
baseline to measure future changes in their emissions and is a critical step toward developing
comprehensive climate change policies and strategies. Inventories also help states identify the
most effective opportunities to reduce emissions.
The next step is developing a climate change action plan. The plan lays out the institutional and
policy structure, including specific policy proposals or planning processes for developing and
implementing the program.
After that, states can initiate specific actions—enacting legislation, passing regulations, or setting
up demonstration programs. The measures they implement should include, but not be limited to,
programs recommended under the Climate Change Action Plan.
Finally, state and local governments can take a leadership role by making improvements in gov-
ernment operations. They can make wastewater treatment plants more energy efficient, convert
government fleets gradually to alternative fueled vehicles, retrofit government buildings for ener-
gy efficiency, and convert lighting in those buildings to energy efficient bulbs.
Many state and local governments can use existing energy programs to reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions. State government energy initiatives typically address all sectors of the economy and include
education and information, technical assistance, energy audits, research and development programs,
and financial incentives for investments in energy efficiency or renewable energy technologies. Some
local governments have their own energy offices. If not, they may encourage more efficient energy
use through their oversight of buildings, transportation, and economic development.
EPA Regional Administtatoi /ohn P
DeVillars announces the launih of the
New England Global Warming
Network in June 1997. This nelwotk
c/ CN(T^\. environmental, and trans-
portation o/fit ia/s /rom each o/ the
New England states and federal agen-
cies is working to implement a
regional climate < hange agenda
New Jersey Acts to Reduce Emissions
After completing a greenhouse gas inventory. New Jersey issued an executive order to reduce its
greenhouse gas emissions 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2005. With assistance from EPA, New
Jersey is finalizing a strategy to meet its goals.
New Jersey also is creating a New Jersey Greenhouse Gas Bank and has signed a letter of intent
with The Netherlands that establishes a framework for developing joint initiatives to address
global warming, including a trading system for greenhouse gas emission credits. EPA is provid-
ing technical and financial assistance for these efforts.
vTE AND LOCAL PROGRESS REPORT
A 98
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
AGENCY
GETTING THE LAY OF THE LAND
Other States
41%
SOUUT: I > Department of Energy
/'W-) sr,iir / M.-IIJV RIM KI-JI.III U s
/ n.-ii;\ /H/nnmidi'M Administration.
Why Was EPA's State and Local Climate Change Program Created?
Few state or local governments have the resources or expertise to perform greenhouse gas
emissions inventories or action plans on their own. In addition, climate change concerns
may become lost in the competition with other important and urgent issues.
The EPA program was created to help build awareness, expertise, and capacity to address
the nsks of climate change at the state and local levels.
The program's activities fall under several legal mandates. The Global Climate Protection
Act of 1987 directs EPA to develop domestic policy on climate change. The Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1990 require EPA to develop and implement programs involving nonregu-
latory approaches for reducing air pollutants, including CCb. The United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change, ratified by the United States under the Bush administration in
1992, requires all parties to promote public awareness of climate change through education, train-
ing, and other outreach initiatives.
The program is part of the U.S. Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), a comprehensive intera-
gency plan. In 1997, more than 8,000 partners participated in these agencies' voluntary programs.
CCAP targets all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the U.S. economy.
Low-income renter in I/HM- Jumu's in Burlington,
Vermont, will bcnfjil /nmi d nriv enei£\ <>M/iiuimr
lislicJ In the tif\ in i'W7. vv;l/i suppi'ii /rom
EPA!s Stale ami I ocal Climate Change Program.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
AGENCY
SIGNPOSTS TO SUCCESS
Compiling an emissions inventory is a critical first step toward developing policies and strategies
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process of developing an inventory builds a state's exper-
tise on climate change issues, provides an opportunity for officials to identify the magnitudes and
sources of emissions, and encourages them to strive for change in those sectors where emissions
(and growth potential) are greatest.
EPAs program provides funding and technical assistance to help states compile greenhouse gas
inventories. The program published a State Workbook: Methodologies for Estimating Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, and, between FY 1992 and 1997, has allocated $726,265 in grants and other awards
for 30 state inventories.
The inventory process involves obtaining data on emission sources (both energy and non-energy)
and applying standardized emission factors or other formulas to estimate emissions. Inventories
are prepared for the following gases and sources:
• Carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion, production, and consumption processes,
waste management, forest management, and land use change.
Methane from natural gas and oil systems, coal mining, waste management,
domesticated animals, manure management, flooded rice fields, the burning of
agricultural crop wastes, and municipal wastewater.
j Nitrous oxide from production and consumption processes, waste management,
agricultural soil management, and the burning of agricultural crop wastes.
Perflurocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and HFC-23 from production and consumption
processes.
To date, 34 states and Puerto Rico have started inventories of their emissions of carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases; 28 states (and Puerto Rico) have completed them.
The Emissions Inventory Improvement Program
Governments rely on greenhouse gas emission inventories to determine how and when to reduce
their emissions. The United States performs national greenhouse gas emission inventories through
the efforts of EPA, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Agriculture. In addition,
many states have conducted their own emission inventories to understand their role in emitting
greenhouse gases.
To ensure consistency among state and national inventories, the Emission Inventory Improvement
Program (EIIP) was formed to determine standard methodologies for performing air emission
inventories. It is jointly sponsored by the State and Territorial Air Pollution Program
Administrators/Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (STAPPA/ALAPCO) and EPA.
Funding is provided by state and local agencies. The EIIP Steering Committee and technical com-
"EPA sponsorship has
permitted the Division
to develop expertise
to respond to our
stakeholders' inquiries
about greenhouse gas
emissions in their
institutions or
communities."
Cher Stuewe Portnoff
Former Director
Division of Energy
Missouri Department of
Natural Resources
STATE GREENHOUSE GAS
Alabama*
California*
Colorado*
Connecticut
Delaware*
Georgia
• Hawaii*
Illinois*
• Indiana*
Iowa*
Kansas*
Kentucky*
Maine*
Maryland
Massachusetts*
Minnesota*
Mississippi*
Missouri*
EMISSIONS
Montana*
Nevada
New Hampshire*
New Jersey*
New Mexico*
New York*
North Carolina*
Oregon*
Pennsylvania*
INVENTORIES
Puerto Rico*
Rhode Island
Tennessee*
Utah*
Vermont*
Virginia
Washington*
Wisconsin*
* Completed
ATE A N I >
9 a
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
AGENCY
SIGNPOSTS TO SUCCESS
"It has been a plea-
sure working with
your office to develop
greenhouse gas emis-
sion strategies for all
energy-economic sec-
tors in California. We
look forward to a
continuing, mutually
beneficial partnership
with EPA in address-
ing greenhouse gas
and global climate
change concerns in
California and at the
national level."
Nancy J. Deller
Deputy Director
Energy Technology
Development
California Energy
Commission
mittees are composed of state, local, industry, and EPA representatives. Membership on technical
committees is open to any state or local agency representative, industry group, and the public.
The EE1P includes agency representatives from 10 states.
The EEIP's Greenhouse Gas Committee works to improve emission inventory methodologies
based on three documents: a workbook for state-based greenhouse gas emission inventory
methodologies; a set of guidelines for national greenhouse gas emissions inventories developed by
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; and a report by EI1P that considers the perceived
quality of emission factors and activity data.
Emissions Inventory Highlights
California's Cooperative Approach
California completed its first emissions inventory in 1990, under a mandate by the state legisla-
ture. Its second was published in January 1998, with support from EPA.
According to Inventory Manager Guido Franco, of the California Energy Commission, the inven-
tory owes its quality and comprehensiveness to the "high level of cooperation" from other state
agencies. Franco emphasizes the value of working with California's air agencies, which often had
needed data at hand.
California's emissions profile has several distinguishing features. The state boasts the largest and most
diverse renewable energy generation industry in the world. Renewable resources provide 11 percent
of all electricity used in the state. The 1998 inventory reported that electric generation in 1994 pro-
duced only about 16 percent of all carbon-related emissions in California, compared with the
national average of 39 percent.
Furthermore, California's energy efficiency and fuel-switching programs have been so successful
that out-of-state power plants supplying electricity to California now account for more CCh emis-
sions than California's own power plants—even though more power is produced by California
facilities than is delivered from out of state.
Electricity
Generation
16.24%
Hawaii Takes on the Challenge
Hawaii's greenhouse gas emissions inventory represents a strategic step toward meeting the
state's energy objectives, according to Steven Alber, energy analyst at the Energy, Resources,
and Technology Division of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and
Tourism. The department recognized early on that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions would encourage renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Hawaii's energy profile differs from that of mainland states. One-third of the state's energy
use is in aviation fuel, much of it for international travel, and some 9 percent of the state's
energy is used by the military. Identifying the amount of fuel used for in-state energy needs
versus international or military applications presented a "major challenge," Alber says.
CALIFORNIA'S
1994 CO,
ISSIONS FROM
The inventory helped draw attention to climate change issues in Hawaii. Alber's department pre-
sented the results at an October 1997 public meeting co-sponsored by the states House Energy
Source: California Energy
( cimMisM.'H \W8. Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Reduction Strategic* for
California, Vol. 2.
Turning Sugar into Trees
Hawaii's Climate Change Action Plan will highlight unique opportunities for carbon sequestra-
tion through forestry on lands formerly cultivated for sugar. The state already is taking advan-
tage of the economic opportunities presented by greenhouse gas mitigation and is working with
the Philippines to develop biomass energy sources and energy efficiency programs.
f> A 98
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and Environment Committee. "Participants were able to see where most of
the state's emissions come from," Alber notes, "and they were able to offer
suggestions for consideration in developing our climate change action plan,
which is being completed now."
Thinking Locally in Kentucky
Kentucky prepared its greenhouse gas emissions inventory on a county-by-
county basis. Each county can identify its major sources of emissions and
help the state determine policies that may be most appropriately applied
statewide versus those that are more applicable to a specific region, county,
city, or industry.
A technical advisory committee representing state agencies, universities, industries, and interest
groups proved "extremely useful" in preparing the inventory and the subsequent state action plan,
according to Geoffrey Young, assistant director, Kentucky Division of Energy.
Young says that the emissions inventory can be used to help guide decisions about overall state
energy and environmental policies. "It's helpful to realize that you can achieve greenhouse gas
reductions at the same time that you are doing something else," he says.
North Carolina: Global Change in Local Places
North Carolina also used the county-by-county approach. The state participated in a NASA-
funded project, Global Change in Local Places. A team of researchers with this project learned,
for example, that 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the study area comes from industrial
waste burning, chiefly in the furniture and food processing industries. By using wood waste and
sawdust for heat, these industries have found ways to reduce their net carbon dioxide emissions.
New Jersey Builds on Success
New Jerseys greenhouse gas emissions inventory was initiated by a small group of staff members at
the state's Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Sciences and Research. According to
Cameron Johnson, of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, most of the energy-related data needed
for the inventory already were available from work done on the state's energy master plan. Estimating
landfill methane emissions, and emissions of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs), and sulfur hexaflaoride (SF.,) presented more of a challenge.
Johnson notes that emissions inventories should be refined as better data become
available. "Instead of striving for precision from the start, we took a more macro
approach and then tightened the numbers as we went along," she says. "By taking
that approach, we were able to come up with an inventory fairly quickly."
With an inventory in hand and strong support from Environmental
Commissioner Robert Shinn, New Jersey was able to apply to EPA for fund-
ing for a state action plan and an innovative greenhouse gas emissions trad-
ing bank research project.
KENTUCKY'S 1 99O
GREENHOUSE GAS
EMISSIONS BY
COUNTY
Source: The University 0/I.cw.w/li-
TONS COj PER YEAR
10001-100000
I | 100001-1000000
1000001-10000000
Ml 10000001-100000000
Major Roads
o
These commuters in Morristown, New Jersey,
use this electric car to travel from the train
station to their workplace under the state's
"Power Commute" program.
STATE AND I
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E N V
RONMENTAL
PROTECT
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SIGNPOSTS TO SUCCESS
"We commend EPA's
climate change miti-
gation efforts. The
State and Local
Climate Change
Program has been
highly supportive of
our efforts."
Benjamin J. Cayetano
Governor
State of Hawaii
State Climate Action Plans
A state climftte action plan is a strategy to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions, developed by
siair ollicials. Through the process, states project their greenhouse gas emissions into the future
and develop strategies for their particular circumstances and needs. They assess policy options in
the residential, industrial, commercial, energy, transportation, agriculture, and lorestry sectors.
Measures described in action plans may be voluntary, regulatory, educational, or administrative.
Typical Steps in a State Action Plan
1. Create a task force.
2. Project greenhouse gas emissions.
v vi a reduction goal or target.
4. Identify and assess policy options.
5. Solicit feedback trom the public.
6. Rank and select policies.
7. Make recommendations 10 decisionmakers.
S I'igure out mechanism* and resources needed to implement the recommendations.
9 Implement policies
Mi)s( Frequently Cited Measures from State Action Plans
1. Home energy rating system.
2. Energy-efficient mortgage program.
3. Model energy code.
4. Tax incentives for industrial fuel-switching.
5. Emissions trading
6. Methane reclamation program.
7 Matewide recycling program.
8 state alternative luel Herts.
'' [ruck-to-train cargo mode shilt.
10. Incentive program for purchasing fuel-efficient cars and disincentives for buying fuel-
inelticient cars.
i 1 Planting trees on land not previously forested.
H'A provides funding and technical assistance to help states p'cpare climate change action plans,
including a guidance document, Policy Planning to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and, between
FY 1992 and 1997, providing $2.028,178 in lunding tor 17 state action plans.
Nearly half the states—2=> siaies and Puerto Rico—have started or completed action plans to curb
i hen stales greenhouse gas emissions Five ol these states already have developed plans that could
collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34 mmtce (2 percent of projected U.S. emissions
in the year 2010) while saving over $600 million
STATE CLIMATE ACTION PLANS
Alabama*
California*
Colorado
Delaware
Hawaii
Illinois*
Iowa*
Kentucky*
Maine
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
New
Hampshire
New Jersey
• New Mexico
New York
North
Carolina
Oregon*
• Pennsylvania*
• Puerto Rico
• Tennessee
Utah
Vermont*
Washington*
Wisconsin*
* Completed
EPA
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Action Plan Highlights
Jobs and Clean Air in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's climate change action plan is built around the theme that reducing greenhouse
gas emissions is good for the state's economy. A greenhouse gas reduction cost study, fund-
ed in part by EPA, identified measures that could reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions
in Wisconsin by 16.4 million tons (14.8 million metric tons) of CCh while saving $443
million. One measure, installing energy efficient water heaters, costs up to $15 per ton ini-
tially but results in average savings of $27 per ton of CO:> reduced. Other measures that
cost up to $30 per ton could reduce COi emissions by 35.4 million tons (31.9 million met-
ric tons), with an overall cost savings in 2010 of about $2 million. These measures would
nearly return Wisconsin's emissions in 2010 to their 1990 level.
Wisconsin continued to explore the potential benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emis-
sions. The state found that energy efficiency measures could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in
Wisconsin by 8 million tons (7 million metric tons) by the year 2010, while creating 8,500 new
jobs, $490 million in disposable income, and $41 million in gross state product. Investments in
energy-efficient technologies under the plan are projected to save Wisconsin residents, businesses,
and farmers a net $2.69 billion between 1997 and 2010.
Wisconsin's plan was developed through an open process involving stakeholders, policymakers, and
other interested panies. "By including all stakeholders and having them endorse the plan, we hope to
develop a plan that is acceptable to almost everyone and minimizes conflicts during implementation,"
says Eric Mosher, air quality planner with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Vermont Drives Toward a Cleaner Future
Vermont has crafted an action plan that could cut the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 21 per-
cent, create 100,000 job-years, and save $6.2 billion in energy costs by the year 2020, compared
with a business-as-usual scenario. The plan, created under Vermont's existing long-term energy
planning process, calls for the government to focus first on the areas that can produce the greatest
results. These include improving transportation energy efficiency and increasing the use of renew-
able energy sources.
Transportation policies dominate the Vermont plan because this sector is the largest source of
greenhouse gas emissions in the state, accounting for about 44 percent of Vermont's total energy
use in 1995. Some of the key policies call for incorporating transportation-related costs into trans-
portation fuel prices or transportation energy taxes. Other key transportation-related measures
include advocating increased mileage standards for automobiles and light trucks, and transporta-
uon planning that takes into account environmental and social costs. The action plan also recom-
mends policies on the sources and supply of energy, and on building efficiency.
According to William Stemhurst, director for regulated utility planning at the Vermont
Department of Public Service, "People don't want to talk about global warming u«til it becomes a
crisis, so a state has to exert leadership." Therefore, the developers of the plan involved the public
through meetings broadcast on a statewide interactive public television system.
GHG Emissions Cost Scenarios for GHG
Baselines Emission Reductions
1990 2010 (SOpwton
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( >FH ll/ I/1C Hill Us Itlt^CSf SlcllH/-ili<>Mf
M'fdf /u< ihnrs now pi'viJcs pour/ ro
'i'i.i; Rc'i'r MJMIIU on UlahS
Lafcr Powell.
A Menu of Options in Washington
Washington State's climate change action plan presents a range of technical and policy options,
including a number for which the economic benefits equal or exceed the costs. According to the
plan, such options could reduce Washington's greenhouse gas emissions by 8 million tons (7 mil-
lion metric tons) of carbon equivalents—about 40 percent of the projected increase in the state's
total greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2010.
"The technologies are there to reduce emissions; it's the implementation that's missing," says Chief
Scientist Jim Kerstetter, of Washington State University's Energy Program, who helped develop the
action plan.
The action plan recommends that Washington actively pursue mitigation strategies that are cost-
effective for reasons other than the direct benefits incurred, such as installing etlicicnt fluorescent
lighting in office buildings or improving insulation in existing homes. The plan also suggests that
the state should strive to achieve the largest emission reductions at the lowest cost. "Efforts to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions are investments in the future of the state and nation," the report
concludes.
Demonstration projects catalyze states to test and ultimately implement policies to reduce green-
house gases. The State and Local Climate Change Program funds innovative state demonstration
projects and other voluntary activities that are not addressed by other EPA Climate Change Action
Plan efforts such as GREEN LIGHTS* and Climate Wise.
Between FY 1992 and 1997, the program provided 29 grants and other awards totaling
$3,302,736 for state and local demonstration projects.
Demonstration Highlights
Utah's Solar Solution
With assistance from EPA's State and Local Climate Change Program, the Department of Energy,
and the State of Utah, the Dangling Rope Marina in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of
Utah converted us electricity generation from diesel to photovoltaic panels. The remote marina on
Lake Powell, accessible only by boat, serves more than 325,000 visitors annually.
(Converting from diesel to solar power has reduced the manna's emissions by "540 tons (486 met-
ric tons) of carbon dioxide, 27,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide, and 5,183 pounds of carbon
monoxide per year. The $1.5 million project will pay for itself—with interest—through projected
lifetime cost savings of more than $2.3 million. It is serving as a model for other national parks,
which are now expressing interest in renewable energy systems. "One of the strengths of this pro-
ject is that it made both economic and environmental sense," says Jeff Burks, director of Utah's
Office of Energy and Resource Planning.
Twin Cities Trim Emissions
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are partners in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, a program
ol the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (1CLEI) with funding from the
EPA State and Local Climate Change Program In 1993, the Twin Cities pledged to reduce their
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combined carbon dioxide emissions to 20 percent below 1988 levels by the year 2005—a reduc-
tion of roughly 6.6 million tons (5.9 million metric tons).
"We are taking steps that result in tangible local benefits such as improved air quality, waste
reduction through improved reuse and recycling of resources, lower energy bills, and new job
opportunities," says Chuck Armstrong, assistant to Saint Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, "at the same
time as we reduce greenhouse gas emissions to benefit the global climate."
So far, the Twin Cities' initial efforts at reducing emissions have focused largely on improving
energy efficiency in municipal properties. Together, Minneapolis and Saint Paul's municipal
building energy retrofits save $877,000 per year in energy costs and reduce COi emissions by
more than about 13,600 tons (12,240 metric tons) annually. Both cities are reducing emissions
further through other initiatives, including efforts to improve industrial and residential energy
efficiency, citywide recycling and source reduction programs, tree-planting projects, and trans-
portation programs.
Oregon Saves Through Telecommuting
A highly successful telecommuting initiative in Oregon owes its existence in part to early support
by EPA. "The EPA grant kicked off what's become a very significant program for us," says Kathy
King, transportation program manager at Oregon's Office of Energy.
The state's Office of Energy received EPA support in 1991 to determine how tax credits might
encourage businesses to invest in transportation efficiency projects. Using the incentive of a 35
percent Business Energy Tax Credit for telecommuting equipment, vanpools, and carpools, the
energy office monitored investments by businesses to see which programs proved most popular.
Telecommuting was by far the most favored option.
Today, Oregon is one of the nations leaders in the field of telecommuting. "We believe that rough-
ly 7 to 8 percent of our workforce telecommutes," King says. The statistic is important, because
transportation accounts for 40 percent of all energy used in Oregon, and 25 percent of all trans-
portation energy is used by commuters.
Oregon recently passed a state law requiring every state
agency to have a telecommuting program. According to
King, the number of businesses offering telecommuting
continues to grow steadily. "In the past year alone,
more than 100 new telecommuting projects
have been launched in the state," she says.
Rfcvtlin.i; po^iimi.s reduced green-
house gas rmis.sion.s in Sainl Paul,
Minncsiiiii. by the equivalent of
59,000 ions (.*> i.k'C nu-iiif Ions)
of CO; in JW6.
1'hottt hv the Neighborhood
Ertfrgv Consnrmmi
This i iiv bus sends a clear and
compelling moMiiy in I >»-i;,m
MMUT1NG:
g ..it home
of sitting in traffic
PRO 0, R.
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fROS.TV
MONT
IELIEVE
GLOBflt
NOW ACS
JUST©
PUPPtE!
f munv wmnm^ fMrnc-.
sulmiillrif (or Wi.iumMiA
hi'i'hmark contest.
State Education and Outreach Projects
Daily energy use decisions by individuals, businesses, and government agencies can have an enor-
mous cumulative effect on greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, most people are only
vaguely aware of the risks and causes of global warming.
Education and outreach support from the State and Local Climate Change Program helps pro-
vide states with an opportunity to inform their own citizens about the potential impacts of cli-
mate change—impacts that are important to them. States can develop messages and informa-
uon that are specific to their own particular conditions
Projects typically provide education and outreach to schoolchildren, civic groups, public leaders,
and stakeholders, through such means as curricula, presentations, conferences, fact sheets, and
other publications. Between FY 1992 and 1997, the program awarded 33 grants and cooperative
agreements totaling $2,455,419 for education and outreach programs.
Education and Outreach Highlights
New Hampshire;; High-Profile Educator
"Education is critical in the issue of global climate change," says Don LaTourette, global climate
change coordinator for New Hampshire. Since his position was created in July of 1997, he has
given presentations to dozens of classrooms, civic groups, and retirement homes around the state.
He currently is working with the University of New Hampshire to develop a climate change cur-
riculum for use by middle- and high school teachers.
LaTourctte's office, based in the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, works
closely with the Governors Office of Energy and Community Services to foster cooperation on cli-
mate change issues among state agencies and departments. LaTourette is pleased that several New
Hampshire state agencies have been receptive to working jointly on climate change issues. "Some
states have struggled with internal competition," he says. "Here we're working hard to keep
reminding ourselves that this is an issue that affects and crosses all departments and divisions. A
united approach is what it's going to take."
Innovation in Oregon
Having committed itself to climate change mitigation in 1995 through its EPA-funded action
plan for emissions reduction, Oregon in 1997 enacted a landmark law that establishes a "car-
bon dioxide standard" for all new power plants of 25 megawatts or more. The CO.- standard
requires natural gas-fired plants to achieve 0.7 pounds of CO.- emissions for each kilowatt-hour
of power produced—a reduction of 17 percent below the most efficient gas-fired plant current-
ly operating in the United States. The standard can be met by any combination of efficiency,
cogeneration, and offsets from off-site mitigation.
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He attributes much of his success to the support of key New Hampshire officials, including
Governor Jeanne Shaheen, Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Robert Varney,
and Air Resources Director Ken Colburn.
He now plans to focus on groups in New Hampshire that may be the most affected by climate
change, such as the ski industry, hotels, foresters, the maple sugar industry, and seacoast residents.
Wisconsin Hits the Books
Wisconsin's state energy office has developed a creative statewide program to inform adults and
children about the effects of global warming. With a grant from EPA, the Wisconsin Energy
Bureau initiated an 11-part outreach effort. According to the bureau's Public Outreach
Coordinator Barbara Samuel, the program emphasizes the idea that "our greatest natural energy
resource is efficiency and improvements we can make."
One highlight of the program was a contest for schoolchildren to create designs for bookmarks
that underscore the importance of reducing greenhouse gases. Copies of the winning entries were
distributed in libraries and schools throughout the state.
Adults will have the opportunity to attend forums where experts will address their questions and
concerns. The Wisconsin Energy Bureau also is working with newspapers to include a special
Earth Day global warming supplement.
s for Climate Protection Campaign
At the local level, the State and Local Climate Change Program supports the Cities for Climate
Protection Campaign, a program of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
(1CLE1). The campaigns goals are to slow global warming and improve local air quality and urban
livability by motivating and empowering local governments to reduce urban carbon dioxide emis-
sions. Currently, 54 cities and counties in the United States participate in the Cities for Climate
Protection Campaign.
Wisconsin Takes Action
Wisconsin has used EPA grant money to develop innovative programs to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. The two main programs are an energy efficient mortgage program and a pilot
program to replace electric water heaters with gas models.
R F P O R T
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Cities for Climate Protection Campaign Achievements
• Recruited 54 city and county participants.
• Identified 4.5 million tons (4 million metric tons) of greenhouse gas emissions reduced
annually by participating local governments.
• Completed 31 emissions analyses and 14 local action plans. An additional 12
emission analyses and 12 action plans are in progress.
• Developed manuals, case studies, software, and other materials to help train
municipal and county officials.
• Held numerous public awareness events and produced educational materials for the public.
• Provided training workshops and technical assistance site visits to local partners.
• Provided assistance to EPA headquarters and regional offices.
• Promoted integration with other Climate Change Action Plan programs. For example, CCPC
local governments have recruited over 200 manufacturing and industrial companies to ihe
£ PA/DOE Climate Wise program.
I lie campaign's accomplishments are described in more detail in ICLEl's November 1997 report, U.S.
Communities Acting to Protect the Climate, available from the programs U.S. office in Berkeley,
California. (See back cover for contact information.)
EPA 1 «* 9 8
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PROTECTION
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ONE-STOP SERVICE
The State and Local Climate Change Program offers many kinds of help to state and local govern-
ments, including:
•a Providing training workshops and reference manuals.
- Helping states prepare greenhouse gas emission inventories and action plans.
• Testing innovative policies.
• Disseminating results.
4 Providing networking opportunities at the program's partners' conferences.
s Offering referrals to other EPA programs such as Green Lights and WasteWiSe.
c Providing education and outreach materials, such as the training manuals and the quarterly
report, "Inside the Greenhouse."
• Conducting roundtables at EPAs regional conferences on climate change and providing
speakers at those conferences.
• Networking with nongovernmental organizations.
The program offers public recognition to states that have taken the initiative by reducing green-
house gas emissions. Their success stories are published in fact sheets and the quarterly on-line
report, "Inside the Greenhouse." They also receive recognition through public award ceremonies
at the programs partners' conferences.
Conferences Where the State and Local Program Has Taken Exhibits in
1997 and 1998
National Conference of State Legislatures: Philadelphia, PA; Las Vegas, NV
National Association of Counties: Baltimore, MD; Portland, OR
National League of Cities: Philadelphia, PA
American Planning Association: Boston, MA
U.S. Conference of Mayors: Reno, NV; San Francisco, CA
National Clean Cities Conference: Washington, DC
Second Annual EPA State and Local
Partners' Conference, Chicago, IL
Telecommuting:
An Alternate
Route to Work
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The Road Ahead
The State aftd Local Climate Change Program is pleased at the growing number of states that have
completed, or are nearing completion of, their greenhouse gas inventories and action plans. As we
look forward to 1999 and beyond, the program will continue our ongoing capacity-building
efforts to enable state decisionmakers to identify and put in place voluntary actions that will
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A major new effort will focus on working with our partners to
inform the public, including key affected groups, of the environmental and economic benefits that
stem from efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Some of the new projects under consideration for the upcoming year include the following:
• Catalyze Action Plans (CAPs) Project. This project will assist leaders in selected
states to assess barriers to implementing action plans in their states.
State Impact Mitigation Projects. These projects will identify key constituencies
and vulnerable impact areas in several targeted states, and then hold meetings in
each selected state to report on the findings.
• Pilot Regional Outreach Programs. This effort will assist EPA Region 1 (New
England), Region 5 (upper Midwest), and Region 6 (south-central U.S.) in developing
climate change outreach programs for those regions.
• Coastal Cities Tour. These two-day events, including workshops, seminars, and tours of
coastal areas, will focus on raising awareness of the climate change impacts associated with
sea level rise.
Recognition Events. States and localities will be acknowledged for their leadership in
responding to climate change and achieving mitigation successes.
EPA 1998
PROGRESS REPORT
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EPA's State and Local Climate Change Program is
launched.
National Governors' Association releases task force
report on climate change, including seven goals for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to a
changing climate, and improving climate research.
Oregon's Department of Energy releases a strategy to
reduce the state's C02 emissions by 20 percent from
1988 levels by the year 2005.
Vermont publishes state energy plan calling for a 12
percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the
year 2000.
National Academy of Sciences publishes landmark
study on the policy implications of global warming.
International Council for Local Environmental
Initiatives (ICLEI) announces the launch of the Urban
C02 Reduction Project (later renamed the Cities for
Climate Protection Campaign), with 10-12 cities
participating worldwide.
California's Energy Commission publishes report on
climate change issues, recommending that the state
consider adopting a C02 reduction target.
State and Local Climate Change Program awards first
education/outreach grants. Recipients are League of
Women Voters, National Conference of State
Legislatures, and National Governors' Association.
Council of State Governments recommends climate
change strategies for 10 northeastern states.
Negotiators from 145 countries sign the U.N. Framework
Convention on Climate Change in Rio De Janeiro in 1992.
Ratified by the U.S. Senate in October, 1992.
Bush Administration publishes National Action Plan for
Global Climate Change, a 129-page description of
measures the federal government is taking to mitigate
and adapt to climate change.
ICLEI launches Green Fleets project.
Municipal leaders from more than 40 cities worldwide
meet in New York for a summit on climate change and
the urban environment, sponsored by ICLEI.
President Clinton releases the Climate Change Action
Plan, a "detailed, realistic, and achievable" strategy to
return national greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990
levels by the year 2000.
State and Local Climate Change Program restructures
program to assist states with inventories, action plans,
and demonstration projects.
U.S. negotiators call for talks to begin on international
targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the
post-2000 period.
State and Local Climate Change Program holds first
Partners' Conference in Chicago.
Parties to the U.N. climate convention issue the Berlin
Mandate.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change approves
Second Assessment Report, concluding that the evidence
suggests a "discernible human influence" on climate.
ICLEI holds 2nd Municipal Leaders' Summit in Berlin.
Eight U.S. jurisdictions participate.
Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) project
launched.
ICLEI holds 3rd Municipal Leaders Summit in Saitama,
Japan. Sixteen U.S. jurisdictions participate.
U.S. announces that it will press for a climate treaty
that sets out "a realistic, verifiable, and binding
medium-term emissions target" for greenhouse gases.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) releases its
first publication on procurement, using State and Local
Climate Change Program funds.
State and Local Climate Change Program launches a
listserv.
The program publishes the first set of 20 impact sheets
on states.
More than 2,000 economists, including eight Nobel
laureates, endorse a statement recognizing that there
are "many potential policies to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions for which the total benefits outweigh the
total costs."
EPA website on climate change comes on-line.
ICLEI hosts 4th Municipal Leaders Summit in Nagoya,
Japan. Eight cities participate.
I EPA State and Local Climate Change Program launches
"Inside the Greenhouse." First four issues are published.
I EPA State and Local Climate Change Program launches
State Climate Database.
I Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber signs law requiring
power plant developers to reduce the net amount of
C02 emitted by new power plants built in the state.
! President Clinton launches a nationwide climate
awareness campaign, vowing to "build the consensus
necessary to actually make action, as opposed to
rhetoric, possible."
I EPA State and Local Partners meet in Chicago to discuss
progress and networking opportunities.
I Delegates from 160 nations develop the Kyoto
Protocol, a treaty requiring industrialized countries to
cut their emissions of greenhouse gases.
I EPA's Climate Outreach and Innovations Division
publishes brochure titled "Cool Facts about Global
Warming."
Surface-based temperature records show 1997 as the
warmest year of the century.
President Clinton announces a $6 billion package of tax
incentives and R&D spending to spur the development
and use of clean energy technologies.
Scientists announce that the first half of 1998 was
hotter than any of the last 600 years. ^
State and Local Climate Change Program prepares
drafts of final 30 state impact sheets.
State and Local Climate Change Program publishes its
first "Climate Change Solutions" success story fact
sheet, titled: "Utah's Solar Project Helps Reduce
Greenhouse Gases."
The program publishes four more issues of "Inside the
Greenhouse."
I Launched project with National Governors' Association.
State and Local Climate Change Program holds its third
annual partners conference.
FOR STATE
AND LOCAL
CLIMATE
CHANGE
PROGRAM
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