GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 57 (2016)
Development of Carbon Reduction
Strategies for Electric Power Generation Facilities
Part I -Importance of the Initiative
Though our coastal communities may be the first to witness the
effects of climate change, the risks presented by increasingly fierce storms,
severe flooding, and other extreme weather events are not confined to a single
geographic area. Neither are their causes. The economic implications are
significant, and we must do all we can to protect our critical military
infrastructure, our ports, our homes, and our businesses. It is only by acting
together with common purpose that the Commonwealth can effectively adapt and
stave off the most severe consequences of climate change.
One key step forward is to continue with a strategic goal of
reducing carbon emissions. Virginia has already made meaningful strides - between
2005 and 2014, Virginia reduced its carbon emissions from power plants by 21
percent. However, the electric sector is still responsible for approximately 30
percent of the carbon dioxide pollution in the Commonwealth. Moreover, electric
companies are including carbon regulation projections in their long-term plans.
The electric sector is changing rapidly through increasing reliance on low and zero
carbon resources. As such, it is vital that the Commonwealth continue to
facilitate and engage in a dialogue on carbon reduction methods while
simultaneously creating a pathway for clean energy initiatives that will grow
jobs and help diversify Virginia's economy.
Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in the Governor
under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the
Commonwealth, I hereby direct the Secretary of Natural Resources to convene a
Work Group, chaired by the Secretary, to study and recommend methods to reduce
carbon emissions from electric power generation facilities. The Secretary shall
receive input from interested stakeholders.
Such methods shall align with the Virginia Air Pollution
Control Board's power to promulgate regulations abating, controlling and
prohibiting air pollution throughout or in any part of the Commonwealth.
Part II -Scope and Guidance
In preparing their recommendations, the Secretary and the Work
Group shall consider the following:
(1) the establishment of regulations for the reduction of
carbon pollution from existing electric power generation facilities pursuant to
existing authority under Virginia Code § 10.1-1300 et seq.;
(2) the carbon reduction requirements for existing
electric power generation facilities established under § 11l(d) of the
federal Clean Air Act, which are currently stayed pending final disposition;
(3) the interaction between electric utilities and
regional markets, including PJM Interconnection;
(4) the impact any reduction requirements place on the
reliability of the electric system;
(5) the impact any reduction of carbon pollution may have
on electric rates and electric bills;
(6) the impact of reducing carbon pollution on low income and
vulnerable communities;
(7) the cost effectiveness of pollution reduction
technologies that may be deployed;
(8) the economic development opportunities associated with
deployment of new carbon reduction technologies;
(9) the implementation and administration of carbon
reduction regulations; and
(10) flexibility in achieving the goals of any carbon
reduction regulation.
The Secretary of Natural Resources shall complete her work,
including the development of recommendations as to viable carbon reduction
methods for the electric power generation facilities by April 30, 2017.
The Secretary of Natural Resources shall provide a report on
the recommendations to the Governor by May 31, 2017.
Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and
shall remain in full force and effect for one year after its signing unless amended
or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of
Virginia this 28th Day of June, 2016.
/s/ Terence R. McAuliffe
Governor