The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) establishes targets for the use of renewable sources. The Green Communities Act divides RPS into two classes. Class I includes new solar, wind, new and incremental hydro, and low-emission advanced biomass technologies. The bill sets a target that Class I resources should account for 15% of Massachusetts energy sales by 2020. Class II eligible technologies include existing low-emission biomass and existing hydropower; targets for Class II RPS requirements will be set by Division of Energy Resources.
The next step in establishing markets for renewable energy is to establish a carbon dioxide emissions registry, a precursor to a carbon banking and trading program that will fully monetize the costs of pollution.
10.a The state should create a carbon dioxide registry as an interim step to a carbon trading program