Search Results for keywords:"greenhouse gas emissions"

The final regulations from the Internal Revenue Service under the Treasury Department focus on implementing credits for producing clean hydrogen as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. These regulations cover how to assess greenhouse gas emissions, verify clean hydrogen production, and apply energy credits for hydrogen production facilities. They impact all taxpayers who either produce qualified clean hydrogen or use renewable energy sources to make it, aiming to encourage cleaner hydrogen production processes. The rules are effective from January 10, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Energy has decided to update energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. These changes aim to make the heaters more energy-efficient, leading to significant energy savings while being both technologically feasible and economically justified. Starting December 26, 2029, manufacturers will need to comply with these new standards, which are calculated to save energy and money over the lifetime of the heaters and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, despite potential minor increases in electricity use. The overall benefits include costs savings for consumers and emissions reductions, though there will be conversion costs for manufacturers to meet these standards.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has assessed that its proposed rule to implement consumer protections for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing will not have a significant impact on the environment. PACE loans help finance home improvements like solar panels and energy efficiency projects. The proposed rule would require lenders to ensure borrowers can repay these loans, potentially reducing the number of loans issued. While some argue this could limit environmental benefits from such projects, the CFPB found the rule's effect on the environment would be minimal and does not necessitate a more extensive environmental review.

The Office of Fossil Energy & Carbon Management of the Department of Energy (DOE) has released a study evaluating the effects of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports on the economy, environment, and energy security. This study includes detailed analyses of potential impacts on domestic energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on local communities where gas production occurs. DOE encourages public comments on the study but does not plan to make revisions based on these comments, aiming instead to use them to guide decisions on LNG exports in countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. Those interested can provide their feedback electronically by February 18, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is asking for public comments on a new plan to gather information about greenhouse gas emissions from electricity producers. This information will help producers apply for certain tax credits related to emissions. The DOE plans to collect this data with the help of National Laboratories and aims to keep the process efficient through automated methods. The deadline for submitting comments is March 14, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced an interim rule to help quantify, report, and verify greenhouse gas emissions linked with the production of biofuel feedstock crops grown using climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. This rule is part of an effort to provide standardized guidelines for farmers and other entities within the biofuel supply chain, aiming to boost participation in environmental service markets. By offering a more uniform approach, the USDA hopes to increase transparency and efficiency in tracking reduced-carbon intensity crops, potentially enhancing environmental benefits and market opportunities. Comments from the public will be considered by the USDA as they seek to finalize the rule, which remains open for feedback until March 18, 2025.