While some of the Initiative Participants are facing emerging Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) regulations, some of the Participants are interested in pursuing greenhouse gas (GHG) offset projects that do not fit within the current RGGI guidelines. Toward that goal, the RFP has a general window for offset project submissions that complement the RGGI window. The General window is intended for projects that meet the General Guidelines for All Proposing Entities section of the Request for Proposals (RFP).
Total Anticipated Demand: 3 million short tons of CO2-e
Geographic Restrictions
Project proposals for GHG offset projects located in all U.S. states and jurisdictions will be considered.
Additionality Requirement
Projects submitted under the General RFP Window will be assessed on a project-by-project basis. Applicants are encouraged to use a barriers test to demonstrate additionality. In essence, this test is a discussion of the barriers faced by the proposed project and how offset funds will be used to overcome those barriers. Barriers may include:
Projects that will lead to emission reductions above and beyond what is required by law will be considered. An offset is surplus if it is not otherwise required of an emitting entity by current regulations or other obligations.
Eligible Project Types
Any project that will lead to greenhouse gas emissions reduced, avoided or sequestered is eligible. Please note that any projects which fit under the five eligible project sectors for RGGI, must be submitted through the RGGI window.
Type of Greenhouse Gases
Offsets resulting from projects that will reduce or avoid all types of greenhouse gases are eligible, as well as those projects that will sequester carbon dioxide. Eligible gases include: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
