New Jersey GHG Management: What you need to know

Reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions:

Mandatory reporting: New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC) 7:27-8, NJAC 7:27-21.3, and 40 CFR 98

GHG reduction targets: Executive Order (E.O.) 54 and New Jersey Statutes Annotated (NJSA) 26:2C-39

Climate Action Plan (CAP): E.O. 54 and NJSA 26:2C-42

Vehicle GHG emissions: NJSA 26:2C-8.17 and NJAC 7:27-29

Global Warming Solutions Fund: NJSA 26:2C-50 and NJAC 7:27D-1.1 to 7:27D-4.11

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Sustainability and Green Energy

See ADDRESSES & CONTACTS for addresses and telephone numbers.

See national section for basic information and federal regulations.

• Rules. Before 2009, little action was taken at the federal level, beyond voluntary initiatives, to implement greenhouse gas (GHG) management strategies ensuring that GHG emissions are accounted for and controlled. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has changed its stance and is initiating actions to monitor and control GHG emissions.

New Jersey has developed statutes and regulations that address GHG emissions in order to meet state-established GHG emissions reduction targets. In addition, the state is working with other states to implement regional programs to monitor and control GHG emissions.

• Administration and enforcement. DEP's Sustainability and Green Energy administers the state's GHG management programs to address GHG emissions and coordinates with other states to assist in the implementation of regional climate change initiatives.

REPORTING GHG EMISSIONS

Mandatory Reporting

NJAC 7:27-8, NJAC 7:27-21.3, NJAC 7:27C, and 40 CFR 98

State. In New Jersey, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is specifically designated as a pollutant and must be reported as part of the annual emissions inventory by certain sources. In addition, applicable sources must also include methane emissions in their annual emissions inventory submitted to the DEP.