New York Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements for Major Polluters

ALBANY, N.Y. — Yesterday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released its final regulations to establish a Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The program will require major emitters to report data on greenhouse gas emissions each year, which will inform strategies to cut pollution and direct clean energy investments. 

Emissions data reported under this rule will be critical to support overdue implementation of New York’s climate law, including establishing pollution reduction requirements under a future cap-and-invest program. Cap-and-invest — now known as the Clean Air Initiative — is projected to generate at least $3 billion annually for investments that can save New Yorkers money on energy bills, create family-sustaining jobs and deliver massive health benefits, particularly in communities most impacted by climate and air pollution. 

“The reporting program will provide vital public information about sources of climate pollution and represents a critical step by the state amidst federal rollbacks,” said Kate Courtin, Senior Manager of State Climate Policy & Strategy at Environmental Defense Fund. “Reporting is not a substitute for regulating pollution: as the Trump administration obstructs clean energy projects and doubles-down on expensive fossil fuel infrastructure, New York must lead. The state can immediately curb harmful pollution and secure cheaper, cleaner energy for its residents by moving forward with the Clean Air Initiative.”