Environmental Markets

EnerKnol’s environmental markets insight provides market participants up-to-date information and forecasts of the U.S. carbon markets and emissions regulations. Among many topics, analysis includes the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), California cap-and-trade (AB 32), Environmental Protection Agency emissions regulations, and energy efficiency standards. Environmental markets policy is more active than ever before with emergence of new climate change studies. EnerKnol Research provides critical insight for compliance entities, carbon market participants, and power generators, to stay abreast of legislative and regulatory changes.

Mar72018

Carbon Markets Thrive as States Brush Aside Trump and Take Lead on Climate

With the federal government’s U-turn on climate policy, states are taking the lead in regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, carbon trading is gaining traction as more jurisdictions are joining cap-and-trade markets.The two regional blocs in the U.S., California, Quebec, and Ontario’s cap-and-trade system and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) involving nine Northeastern states, recently outlined their plans after 2020 ending uncertainty about their medium-term future.

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March 7, 2018

Mar62018

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Carbon Markets Thrive as States Brush Aside Trump and Take Lead on Climate

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March 6, 2018

Nov222017

Virginia Approves Cap-and-Trade Plan and Moves to Join RGGI

The Virginia Air Pollution Control Board has approved a proposal to reduce power sector carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent between 2020 and 2030. The proposal would link Virginia with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s first mandatory cap-and-trade program. The proposal is consistent with RGGI’s recently announced proposed improvements that caused a rebound in allowance prices in the September auction. With member states in agreement over the program's post-2020 path, RGGI is likely in for a boost that could see both price increases in future auctions and additional states joining the group.

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November 22, 2017

Nov212017

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Virginia Approves Cap-and-Trade Plan and Moves to Join RGGI

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November 21, 2017

Oct182017

Trump’s EPA Trashes Global Benefits of Carbon Cuts in Repeal of Obama Climate Rule

In its proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan (CPP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has devalued the social cost of carbon (SCC) and disregarded the global benefits from the CPP. Following President Trump’s executive order rescinding the SCC, this approach could be used to revisit existing environmental rules. Despite the pushback on carbon pricing at the federal level, states are increasingly using the social cost of carbon as a metric to measure and reduce their climate impacts.

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October 18, 2017

Oct172017

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Trump’s EPA Trashes Global Benefits of Carbon Cuts in Repeal of Obama Climate Rule

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October 17, 2017

Jul192017

California Legislature Approves Cap-and-Trade Extension until 2030 with Concessions

The California legislature has passed legislation extending the cap-and-trade program, the centerpiece of the state’s efforts against climate change. The extension aligns the program with the state’s 2030 emissions reduction targets. It cements California’s role as a leading state in climate policy nationwide at a time when federal climate policy remains uncertain.

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July 19, 2017

Jul182017

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – California Legislature Approves Cap-and-Trade Extension until 2030 with Concessions

The California legislature has passed legislation extending the cap-and-trade program, the centerpiece of the state’s efforts against climate change. The extension aligns the program with the state’s 2030 emissions reduction targets. It cements California's role as a leading state in climate policy nationwide at a time when federal climate policy remains uncertain.

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July 18, 2017

Carbon Prices in RGGI Auction Slump to Lowest in Over Four Years, Reflecting Need for Reform

Clearing prices in the June 2017 RGGI auction dropped to their lowest level in over four years, marking a sharp turn from the December 2015 auction which had reached a record high. The decline in prices can be attributed to uncertainty about the RGGI program after 2020 with regard to the future value of emissions allowances, as well as uncertainty over the future of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan. RGGI’s emission cap must extend at least until 2030 to provide certainty for market participants who are bracing for the end of the program currently slated for the end of 2020.

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June 16, 2017

Jun152017

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Carbon Prices in RGGI Auction Slump to Lowest in Over Four Years, Reflecting Need for Reform

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June 15, 2017

2017 State Legislative Action Calls for Greater Energy Diversity

Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.

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June 14, 2017

Jun132017

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – State Legislation Update: 6/2017

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June 13, 2017

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