New Hampshire Reforms RGGI Participation

According to the Concord Monitor, New Hampshire recently enacted a law that significantly alters the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).  The initiative works as a carbon dioxide cap and trade program for nine northeastern states, including Connecticut.  After flirting with withdrawal from RGGI last year, New Hampshire’s new law diverts RGGI revenues from the state’s Public Utilities Commission to utility-run energy efficiency programs and rate payer rebates.  It also commits the state to remaining in RGGI unless two other New England states, or a New England state with at least 10% of the region’s energy load, withdraw first.