Program Management Branch - Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Nevada’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirement for Electrical Generating Units
Action taken by the 2007 Nevada Legislative has resulted in a new requirement that electrical generating power plants in the State must report their greenhouse gas emissions. Affected power generating units must report emissions of the six Kyoto greenhouse gases to an official registry on an annual basis. Affected units are those units that produce electricity for sale, that have a maximum output design capacity of 5 megawatts or greater, and produce greenhouse gases. Units that utilize renewable energy sources are specifically exempted from the reporting requirement.
Nevada has selected The Climate Registry as the official reporting registry. The Climate Registry is a collaborative effort among member states to develop a common greenhouse gas reporting system. Based in California, The Climate Registry aims to provide accurate, complete, consistent, transparent and verified greenhouse gas emissions data from reporters. It is developing reporting protocols as well as independent verification procedures that power plant operators will follow in preparing their emissions report submittals.
The data from the affected electrical power generating units will be made available to the public. Researchers and policy makers can use the greenhouse gas emissions data to study Nevada’s emissions profile and make informed policy decisions to address global climate change.
NEW - Draft Mandatory Reporter Monitoring Guidelines have been developed to assist the electrical power generating industry in complying with Nevada's mandatory greehouse gas reporting requirement for affected units. The guidelines establish a common set of greenhouse gas emission quantification methodologies to ensure that reported emissions are consistent.
Nevada’s Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory – 2008
During the 2007 Nevada Legislative Session, the legislature passed Senate Bill 422, now codified in Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 445B.380. NRS 445B.380 requires that a statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory be prepared and issued by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, at least every four years beginning in 2008. The emissions inventory must include the origins, types and amounts of greenhouse gases released throughout the State, and all supporting analyses and documentation.
The Nevada Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Projections, 1990-2020 presents a comprehensive inventory of all GHG emissions associated with activities in Nevada. It includes all six internationally-recognized GHGs covered by the US and other national inventories: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Historic GHG emissions from 1990 to 2006 are reported by economic sector. The last year of available historical data varies by sector; ranging from 2002 to 2006. Additionally, projections of future GHG emissions are made based on quantitative assessments of expected trends in the various sectors. Questions on the report can be directed to:
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 4001
Carson City, NV 89701-5249
(775) 687-4670