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The document argues that the traditional cost-of-service regulation (COSR) model creates a capital bias that hinders the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). To transition utilities into distribution system optimizers (DSOs), the author proposes integrated distribution planning (IDP) to reveal the locational value of DERs. Two regulatory pathways are examined: an information-intensive approach that separates the DSO function from asset ownership to create competitive markets, and an outcome-focused approach using performance-based regulation (PBR) to align utility profits with system optimization and public policy goals.

The document examines the challenges RTOs face as the U.S. grid shifts from large central generators to variable renewables and distributed energy resources (DERs). It argues that 'flexibility'—the ability to respond to changes in supply and demand across various timeframes—is essential for reliability and cost minimization. The authors recommend eliminating self-scheduling for all generators and imports, preserving negative pricing, and improving the coordination between natural gas and electricity markets. It also suggests creating technology-neutral products that value specific capabilities, such as ramping and frequency response, and highlights successful examples like MISO's Dispatchable Intermittent Resource category and CAISO's Flexi-Ramp product.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that New Mexico should strengthen its renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 80 percent by 2040 to ensure a cost-effective transition from coal to clean energy. Modeling shows that renewables are the most economically favorable choice, offering significant capital investment, job growth, and public health benefits without substantially increasing consumer electricity costs. The report warns against utility plans to overinvest in natural gas, which could lead to stranded assets and higher climate risks.

The document outlines the technical framework for analyzing New Mexico's energy transition, comparing a 'business-as-usual' baseline against a strengthened renewable portfolio standard (RPS). It specifies the cost, performance, and retirement assumptions for various power generation technologies and the economic parameters used to estimate job creation and local revenue from wind, solar, and transmission projects.

The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a regional emissions limit for the Northeast US transportation sector, modeled after the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) for electricity. The document highlights that transportation is the region's largest pollution source, contributing over 40% of global warming emissions and causing significant health costs. It recommends a cap-and-invest strategy to hold oil companies accountable and fund clean mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and expanded public transit.

An analysis of 342 decentralized commitments indicates that the US could meet half of its Paris Agreement climate goals by 2025 if these targets are implemented, with states providing the largest volume of reductions and businesses setting the steepest targets.

The Institute for Policy Integrity argues that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acted irrationally by staying the Waste Prevention Rule—which aimed to stop oil and gas companies from wasting natural gas on public lands—without considering the forgone benefits of the rule. The brief contends that the BLM's justification relied solely on cost savings, ignoring the benefits it had previously used to justify the rule's enactment, and calls for the stay to be vacated.

The text examines how regional governments and cities can maintain climate ambitions despite national withdrawals from international agreements, such as the US's proposed exit from the Paris Agreement. It highlights the Under2MoU as a global sub-national alliance and details Baden-Württemberg's legal and strategic approach to climate neutrality, while noting that regional success remains dependent on supportive national and EU frameworks.

The text emphasizes that while climate change is a global challenge requiring national commitments like the Paris Agreement, effective action is often anchored at the subnational level. It highlights the Under2MoU alliance, co-founded by Baden-Württemberg and California, as a model for regional leadership. The author, Franz Untersteller, details Baden-Württemberg's specific goals—including a 90% emission reduction by 2050—while noting that regional success is limited by the need for stronger regulatory frameworks from the German federal government and the European Union.

The document summarizes over 125 written submissions and workshop contributions regarding the proposed Canadian Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). Stakeholders generally support the CFS's goal of reducing GHG emissions by 30 Mt annually by 2030, though they diverge on the feasibility of the timeline and the specific regulatory design. Key areas of discussion include the preference for an emission intensity-based approach over volumetric mandates, the need for flexible compliance pathways such as credit trading, and the importance of harmonizing the CFS with existing carbon pricing and international aviation and marine standards. Industrial sectors expressed significant concerns regarding competitiveness, carbon leakage, and the technical feasibility of fuel switching, while environmental groups advocated for broad sustainability criteria and the inclusion of indirect land use changes (iLUC) in life-cycle analyses.

The document summarizes stakeholder responses to Canada's proposed Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). While there is broad support for the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 Mt by 2030, stakeholders express divergent views on regulatory design, specifically regarding sector-specific targets, the inclusion of indirect land-use change (ILUC) in life-cycle assessments, and the potential for policy duplication with carbon pricing. Key concerns include the economic impact on trade-exposed industries, the feasibility of infrastructure for low-carbon fuels, and the need for harmonization with international standards in aviation and shipping.

The briefing presents a business case for applying R-PACE financing to new residential construction to achieve net-zero energy (NZE) goals. It identifies key market barriers—such as high up-front costs and split incentives between builders and buyers—and proposes a policy framework to integrate R-PACE into new builds. RMI's analysis across six U.S. states suggests that NZE homes can be delivered with no additional up-front cost to the buyer, providing annual energy savings that exceed the PACE assessment payments.

The report argues that the electric vehicle revolution is inevitable due to falling battery costs and increasing consumer demand, making the urgent deployment of charging infrastructure a priority for U.S. utilities and regulators. It identifies high capital costs and unfavorable utility tariffs—specifically high demand charges—as primary barriers to the profitability of DC fast charging (DCFC). The authors advocate for a mix of Level 2 chargers for residential and workplace needs and DCFC for high-traffic corridors, supported by time-of-use (TOU) tariffs to optimize grid integration. Through case studies of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Ohio, and Texas, the report demonstrates how different regulatory environments and grid compositions influence the cost of charging and the potential for EVs to absorb excess renewable energy.

The document explains the requirements of California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), detailing the components of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) and the role of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs). It identifies six 'undesirable results' that plans must avoid, such as land subsidence and seawater intrusion, and explains the technical tools used to manage these, including water budgets and hydrologic models. The guide emphasizes the subjective nature of 'sustainability' and provides a framework for stakeholders to engage in the planning process, set minimum thresholds, and collaborate with technical experts to ensure plans reflect community values.

The document explains the framework of California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which requires local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to achieve groundwater sustainability by 2040 (or 2042 for low-priority basins). It details the four main components of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP): basin description, sustainable goals to avoid six 'undesirable outcomes', management projects, and monitoring plans. The guide emphasizes that sustainability is a social and technical definition determined by local community values. It provides a framework for understanding water budgets and hydrological models, stressing the need for open-source software and the integration of community values into technical data. Finally, it outlines pathways for public engagement, such as joining GSA boards or advisory committees, and lists critical questions to ensure transparency and accountability in the planning process.

Olam implemented a long-term selective breeding program and irrigation optimizations in California to produce onions with higher solid and lower water content. Since 2009, these initiatives have resulted in quantified savings of 9.7 billion liters of water and 20,138 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The program utilizes the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard and collaboration with approximately 60 local growers, including the use of buried drip irrigation which reduced grower water usage by 25%. Olam is now transferring these learnings to its operations in Egypt.

The document is a statement by environmental organizations opposing amendments to California Senate Bill 488. These amendments seek to limit the California Insurance Commissioner's ability to issue data calls, specifically targeting the Climate Risk Carbon Initiative. Launched in January 2016, this initiative requires insurers with over $100 million in annual premiums to disclose investments in coal, oil, and natural gas, while encouraging voluntary divestment from thermal coal. The authors argue that such disclosures are essential for financial stability and transparency, citing risks of stranded assets and the necessity of accounting for carbon transition risk to protect institutional investors and fiduciaries.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) implements minimum efficiency standards for over 60 categories of residential and commercial products to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions. These standards, supported by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, have resulted in billions of dollars in consumer savings and significant greenhouse gas reductions. While federal mandates provide a baseline, voluntary programs like ENERGY STAR and state-level regulations, such as those in California, further drive efficiency. The document highlights the transition to LED lighting and the emergence of 'smart' technologies and net-zero buildings as key drivers for future energy reductions in the building sector.

The document examines the state of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), detailing the differences between battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It highlights the U.S. market's heavy reliance on California due to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program and specific state incentives. The text analyzes the economic benefits of PEVs, noting lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, and discusses the critical role of charging infrastructure and falling battery prices. Globally, it notes the leadership of China and Europe in PEV sales and the aspirational phase-out targets for gasoline cars in countries like Norway and India.

The document details how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 to mandate minimum efficiency standards for over 60 product categories. It highlights the economic and environmental benefits of these standards, including billions in consumer savings and significant reductions in carbon emissions. The text also discusses voluntary programs like ENERGY STAR, the impact of LED lighting, and the potential for future standards targeting electronic 'plug load' and smart building technologies.