Regional emissionscutting program saves money, lives, report shows

In the last five years, our region has prevented 8,200 asthma attacks, averted 39,000 lost work days, prevented 300830 premature deaths, and realized $5.7 billion in health savings — all thanks to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), found a new report by Abt Associates.

RGGI, the first market-based carbon trading program in the nation, is a cooperative effort by Northeast and mid-Atlantic states to slow climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. States choose how to use proceeds from RGGI auctions; in Connecticut, they’re re-invested in clean energy and efficiency programs.

Since RGGI began in 2008, the program has raised nearly $3 billion for energy efficiency, renewables, and other public benefit programs, and is on track to cut power plant emissions by 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

The Abt study shows Connecticut has enjoyed major benefits to public health and productivity due to RGGI efforts, saving up to 34 lives, preventing 1,950 lost work days, and saving over $300 million in health care costs.

In Connecticut, RGGI funds over $100 million in energy efficiency and renewable projects, keeps us healthy, and saves us money, all while protecting our environment from dirty fossil fuel emissions.

Just imagine what could be achieved if RGGI was used as a model for the entire United States. — Claire Coleman Energy and environment attorney Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound