What is RGGI?
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a multi-state market-based program designed to cap and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. It has the added benefit of generating auction proceeds to invest in clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. In New Jersey, these proceeds are legislatively distributed to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NJ Economic Development Authority, and the NJ Board of Public Utilities for special uses. These 3 agencies are required to develop a Strategic Funding Plan to identify the initiatives that each agency will sponsor and outline the scope of the eligible programs and projects that may receive RGGI funding.
Why should private forest owners in NJ care about RGGI proceeds?
State Law allocates 10% of RGGI auction proceeds to the DEP to support programs that enhance the stewardship and restoration of the State's forests and tidal marshes. An allowable use of these proceeds is to provide grants for developing and implementing a forest stewardship plan.
How can I get more info/provide feedback on the RGGI strategic funding plan?
Each agency will host an agency-specific public meeting, along with one combined public meeting. For more information about the public meetings, join the RGGI Strategic Funding Plan listserv:
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