As the next step in implementing the economy-wide cap on greenhouse gas emissions mandated by the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued proposed amendments to 310 CMR 7.71 (.pdf), which create comprehensive regulations regarding the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gases in Massachusetts. (See our December 18 Environmental Alert for more information on the emergency regulations, implemented in December). The public hearing on the proposed amendments is scheduled for April 30, and comments are due May 11. The third phase of regulations, regarding how emissions will be capped and reduced by 10-25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 as required by the GWSA, will be promulgated in 2011.

The proposed regulations are similar in some respects to the existing emergency regulations, but they include important new provisions relating to reporting by electricity sellers, mandatory third party verification of submissions, and voluntary emission reports.

Please see full alert for more information.