New York Wants GHG Reporting
New York State to Require Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting
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ALBANY, N.Y. – Starting in 2027, a wide range of New York businesses will be required to report their greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to draft regulations released by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The proposed mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, currently open for public comment until July 1, 2025, aims to collect comprehensive data on emissions throughout the state.The DEC emphasizes that the initial phase focuses solely on data gathering, wiht no immediate mandates for emissions reductions or the purchase of emission permits.
The collected data is intended to improve the state’s understanding of emissions sources and inform future climate policy decisions.
Who Must Report?
The program encompasses a broad range of entities, selected based on their emissions levels and role in the energy sector. These include:
- Facilities emitting 10,000 metric tons or more of equivalent greenhouse gases per year, such as power plants, landfills, incinerators, and compressor stations.
- Suppliers of fossil fuels, including natural gas, liquid fuels, oil products, liquefied and compressed natural gas, and coal.
- Transporters of solid waste out of state, if their emissions exceed the established threshold.
- Electric companies that generate or import electricity into New York.
- Suppliers of fertilizers and agricultural lime with important annual emissions potential.
- Operators of sewage treatment plants and anaerobic digestion facilities.
Future Emissions Reduction Programs
While the current regulation does not impose emissions reduction obligations, the DEC notes that it ”represents a first concrete step towards a future pricing system of CO₂.” The DEC, in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Progress Authority (NYSERDA), is in the process of defining the scope of a potential cap-and-invest program. Participation in such a program will be determined in a later phase,informed by the data collected through this reporting initiative.
Part of a Larger Initiative
The DEC’s proposal is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $1 billion Lasting Future Program. According to Acting commissioner Sean Mahar Lefton, the data collected is “essential to build effective strategies, reduce pollution and protect the economic competitiveness of the state.”
To ease the transition, the DEC plans to develop a digital platform for data submission, offer training sessions, and provide a simplified tool to help businesses estimate their emissions. The DEC also stated that the proposal “integrates data already collected through other state and federal obligations” to minimize compliance costs.
New York State Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting: Your Questions Answered
Are you a new York business owner wondering about the new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting requirements? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations,answering your most pressing questions and offering insights into what you need to know.
What’s New wiht Greenhouse Gas Reporting in New York?
Q: What is the new GHG reporting requirement in New York?
A: Starting in 2027,a wide range of New York businesses will be required to annually report their greenhouse gas emissions to the state Department of Environmental conservation (DEC).This mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programme aims to collect comprehensive data on emissions throughout the state. The DEC currently has the regulation open for public comment until July 1, 2025.
Q: What is the primary goal of this reporting program?
A: The primary goal is to collect data to improve the state’s understanding of emissions sources and inform future climate policy decisions.The DEC emphasizes that the initial phase focuses solely on data gathering, with no immediate mandates for emissions reductions or the purchase of emission permits.
Who Needs to Report Their Emissions?
Q: Which businesses are required to report their greenhouse gas emissions?
A: The program encompasses a broad range of entities selected based on their emissions levels and role in the energy sector. These include:
Facilities emitting 10,000 metric tons or more of equivalent greenhouse gases per year (e.g.,power plants,landfills,incinerators,and compressor stations).
Suppliers of fossil fuels (natural gas, liquid fuels, oil products, liquefied and compressed natural gas, and coal).
Transporters of solid waste out of state,if their emissions exceed the established threshold.
Electric companies that generate or import electricity into New York.
Suppliers of fertilizers and agricultural lime with notable annual emissions potential.
Operators of sewage treatment plants and anaerobic digestion facilities.
Q: How are businesses selected for the reporting program?
A: Businesses are selected based on their emissions levels and role in the energy sector. The primary criterion is whether a facility emits 10,000 metric tons or more of equivalent greenhouse gases per year.
Understanding Technical Aspects of the Reporting
Q: What type of data will be collected?
A: The specifics of the data to be collected will be outlined in the final regulations. The current proposal aims to gather comprehensive information on greenhouse gas emissions from various sources.The DEC’s goal is to gather data that allows them to understand where emissions are coming from accurately.
Q: What is meant by ”equivalent greenhouse gases?”
A: “equivalent greenhouse gases” refers to a standardized measure that allows for the comparison of different greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential (GWP). Different gases have different GWPs, making some more potent than others.
The purpose of standardizing is to assist the DEC in comparing emissions from various sources across the state.
Q: How will businesses submit their data?
A: The DEC plans to develop a digital platform for data submission. Additionally, they will offer training sessions and provide a simplified tool to help businesses estimate their emissions. The DEC is also integrating data already collected through other state and federal obligations to minimize compliance costs.
Beyond the Data: Future Implications and Initiatives
Q: Will this reporting program lead to emissions reduction mandates?
A: While the current regulation does not impose emissions reduction obligations, the DEC notes it “represents a first concrete step towards a future pricing system of CO.”
Q: what is the “cap-and-invest” program mentioned?
A: The DEC, in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Progress Authority (NYSERDA), is in the process of defining the scope of a potential cap-and-invest program. This program would likely involve setting a limit (cap) on overall emissions and allowing businesses to trade emission allowances (invest). Participation in such a program will be determined in a later phase, informed by the data collected through this reporting initiative.
Q: Where does this program fit in Governor Hochul’s broader climate initiatives?
A: The DEC’s proposal is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $1 billion Lasting Future Program. The data collected is “essential to build effective strategies, reduce pollution, and protect the economic competitiveness of the state,” according to Acting Commissioner Sean Mahar Lefton.
Summary of Key Reporting Categories
To help you easily determine if your business might potentially be affected, here’s a quick overview:
| Category | Examples | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Facilities | Power plants, landfills, incinerators, compressor stations | Emitting 10,000+ metric tons of equivalent GHGs per year |
| Fossil Fuel Suppliers | Natural gas, liquid fuels, oil products, coal | Supplying fossil fuels |
| Solid Waste Transporters | companies transporting waste out-of-state | Emissions exceeding the established threshold |
| Electric companies | Generating or importing electricity | Operating as an electric supply company in New York |
| Fertilizer/Lime Suppliers | Agricultural fertilizer suppliers | Supplying with significant annual emissions potential. |
| Sewage/Anaerobic Digestion | Sewage Treatment Plants & Anaerobic Digestion facilities | Running anaerobic digestion facilities |
Support and Resources for Businesses
Q: What resources will be available to help businesses comply?
A: To assist businesses with compliance, the DEC plans to:
Develop a digital platform for easy data submission.
Offer training sessions to educate businesses on reporting requirements and best practices.
* Provide a simplified tool designed to help businesses estimate their emissions accurately.
We will update this article as more details become available.