Clean EnergyEnvironment STATE PARTNERSHIP The Clean Energy-Environment Guide to Action Report Overview February 2006 Jft cross the nation, states are developing I policies and programs to help bring m mcost-effective, clean energy technologies and practices to their businesses and residents. These efforts improve end-use energy efficiency, increase production of renewable energy and improve the efficiency of electricity generation. State efforts to advance these technologies are saving energy, improving air quality, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, and improving the reliability and security of the electric grid. States are also investing in clean energy as a way to promote economic development and create new jobs. The Guide to Action identifies and describes sixteen clean energy policies and strategies that are delivering economic and environmental results for states. Clean energy includes demand- and supply-side resources that deliver clean, reliable, low-cost ways to meet energy demand and reduce peak electricity system loads. For each policy, the Guide to Action describes: Objectives and benefits of the policy. Examples of states that have implemented the policy. Responsibilities of key players at the state level, including typical roles of the main stakeholders. Opportunities to coordinate implementation with other federal and state policies, partnerships, and technical assistance resources. Best practices for policy design, implementation, and evaluation, including state examples. Action steps for states to take when adopting or modifying their clean energy policies, based on existing state experiences. Resources for additional information on individual state policies, legislative and regulatory language, and analytical tools and methods. State Clean Energy Policies Covered in the Clean Energy- Environment Guide to Action State Planning and Incentive Structures Lead by Example State and Regional Energy Planning Determining the Air Quality Benefits of Clean Energy Funding and Incentives Energy Efficiency Actions Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards Public Benefits Funds for Energy Efficiency Building Codes for Energy Efficiency State Appliance Efficiency Standards Energy Supply Actions (Renewable Energy and Combined Heat and Power) Renewable Portfolio Standards Public Benefits Funds for State Clean Energy Supply Programs Output-Based Environmental Regulations to Support Clean Energy Supply Interconnection Standards Fostering Green Power Markets Utility Planning and Incentive Structures Portfolio Management Strategies Utility Incentives for Demand-Side Resources Emerging Approaches: Removing Unintended Utility Rate Barriers to Distributed Generation ------- Who Will Use the Guide to Action? The Guide to Action is intended for use by state energy, economic and environmental policymakers. It demonstrates a range of clean energy policy options, best practices, and lessons learned that can inform decision-making and policy design. States participating in the Clean Energy- Environment State Partnership Program will use the Guide to Action to: Develop their own Clean Energy-Environment Action Plan that is appropriate to their state. Identify the roles and responsibilities of key decisionmakers, such as environmental regulators, state legislatures, public utility commissioners, and state energy offices. Access and apply technical assistance resources, models, and tools available for state-specific analyses and program implementation. Learn from each other as they develop their own clean energy programs and policies. EPA's Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership Program The Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership Program is a voluntary program designed to help states review and adopt available policies and programs that effectively integrate clean energy into a low-cost, clean, reliable energy system for the state. Clean energy includes energy efficiency, clean distributed generation, and renewable energy. Partner States (as of February 2006) include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas Each State Partner will develop a Clean Energy-Environment State Action Plan for using existing and new energy policies and programs to increase the use of clean energy. The EPA Clean Energy-Environment Guide to Action is intended to assist state partners and other interested states in designing and implementing a clean energy action plan that will: Save money by lowering energy demand and supply costs. Lower emissions of greenhouse gases and improve air quality. Reduce fuel price volatility in energy markets Enhance the reliability of the electric system Avoid the need for new power plants and related fuel and supply infrastructure Create economic development opportunities and new jobs. How Do I Get More Information? The Guide to Action is available online at EPA's Clean Energy Web site: www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/stateandlocal/guidetoaction.htm For more information about the Guide to Action, please contact the EPA Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership: Julie Rosenberg, Branch Chief Phone: 202-343-9154 E-mail: rosenberg.julie@epa.gov Steve Dunn, Policy Analyst Phone: 202-343-9341 E-mail: dunn.stevev@epa.gov Mailing address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 6202J Washington, DC 20460 EPA430-F-06-006 ------- |