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Climate Change

International Climate Partnerships

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On This Page

International Conventions

Many-country (Multilateral) Partnerships and Activities

Two-country (Bilateral) Partnerships and Activities

EPA supports the United States’ international partnerships to address the global challenge of climate change.

As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United States is committed to working with the international community to promote the convention’s key objective: stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system. The United States is actively engaging with the international community to find solutions and promote global cooperation on climate change.

EPA participates in bilateral (two-country) and multilateral (more than two-country) partnerships, providing leadership, technical expertise, and capacity building support. Below is a list of the main international climate initiatives that EPA supports.

International Conventions

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

The United States is a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Exit and participates in ongoing negotiations under the UNFCCC. The United States signed the treaty in June 1992 and ratified it in October of that same year, becoming the first industrialized country and the fourth nation overall to do so. Under the Convention, U.S. funding supports technology transfer, capacity building, and adaptation programs in developing countries.

As one of its commitments under the UNFCCC, the United States produces an annual inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and sinks. EPA leads this effort on behalf of the United States government to collect and compile data from a number of other departments and agencies. In addition, with contributions from EPA and other federal agencies, the U.S. State Department coordinates and produces the periodic National Communication of the United States (The U.S. Climate Action Report), a reporting document that is required under the UNFCCC.

International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

EPA is a fully engaged member of the United States Delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The IMO is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships. The MEPC develops international guidelines and standards to reduce air exhaust and greenhouse gas emissions from ships under Annex VI to the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). In July 2011, the IMO amended MARPOL Annex VI to include energy efficiency standards for new ships (PDF, 3 pp, 127 K) through the designation of an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). These EEDI standards phase in from 2013 to 2025, and by then the standards will result in 30% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide compared to today’s vessels.

The Department of State leads the U.S. delegation in these negotiations. EPA acts as the technical advisor on environmental matters for the U.S. delegation to the IMO, and contributes to the development of environmental policy at the IMO. In addition to EPA, other federal partners on the delegation include the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, Transportation, and Commerce.

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Many-country (Multilateral) Partnerships and Activities

The United States is engaged in a number of multilateral activities that promote clean and efficient technologies and the sharing of critical scientific information among a wide range of government, private sector, academic, and other interested stakeholders. These actions emphasize international cooperation to develop an efficient and coordinated response to global climate change. EPA has provided leadership in several priority areas: capture and use of methane (CH4) gas, the lowering of emissions of potent greenhouse gases from industrial sources, and the building capacity for greenhouse gas inventory development in developing countries. EPA joins with other U.S. departments and agencies to advance all of the multilateral partnerships in which the United States participates.

Global Methane Initiative

The Global Methane Initiative (GMI) advances cost-effective, near-term CH4 recovery and use as a clean energy source in five sectors: agriculture, coal mines, landfills, oil and gas systems, and municipal wastewater facilities. These projects reduce CH4, a potent greenhouse gas, and provide additional environmental and economic benefits such as: stimulating local economic growth, creating new sources of affordable alternative energy, improving local air and water quality, and increasing industrial worker safety. Through the GMI, the United States works with the other 39 country partners that collectively represent approximately 70% of global manmade CH4 emissions. To learn more, please go to EPA's Global Methane Initiative Site and the Global Methane Initiative Site. Exit

Global Data Center Energy Efficiency Task Force

Since 2010, EPA, represented by the ENERGY STAR® Commercial Buildings program, has participated as a member of the Global Data Center Energy Efficiency Task Force. This Task Force, comprised of leading government and industry organizations from the United States, the European Union, and Japan, was formed to share lessons and best practices, and to develop a common set of metrics, indices, and measurement protocols that can be endorsed or adopted by data center industry stakeholders worldwide to bring consistency to efforts to improve data center energy efficiency. Through biweekly teleconferences and annual in-person meetings, the world's leading experts have developed and published Guiding Principles and initial measurement protocols that have been endorsed by participating organizations. To learn more, please visit the ENERGY STAR website for data centers.

Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum

The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) is an international climate change initiative focused on the development and improvement of technologies for the separation and capture of carbon dioxide for transport and long-term safe storage. The purpose of the CSLF is to make these technologies broadly available internationally and to identify and address wider issues relating to carbon capture and storage. Activities include promoting the appropriate technical, political, and regulatory environments for the development of such technology. The CSLF was launched in early 2003 by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Energy. EPA participates on the interagency CSLF working group. To learn more please visit the website of the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum. Exit

Group on Earth Observations

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) was launched in 2003 at the first Earth Observation Summit when 33 nations and the European Commission committed to move toward development of a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Earth observation system(s). One of GEO’s nine focus areas is climate observation, with the goal of coordinating climate observations throughout the world in order to strengthen the ability of governments to minimize and adapt to the societal and environmental impacts of climate variability and change. EPA is a member of the U.S. GEO, which is co-chaired by representatives from the Smithsonian Institute, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. Under the GEO Forest Carbon tracking task, EPA also participates in SilvaCarbon Exit (PDF, 2 pp, 136 K), a U.S. interagency program to enhance capacity worldwide for monitoring and managing forest and terrestrial carbon. To learn more, please go to The GEO website.

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Two-Country (Bilateral) Partnerships and Activities

The United States has negotiated agreements with many international partners to pursue research on global climate change, deploy climate observation systems, collaborate on energy and sequestration technologies, and explore methodologies for monitoring and measuring greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA has provided technical expertise and capacity-building support through bilateral arrangements, including the following programs and activities:

Energy Efficiency Promotion

EPA supports several programs that promote energy efficiency in products and buildings. EPA has worked with developing countries (primarily China and India) to enhance their capacity to design and implement their own effective, voluntary, energy efficiency endorsement-labeling programs, drawing on the lessons, experience, information, and tools available from the successful ENERGY STAR program. EPA also engages with the international Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), an international partnership to facilitate the design, implementation, and enforcement of energy efficiency standards and labels for appliances, equipment, and lighting products in developing and transitional countries around the world. To learn more, please go to the Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling Information Clearinghouse. Exit

ENERGY STAR International Partnerships

EPA has engaged with government agencies in a number of countries to promote certain ENERGY STAR-qualified products. These partnerships are intended to unify voluntary energy efficiency-labeling programs in major global markets and make it easier for partners to participate by providing a single set of energy efficiency qualifications, instead of a patchwork of varying country-specific requirements. The international partners include Australia, Canada, the European Union and Free Trade Association, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan. To learn more about the efforts of these partners, please go to the Energy Star International Partnerships site. In addition, EPA is partnering with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to harmonize the two agencies' approach to evaluating energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Specifically, EPA and NRCan are cooperating to modify EPA's Portfolio Manager online energy benchmarking software to customize it for use by Canadian building owners and managers, with a release planned for June 2013. To learn more, please see the joint press release.

SmartWay

SmartWay is a collaboration between EPA and the freight transportation industry that helps freight shippers, carriers, and logistics companies improve fuel efficiency, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and save money. As an established public-private, market-based partnership, SmartWay has proven to be a good template for freight sustainability programs in other countries. Other countries have adopted elements of SmartWay or are using SmartWay as a template to fully implement similar programs. To learn more, please visit the SmartWay International site.

U.S.-Canada Air Quality Committee: Reducing GHGs from Mobile Sources

Under the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Air Quality (March 31, 1991), EPA and Environment Canada continue to coordinate and cooperate to align and harmonize vehicle, engine, and fuel standards between the two countries. Specifically, EPA and Environment Canada have shared information on greenhouse gas vehicles standard development and discuss strategies and approaches. EPA and Environment Canada have both adopted greenhouse gas emission regulations for new light-duty vehicles through to model year 2016. They continue to exchange information on the development of national standards for reducing greenhouse gases from 2017 and later model year light-duty vehicles. Under the agreement, Environment Canada, as well as Transport Canada, also continues to exchange information on the development of national standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Learn more about EPA’s greenhouse gas standards for mobile sources.

Economic Modeling Workshops

Since 1999, EPA has sponsored economic modeling workshops that assemble leading climate economic modelers from developing countries and the United States to discuss model structures, model assumptions, data, and results. The workshops have enabled the sharing of data by global and developing country modelers and facilitated the dissemination of modeling concepts. The workshops have also helped to build capacity within developing countries and strengthen relationships between developing and developed countries. Current projects in Asia and Latin America are designed to help global modelers improve the representation of developing country economies in their models and to encourage the development and testing of domestic energy, economic, and climate models. To learn more, please go to the Asian Modeling Exercise page Exit.

Greenhouse Gas Inventories

EPA greenhouse gas inventory experts work with developing countries to build internal expertise and capacity for developing high-quality greenhouse gas inventories. To learn more, please visit EPA's Greenhouse Gas Inventory Capacity Building page.

Low Emission Development Strategies

EPA supports the U.S. government’s multi-agency initiative—Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS). The initiative promotes development of long-term strategic approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while accelerating sustainable economic growth. EPA, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development, is launching an economic modeling forum in Latin America to bring together modelers from developed and developing countries and to enhance modeling capacity related to energy, agriculture, climate, and the economy. EPA and USAID are also providing assistance to several EC-LEDS partner countries to improve both greenhouse gas inventories and national greenhouse gas inventory systems. See USAID’s website Exit for more details about Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies.

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Climate Change

What You Can Do: On the Road

Driving your vehicle releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributes to climate changeâ€”but you can take simple, easy steps to cut your emissions, reduce our nation's dependence on oil, and save money.

1. Buy smart: Purchase a fuel-efficient, low-greenhouse gasÂ vehicle

When shopping for a new or used vehicle (or even renting a vehicle), choose the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. With a wide range of clean, fuel-efficient vehicles available today, itâ€™s easier than ever to go greenâ€”for the environment and for your wallet. Check out EPA's Green Vehicle Guide or www.fueleconomy.gov to find the best, most comprehensive information on vehicle emissions and fuel economy.

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Alternative Fueling Station Locator

You can also learn more about the fuel economy and environment label that youâ€™ll see on all new vehicles. The labelÂ has been redesigned and         Gasoline Vehicle Labelupdated for even easier comparison shopping.Â These new window stickers provide fuel economy and environmental ratings for all new vehicles, including advanced technology vehicles like electric cars and plug-in hybrids.Â And while at the showroom, you can scan the QR CodeÂ® on each vehicleâ€™s label to be connected to additional information online, including personalized cost and energy-use estimates.

2. Drive smart

To improve your fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce your time spent idling (no more than 30 seconds), and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you have a removable roof rack and you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy. Use cruise control if you have it, and for vehicles with selectable four-wheel drive, consider operating in two-wheel drive mode when road conditions make it safe to do so.

For more information, take a look at these tips for driving more efficiently.

3. Remember maintenance...

Get regular tune-ups, follow the manufacturerâ€™s maintenance schedule (which can be found in your ownerâ€™s manual), and use the recommended grade of motor oil. A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, is more reliable, and is safer!

For more details, including potential fuel savings, check out these tips for keeping your car in shape.

Did You Know?

Â

4. ... and donâ€™t forget your tires!

Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel economy, and leads to higher greenhouse gas and other air pollutant emissions. If you donâ€™t know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it listed on the door to your vehicleâ€™s glove compartment, or on the driver's-side door pillar.

And when itâ€™s time for new tires, consider purchasing tires with â€œlow rolling resistance,â€? an energy-saving feature.

5. Give your car a break

Use public transportation Exit, carpool Exit, or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car.Â Leaving your car at home just two days a week can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by an average ofÂ 2 tons per year.

Also consider telecommuting (working from home via phone or the Internet), which can reduce the stress of commuting, reduce harmful emissions, and save you money.Â And when driving, try combining your errands and activities into one trip.

6. Use renewable fuels

Give E85 and biodiesel a try.Â Both are renewable fuels (made from renewable sources such as corn) that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your vehicle.Â E85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline that can be used in certain vehicles called Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).Â FFVs are designed to be fueled with either E85 or traditional gasoline. There are millions of FFVs on the road todayâ€”to find out if you own one, check the inside of your car's fuel door for an identification sticker, or consult your ownerâ€™s manual.

If you own a diesel vehicle, consider filling up with a biodiesel blend such as B5, which is a diesel fuel blend containing 5% biodiesel.

The Department of Energyâ€™s Alternative Fueling Station LocatorÂ can help you locate both E85 and biodiesel fuel stations in your area.

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Climate Change

Adapting to Climate Change

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"Adaptation" refers to the adjustments that societies or ecosystems make to limit the negative effects of climate change or to take advantage of opportunities provided by a changing climate. Adaptation can range from a farmer planting more drought-resistant crops to a coastal community evaluating how best to protect its infrastructure from rising sea level.

Climate change is already impacting societies and ecosystems around the world, and many impacts are expected to increase as global temperatures continue to rise. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is required to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, a certain amount of global warming is inevitable, due to the long-lasting nature of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere, and to heat already stored in the oceans. Adapting to the changes that are already underway, and preparing for future climate change, can help reduce the risks societies will face from climate change.

Learn the basics of climate change adaptation.
Climate Adaptation Overview »

Learn what EPA is doing to adapt to climate change.
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Find tools to help government adapt to climate change.
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EPA Adaptation Planning

Climate change is already affecting communities, livelihoods, and environments. In response, many federal agencies are taking action to help Americans adapt to current and future risks. EPA is facilitating climate change adaptation efforts in the United States and abroad through:

Climate change and water resources projects - EPA works with state, tribal, and local governments and public and private stakeholders to understand and respond to the impacts of climate change on water resources.

Climate adaptation in the Superfund program - EPA's Superfund program supports climate change adaptation planning as standard operating practice in site cleanups.

State and Local Climate and Energy Program - EPA provides technical assistance, analytical tools, and outreach support to state, local, and tribal governments, including information on climate adaptation and resilience planning.

Adapting Buildings for Indoor Air Quality in a Changing Climate - EPA provides information on severe weather and indoor air quality, weatherization and ventilation strategies, and tips to help improve building resilience and prepare for weather extremes.

International climate adaptation - EPA facilitates information-sharing on climate adaptation with communities and city planners in the developing world, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change.

EPA is integrating climate adaptation planning into its programs, policies, rules, and operations to continue fulfilling its mission of protecting human health and the environment, even as the climate changes. EPA’s efforts complement initiatives throughout the entire federal government to promote climate adaptation planning.

EPA's Policy Statement on Climate Change Adaptation sets out several actions to guide EPA in building on the progress it has already made to promote climate resilience and adaptation.

EPA's Climate Change Adaptation Plan identifies ways in which climate change could affect EPA's ability to fulfill its mission.

EPA Program and Regional Office Plans detail how each office will integrate climate adaptation into its planning and work.

EPA Program Office Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plans:

Office of Administration and Resource Management

Office of Air and Radiation

Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention

Office of International and Tribal Affairs

Office of Land and Emergency Management

Office of Research and Development

Office of Water

EPA Regional Office Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plans:

Region 1 - CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT

Region 2 - NJ, NY, PR, USVI

Region 3 - DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV

Region 4 - AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN

Region 5 - IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI

Region 6 - AR, LA, NM, OK, TX

Region 7 - IA, KS, MO, NE

Region 8 - CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY

Region 9 - AZ, CA, HI, NV, Pacific Islands

Region 10 - AK, ID, OR, WA

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Climate Change

What You Can Do: At School

Students, educators, and school administrators can all play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

	Here is a directory of resources to help you:

Students

Related Links

Student's Guide to Climate Change

Educator Resources

What You Can Do about Climate Change

Alliance for Climate Education Exit

Cool School Challenge Exit

		ENERGY STAR®

Kids Site

K-12 School Districts

Portfolio Manager

Middle school students: Explore climate science

		Explore A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change to learn more about the science and impacts of climate change. The site also provides videos, animations, and interactive expeditions where students can explore and learn how climate change will affect places around the world. The site helps students, their parents, and their teachers learn about solutions and the actions they can take to reduce greenhouse emissions.

High school students: Track your school's climate impact

		Use Portfolio Manager to compare the energy use of your school with other schools nationwide, and earn the ENERGY STAR for your school if it qualifies as a top performer.

College students: Get involved at your college or university

		College students can play an important role in reducing greenhouse emissions at their colleges or universities by reducing their emissions from energy they use in dorm rooms. Students can also work with school administrators to develop an inventory Exit, increase energy efficiency on campus, and reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by using green power.

Did You Know?

Educators

Teach students about climate change and ecosystems

		Use the teacher resources on EPA's Students Guide to Global Climate Change.

Engage middle school students in estimating emissions

		Enhance critical-thinking skills by introducing the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator to middle school students. The online calculator lists 16 easy actions students can take to save energy, and calculates the reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The calculator also features links to more information explaining the links between everyday actions and carbon pollution, and providing additional tips for kids who want to do more.

Learn from other educators

		Investigate what other schools and organizations are doing to educate their audiences on climate change by viewing Additional Web Resources, a database offering links to resources such as lesson plans, videos, books, and toolkits.

Household Carbon Footprint Calculator

Educators can work with students to calculate their impact using the kid’s climate change calculator. In addition, they can encourage students to work with their families and use EPA's household carbon footprint calculator for a more customized and flexible estimate of their household's emissions.

Administrators

Save money and the environment

		The least efficient schools use three times more energy than the best energy performers. By partnering with the highly successful ENERGY STAR for K-12 School Districts and using Portfolio Manager to track and rate the energy performance of their portfolio of school buildings, school districts can serve as environmental leaders in their community, become energy-efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money! If you're considering a new building, EPA's voluntary School Siting Guidelines can provide tips for reducing climate and health impacts.

Estimate your emissions and take the challenge

		School administrators can also work to reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by developing an inventory Exit of their school's emissions or by taking the College & University Green Power Challenge.

Reduce, reuse, recycle
Recycle school or classroom paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment, and batteries. Reducing, reusing, and recycling at school and in the classroom helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. You can reduce, reuse, and recycle at school or in the classroom by using two-sided printing and copying, buying supplies made with recycled content, and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, donate used equipment to other organizations, or investigate leasing programs to ensure that used equipment is reused and recycled.

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Climate Adaptation Resources and Guidance

Many resources are available to help public officials and community members with climate change adaptation planning.

Planning and Preparedness

EPA's Adaptation Resource Center (ARC-X) is an interactive resource to help local government decision makers create an integrated package of information tailored specifically to their needs and effectively deliver services to their communities even as the climate changes.

The U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit provides resources and frameworks to understand and address climate issues that affect communities nationwide.

The U.S. Climate Data Portal provides datasets from federal agencies and other public sector organizations to help inform and prepare America’s communities, businesses, and citizens.

Local Government Climate Adaptation Training targets local government officials and illustrates how a changing climate may affect environmental and public health services.

NASA's Global Climate Change provides science agencies, planning organizations, and decision makers with the scientific data needed to understand climate change.

FEMA's Emergency Management in a Changing Climate provides emergency managers with tools and data to help them manage climate-related risks and advance preparedness efforts.

The Tribal Environmental General Assistance Program supports planning, developing, and establishing environmental protection programs in Indian country.

Learn about Resilience and Adaptation in New England (RAINE)

Transportation and Infrastructure

HUD/DOT/EPA's Partnership for Sustainable Communities helps communities nationwide improve access to sustainable infrastructure to adapt to a changing climate while mitigating future disaster losses.

DOT’s Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse provides approaches for integrating climate change considerations into transportation decision-making.

DOE's Climate Change supports research and innovation that makes fossil energy technologies cleaner and less harmful to the people and the environment.

FHWA's Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Case Studies show how communities are integrating climate change adaptation and resilience work in the transportation sector.

Sustainability

Enhancing Sustainable Communities with Green Infrastructure provides communities with guidance on developing plans to overcome green infrastructure obstacles.

The Sustainable Communities Indicator Catalog helps communities identify indicators for measuring progress toward sustainability objectives.

Green Infrastructure Tools help communities better understand and implement green infrastructure approaches.

Water Utilities

Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) provides drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities with the practical tools, training, and tecnical assistance needed to increase resilience to extreme weather events. Through a comprehensive planning process, CRWU assists water sector utilities by promoting a clear understanding of potential long-term adaptation options.

The Climate Change Handbook for Regional Water Planning provides a framework for considering climate change in water management planning.

Stormwater, Runoff, and Flooding

The Stormwater Calculator with Climate Assessment Tool estimates the annual amount of rainwater and frequency of runoff from U.S. sites, as well as future climate vulnerability scenarios.

The Storm Water Management Model with Climate Adjustment Tool is a comprehensive computer model for analyzing quantity and quality problems associated with urban runoff.

The Water Erosion Prediction Project Climate Assessment Tool (WEPPCAT) is an online tool to assess and manage the potential impacts of climate change on sediment loading to streams.

EPA's Flood Resilience Checklist (PDF)(6 pp, 380 K, About PDF) helps communities assess their readiness for a possible flood.

Coasts and Estuaries

The Climate Ready Estuaries program assesses climate change vulnerabilities, develops and implements adaptation strategies, and engages and educates stakeholders.

The Sea Level Rise Viewer simulates various sea level rise scenarios and the corresponding areas that would be impacted by flooding.

The Storm Surge Inundation and Hurricane Strike Frequency Map illustrates current worst-case coastal storm surge or inundation scenarios and hurricane strike frequency derived from NOAA’s Sea, Lake, and Overland Surge from Hurricanes (SLOSH) models.

The Reef Manager's Guide to Coral Bleaching provides coral reef managers with new management strategies for responding to the threat of bleaching as water temperatures rise.

Land Use

USGS's Climate and Land Use Change conducts research and collects data on the processes and impacts of climate change on land use.

Public Health

EPA's Climate Change and Extreme Heat: What You Can Do to Prepare guidebook explains the connection between climate change and extreme heat events, and outlines actions citizens can take to protect their health before and during extreme heat.

CDC's Climate and Health helps state and city health departments prepare for the health impacts of climate change.

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Stationary Sources

Transportation/Mobile Sources

Other Related Actions

Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Findings

Emissions Reporting

EPA is taking a common-sense approach to developing standards for greenhouse gas emissions from mobile and stationary sources under the Clean Air Act. Below are the key proposed or completed actions taken to implement Clean Air Act requirements for carbon pollution and other greenhouse gases.

Stationary Sources

Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Air Pollution Standards

On August 29, 2016, EPA announced final updates to its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to reduce emissions of methane-rich landfill gas from new, modified and reconstructed municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills.  Learn More.

Oil and Natural Gas Air Pollution Standards

EPA’s Clean Air Act regulations for the oil and natural gas industry help combat climate change and reduce air pollution that harms public health. The regulations apply to equipment and activities used for the onshore oil and natural gas industry. Learn More.

Clean Power Plan

On August 3, 2015, EPA finalized the Clean Power Plan Rule to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants. Learn More.

Clean Air Act Permitting for Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the largest stationary sources were, for the first time, covered by the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and title V Operating Permit Programs beginning on January 2, 2011.  These permitting programs, required under the Clean Air Act, are proven tools for protecting air quality and the same tools will be used to reduce GHG emissions. Learn More.

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Transportation/Mobile Sources

EPA and NHTSA Standards to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Use for New Motor Vehicles

EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are taking coordinated steps to enable the production of a new generation of clean vehicles-- from the smallest cars to the largest trucks--through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved fuel use. Together, the enacted and proposed standards are expected to save more than six billion barrels of oil through 2025 and reduce more than 3,100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Learn more about standards and regulations for controlling greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles and engines.

Renewable Fuel Standard Program

EPA is also responsible for developing and implementing regulations to ensure that transportation fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel. By 2022, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 138 million metric tons, about the annual emissions of 27 million passenger vehicles, replacing about seven percent of expected annual diesel consumption and decreasing oil imports by $41.5 billion.

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Other Related Actions

Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide

Geologic sequestration is the process of injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) from a source, such as a coal-fired electric generating power plant, into a well thousands of feet underground and sequestering the CO2 underground indefinitely. With proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a major role in reducing emissions of CO2. EPA has finalized requirements for geologic sequestration, including the development of a new class of wells, Class VI, under the authority of the Safe

	Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control Program. Learn more about EPA's rulemakings on geologic sequestration under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

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Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Findings

On December 7, 2009, Administrator Lisa Jackson signed a final action, under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, finding that six key well-mixed greenhouse gases constitute a threat to public health and welfare, and that the combined emissions from motor vehicles cause and contribute to the climate change problem. Learn more about the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings.

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Emissions Reporting

Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program collects greenhouse gas data from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors, as well as suppliers of products that would emit greenhouse gases if released or combusted. Greenhouse gas data are available through the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Data Publication Tool.

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EPA Climate Blog Posts

Climate Change, Public Health and Environmental Justice: Caring for Our Most Vulnerable Communities – January 5, 2017

Update on EPA’s Clean Power Plan Model Rules – December 19, 2016

Working Together to Test Our Resiliency and Protect Our Critical Infrastructure – December 2, 2016

Welcome to EPA's climate change Newsroom. The Newsroom provides current news and links to EPA and other climate and energy news releases.

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Other Climate News Releases

  EPA Climate News

Carbon Pollution Standards for Cars and Light Trucks to Remain Unchanged through 2025 – January 13, 2017

EPA Awards $1.1 Million to Virginia Projects to Protect Wetlands and Adapt to Climate Change – December 8, 2016

EPA Grant Will Help Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Support Environmental Education – December 8, 2016

EPA Grant Will Help Groundwork New Orleans Build Resilient Communities – December 8, 2016

EPA Awards $900,000 to Pennsylvania to Protect Wetlands – December 8, 2016

EPA Awards $537,000 to Maryland to Protect Wetlands – December 8, 2016

EPA Awards $345,000 to Protect Delaware Wetlands – December 8, 2016

EPA Honors 2016 Energy Star Combined Heat and Power Award Winners – December 7, 2016

EPA Outlines Actions to Improve Safety, Reliability of Nation’s Drinking Water – November 30, 2016

Robust Technical Analysis Supports Leaving Carbon Pollution Standards for Cars and Light Trucks in Place Through 2025, EPA Administrator Finds – November 30, 2016

EPA Finalizes Increase in Renewable Fuel Volumes – November 23, 2016

EPA statement regarding Vermont EPSCoR team's paper on Climate and Land Use Impacts on Lake Champlain's Missisquoi Basin – November 22, 2016

Connecticut DEEP to Receive $160,000 EPA Pollution Prevention Grant – November 22, 2016

Rhode Island DEM to Receive $129,000 EPA Pollution Prevention Grant – November 22, 2016

EPA Recognizes Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge Participants – November 22, 2016

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Department of Agriculture Newsroom

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Other Climate News Releases

National Aeronautics and Space Administration/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  - NASA, NOAA Data Show 2016 Warmest Year on Record Globally – January  18, 2017

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration- 2016 Marks Three Consecutive Years of Record Warmth for the Globe – January 18, 2017

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Climate Change to Shift Global Pattern of Mild Weather – January 18, 2017

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - 2016: A Historic Year for Billion-dollar Weather and Climate Disasters in the U.S. – January  9, 2017

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Warmer West Coast Oceans Linked to Increased Risk of Toxic Shellfish  – January  9, 2017

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Beyond 2016: Year in Review – January 4, 2017

Department of Interior - Secretary Jewell Lays Out Strategy to Address Impacts of Drought and Climate Change in California – January 4, 2017

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Local group fortifying Chicago's urban forest and building city's climate resilience – December 28, 2016

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Greenland ice mass loss continued in 2016 – December 28, 2016

U.S. Global Change Research Program - Providing the Foundation for the National Climate Assessment – December 22, 2016

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Warming ocean temperatures push lobster populations north – December 22, 2016

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - November 2016 ranks as 5th warmest on record for the globe – December 19, 2016

Department of Interior - Interior Department Auctions Over 79,000 Acres Offshore New York for Wind Energy Development – December 16, 2016

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Extreme event attribution: the climate versus weather blame game – December 15, 2016

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Scientists: Strong evidence that human-caused climate change intensified 2015 heat waves – December 12, 2016

National Aeronautics and Space Administration - NASA releases eye-popping view of carbon dioxide – December 13, 2016

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Unprecedented Arctic warmth in 2016 triggers massive decline in sea ice, snow – December 13, 2016

Department of Interior - Secretary Jewell Announces Milestones to Spur Renewable Energy and Transmission in the West – December 13, 2016

Energy Department - Energy Secretary Moniz Statement on Breakthrough Energy Coalition Fund Announcement – December 12, 2016

The White House - FACT SHEET: Release of the Joint United States-Canada Electric Grid Security and Resilience Strategy – December 12, 2016

National Aeronautics and Space Administration - What satellites can tell us about how animals will fare in a changing climate – December 12, 2016

Energy Department - Energy Department Announces Five Clean Energy Projects through BIRD Energy Partnership with Israel – December 11, 2016

The White House - FACT SHEET: White House Announces Actions to Protect Natural and Cultural Resources in Alaskan Arctic Ocean – December 9, 2016

Energy Department - Energy Department Accelerates Clean Energy Advancement at Federal Facilities – December 8, 2016

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - U.S. had its warmest autumn and 2nd warmest November on record – December 7, 2016

This page is updated to highlight the most recent climate news. EPA climate news will consist of news released within the last 60 days from the agency itself. Other climate news will consist of news releases and announcements also released within the last 30 days from U.S. government and Intergovernmental organizations of which the U.S. is party.

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Climate Change

What You Can Do: At Home

Making a few small changes in your home and yard can reduce greenhouse gases and save you money. Explore our list of 10 simple steps you can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

1. Change five lights

Replace your five most frequently used light fixtures or the lightbulbs in them with ENERGY STAR–qualified products and you will help the environment while saving $70 a year on energy bills. ENERGY STAR lighting provides bright, warm light; generates 75% less heat; uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting; and lasts from 10 to 50 times longer.

Related Links

ENERGY STAR

EPA's Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

EPA's WaterSense program

Learn how to compost at home

EPA's Household Carbon Footprint Calculator

2. Look for ENERGY STAR

When buying new products for your home, look for EPA's ENERGY STAR label to help you make the most energy-efficient decision. You can find the ENERGY STAR label on more than 60 kinds of products, including appliances, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, electronics, and office equipment. Over their lifetimes, products in your home that have earned the ENERGY STAR label can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 130,000 pounds and save you $11,000 on energy bills.

3. Heat and cool smartly

Heating and cooling accounts for almost half your energy bill—about $1,000 a year! There is a lot you can do to drive down this cost. Simple steps like changing air filters regularly, properly using a programmable thermostat, and having your heating and cooling equipment maintained annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and increase comfort while helping to protect the environment. Depending on where you live, you can cut your annual energy bill by more than $200 by replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR–qualified equipment.

Did You Know?

4. Seal and insulate your home

Reduce air leaks and stop drafts by using caulk, weather stripping, and insulation to seal your home's envelope and add more insulation to your attic to block out heat and cold. A knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs and significantly enhance home comfort with comprehensive sealing and insulating measures.

5. Reduce, reuse, recycle

Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. If there is a recycling program in your community, recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper, and other goods. Also, composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Visit EPA's Individual Waste Reduction Model (iWARM) to learn about the energy benefits of recycling, rather than landfilling, common waste products.

6. Use water efficiently

It takes lots of energy to pump, treat, and heat water, so saving water reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Saving water around the home is simple. Three percent of the nation's energy is used to pump and treat water, so conserving water conserves energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution. Reduce the amount of waste you generate and the water you consume whenever possible. Pursue simple water-saving actions, such as not letting the water run while shaving or brushing teeth, and save money while conserving water by using products with the WaterSense label. Did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. Running your dishwasher only with a full load can save 100 pounds of carbon dioxide and $40 per year. Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape. Only water when needed, and do it during the coolest part of the day; early morning is best. See EPA WaterSense for more water saving tips.

7. Be green in your yard

Did you know that food scraps and yard waste make up 20-30 percent of what we throw away? Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. See EPA’s tips on how to compost.

8. Purchase green power

Power your home by purchasing green power. Green power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. There are two ways to use green power: You can buy green power, or you can modify your house to generate your own green power. Buying green power is easy. It offers a number of environmental and economic benefits over conventional electricity, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, and it helps increase clean energy supply. There are a number of steps you can take to create a greener home Exit, including installing solar panels and researching incentives for renewable energy Exit in your state.

9. Calculate your household's carbon footprint

Use EPA's Household Carbon Footprint Calculator to estimate your household greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy use, transportation, and waste disposal. This tool helps you understand where your emissions come from and identify ways to reduce them.

10. Spread the word

Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Tell five people and together we can help our homes help us all.

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Climate and life cycle of stuff

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Climate and life cycle of stuff

Making smart choices about what we buy, how we use it, and how we dispose of it can make a big difference in the amount of waste we produce and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our consumption. The manufacture, distribution and use of the goods and food we rely on in our daily livesâ€”as well as management of the resulting wasteâ€”all require energy. This energy mostly comes from fossil fuels, which are the largest global source of heat-trapping greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In every stage of the life cycle, we can reduce our impact. Click on the Life Cycle of Stuff to learn about the greenhouse gas emissions that result from each step in a product's life cycle. Find out what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.

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Climate and waste statistics

The 2009 report, Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Materials and Land Management Practices, shows that approximately 42 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are associated with the energy used to produce, process, transport, and dispose of the food we eat and the goods we use. This includes the extraction or harvest of materials and food, production and transport of goods, provision of services, reuse of materials, recycling, composting, and disposal. The report also indicates the following:

29 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions result from the provision of goods produced within the United States.

The provision of food contributes another 13 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Traditional â€œwasteâ€? management represents 1 to 5 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Materials and Land Management Practices

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Rethink: Think Beyond Waste doesn't just mean making good decisions about the end of a product's life cycle (recycling, composting, energy recovery, and landfilling). It refers to sustainable materials management â€“ the use and reuse of materials in the most productive and sustainable way across their entire life cycle. Sustainable materials management conserves resources, reduces waste, and slows climate change. Learn more.

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Climate change is happening

Humans are largely responsible for recent climate change

Climate change affects everyone

We can make a difference

How is the climate changing in the U.S.?

Observations across the United States and world provide multiple, independent lines of evidence that climate change is happening now.
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Climate change is happening

Our Earth is warming. Earth's average temperature has risen by 1.5°F over the past century, and is projected to rise another 0.5 to 8.6°F over the next hundred years. Small changes in the average temperature of the planet can translate to large and potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather.

The evidence is clear. Rising global temperatures have been accompanied by changes in weather and climate. Many places have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves.

The planet's oceans and glaciers have also experienced some big changes – oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. As these and other changes become more pronounced in the coming decades, they will likely present challenges to our society and our environment.

What are climate change and global warming?

Global warming refers to the recent and ongoing rise in global average temperature near Earth's surface. It is caused mostly by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming is causing climate patterns to change. However, global warming itself represents only one aspect of climate change.

Climate change refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, climate change includes major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among other effects, that occur over several decades or longer.

Learn more about the signs of climate change in the United States.

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Humans are largely responsible for recent climate change

Over the past century, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The majority of greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy, although deforestation, industrial processes, and some agricultural practices also emit gases into the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect and is natural and necessary to support life on Earth. However, the buildup of greenhouse gases can change Earth's climate and result in dangerous effects to human health and welfare and to ecosystems.

The choices we make today will affect the amount of greenhouse gases we put in the atmosphere in the near future and for years to come.

Learn more about the causes of climate change.

Learn More

Climate Change Impacts

Frequently Asked Questions

Climate change affects everyone

Our lives are connected to the climate. Human societies have adapted to the relatively stable climate we have enjoyed since the last ice age which ended several thousand years ago. A warming climate will bring changes that can affect our water supplies, agriculture, power and transportation systems, the natural environment, and even our own health and safety.

Take a Quiz

How much you know about the health impacts of climate change? Take our new online quiz and share your score with friends!

Some changes to the climate are unavoidable. Carbon dioxide can stay in the atmosphere for nearly a century, so Earth will continue to warm in the coming decades. The warmer it gets, the greater the risk for more severe changes to the climate and Earth's system. Although it's difficult to predict the exact impacts of climate change, what's clear is that the climate we are accustomed to is no longer a reliable guide for what to expect in the future.

We can reduce the risks we will face from climate change. By making choices that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and preparing for the changes that are already underway, we can reduce risks from climate change. Our decisions today will shape the world our children and grandchildren will live in.

Learn more about the impacts of climate change and adapting to change.

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We can make a difference

You can take action. You can take steps at home, on the road, and in your office to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the risks associated with climate change. Many of these steps can save you money; some, such as walking or biking to work, can even improve your health! You can also get involved on a local or state level to support energy efficiency, clean energy programs, or other climate programs.

Calculate your carbon footprint and find ways to reduce your emissions through simple everyday actions.

EPA and other federal agencies are taking action. EPA is working to protect the health and welfare of Americans through common sense measures to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and to help communities prepare for climate change.

Learn more about what EPA is doing.

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Clean Power Plan

In August 2015, President Obama and the EPA unveiled the Clean Power Plan -- a historic and important step in reducing carbon pollution from power plants. Learn More.

EPA is taking a number of common-sense steps to address the challenge of climate change.

Collecting Emissions Data

EPA collects various types of greenhouse gas emissions data. This data helps policy makers, businesses, and the Agency track greenhouse gas emissions trends and identify opportunities for reducing emissions and increasing efficiency.

The Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks provides the United States' official estimate of total national-level greenhouse gas emissions.

The President's Climate Action Plan

June 2013 Climate Action Plan (PDF, 21pp , 318K)

March 2014 Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions (PDF, 15pp, 2MB)

August 2014 Biogas Opportunities Roadmap

January 2015 Methane Strategy for Oil and Gas Sector

		This report tracks annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions since 1990.

The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program collects and publishes emissions data from individual facilities in the United States that emit greenhouse gases in large quantities.

Getting Reductions

EPA is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a clean energy economy through highly successful partnerships and common-sense regulatory initiatives.

Developing Common-sense Regulatory Initiatives: EPA is developing common-sense regulatory initiatives, to reduce GHG emissions and increase efficiency. For example, EPA's vehicle greenhouse gas rules will save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump by 2025, and eliminate six billion metric tons of GHG pollution. EPA's Clean Power Plan addresses emissions from power plants,

Climate Connections

Learn about EPA's activities and information in the following areas:

Clean Energy

Climate and Transportation

Climate and Water

Climate and Waste

Carbon Dioxide Capture and Sequestration

CO2 Emissions Associated with Biomass Use at Stationary Sources

Climate Science Research

Global Methane Initiative Exit

Learn about other federal climate activities and data:

The White House: Energy, Climate, and Our Environment

The U.S. Global Change Research Program

The U.S. Department of State: Global Climate Change

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Department of Transportation: Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse

the largest source of carbon pollution in the country. When the Clean Power Plan is fully in place in 2030, carbon pollution from the power sector will be 32 percent below 2005 levels.

Partnering With the Private Sector: Through voluntary energy and climate programs, EPA's partners reduced over 345 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2010 alone - equivalent to the emissions from 81 million vehicles - and saving consumers and businesses of about $21 billion.

Reducing EPA's Carbon Footprint: EPA is monitoring emissions from its own energy use and fuel consumption and working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020. Learn more about federal greenhouse gas requirements and EPA's Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan.

Evaluating Policy Options, Costs and Benefits

EPA conducts economy-wide analyses to understand the economic impacts and effectiveness of proposed climate policies. Learn more about EPA's economic analyses on climate policies and the associated costs and benefits.

Advancing the Science

EPA contributes to world-class climate research through the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Exit. EPA's Office of Research and Development conducts research to understand the environmental and health impacts of climate change and to provide sustainable solutions for adapting to and reducing the impact from a changing climate.

Partnering Internationally

EPA is engaged in a variety of international activities to advance climate change science, monitor our environment, and promote activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EPA establishes partnerships, provides leadership, and shares technical expertise to support these activities. Learn more about EPA's International Climate Partnerships.

Partnering With States, Localities, and Tribes

EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program provides technical assistance, analytical tools, and outreach support on climate change issues to state, local, and tribal governments. See the progress made by our pilot communities.

Helping Communities Adapt

EPA's Climate Ready Estuaries and Climate Ready Water Utilities programs help coastal resource managers and water utility managers, respectively, plan and prepare for climate change. Learn more about EPA's efforts on adapting to climate change.

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            US EPA

United States Environmental Protection Agency

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Climate Change

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Associated with Bioenergy and Other Biogenic Sources

Related Links

EPA Clean Power Plan

Biogenic CO2 emissions are defined as CO2 emissions related to the natural carbon cycle, as well as those resulting from the combustion, harvest, combustion, digestion, fermentation, decomposition, or processing of biologically based materials.

Examples of biogenic CO2 emissions include:

CO2 from the combustion of biogas collected from biological decomposition of waste in landfills, wastewater treatment, or manure management processes

CO2 from combustion of the biological fraction of municipal solid waste or biosolids

CO2 derived from combustion of biological material, including forest-derived and agriculture-derived feedstocks

EPA has taken a number of actions related to biogenic CO2 emissions from stationary sources:

April 2016: Stakeholder Workshop - Fostering Constructive Dialogue on the Role of Biomass in Stationary Source Carbon Strategies

States and stakeholders have shown strong interest in the role biomass can play in state strategies to address carbon pollution. Many states have extensive expertise in the area of sound carbon- and GHG-beneficial forestry and land management practices, and exhibit approaches to biomass and bioenergy that are unique to each state’s economic, environmental and renewable energy goals.

To support efforts to further evaluate the role of biomass in stationary source carbon strategies, EPA hosted a public workshop on April 7, 2016, for states and stakeholders to share their successes, experiences and approaches to deploying biomass in ways that have been, and can be, carbon beneficial.

Agenda

	See the agenda.

November 2014:

Memo on Biogenic CO2 Emissions

Acting Assistant Administrator Janet McCabe issued a memorandum to the EPA's Regional Air Division Directors describing the EPA's considerations pertaining to biogenic CO2 emissions in the context of the Clean Power Plan and the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program.

Janet McCabe Memo: Addressing Biogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions from Stationary Sources

Revised Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources

To continue advancing the Agency's technical understanding of the role the use of biomass can play in addressing overall greenhouse emissions, the EPA developed a second draft of the technical report, the Framework for Assessing Biogenic Carbon Dioxide for Stationary Sources, for further review. The revised report incorporated the latest information from the scientific community and other stakeholders. As a next step forward, EPA initiated a second round of targeted peer review with the Science Advisory Board, in order to continue to refine its technical assessment.

Revised Framework for Assessing Biogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions from Stationary Sources

Technical Appendices (ZIP)(14 pp, 6 MB,
  November 2014)

Request for SAB Review of revised Framework

Charge to SAB

SAB Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel Meeting

September 2012: EPA Science Advisory Board Review of the 2011 Draft Accounting Framework for CO2 Emissions for Biogenic Sources Study

EPA's Science Advisory Board reviewed the 2011 Draft Accounting Framework for Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources, and provided recommendations on the scientific and technical issues associated with EPA's draft assessment.

EPA SAB Review of 2011 Accounting Framework for CO2 Emissions from Biogenic Sources: background, review panel, advisory meetings & final report

September 2011: Draft Accounting Framework for Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources

In 2011, EPA published a draft Accounting Framework for Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources. This draft was presented to SAB to review and comment on 1) EPA's characterization of the science and technical issues relevant to biogenic CO2 accounting, 2) EPA's framework, approach, and methodological choices; and 3), options for improving the framework.

Accounting Framework for Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources

Memo and charge to SAB

Fact Sheet

July 2010: Call for Information on GHG Emissions Associated with Bioenegy and Other Biogenic Sources

In July 2010, EPA issued a Call for Information to request data about biogenic sources of carbon dioxide, general technical comments on accounting for biogenic CO2, and comments on developing an approach for such emissions under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Programs under the Clean Air Act.

Call for Information: July 15, 2010 Federal Register Notice

Call for Information Correction: August 2, 2010 Federal Register Notice

Fact Sheet

Synthesis of comments on the call for information on bioenergy and other biogenic sources

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