Electricity Generator Emissions Limits (310 CMR 7.74)

This regulation establishes a declining limit on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large power plants in Massachusetts. The limit ensures that state programs, including the Clean Energy Standard, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Table of Contents

News & Updates

January 2023

MassDEP is proposing amendments to 310 CMR 7.74. Learn more.

Current Regulation

310 CMR 7.74: Reducing CO2 Emissions from Electricity Generating Units was finalized in August 2017, amended in both December 2017 and August 2018, and repromulgated in December 2020.

See 310 CMR 7.00: Air Pollution Control, which includes the current Electricity Generating Units regulation.

Additional Resources   for Current Regulation

Stakeholder Input

MassDEP is required to complete program reviews of 310 CMR 7.74: Reducing CO2 Emissions from Electricity Generating Facilities and the related 310 CMR 7.75: Clean Energy Standard in 2021.

The agency accepted stakeholder input on the scope of these reviews through May 31, 2021, and received numerous substantive comments. 

MassDEP then held a virtual stakeholder meeting on November 16, 2021, to discuss the next steps in this process.

Relevant documents can be found in Additional Resources below.

Additional Resources   for Stakeholder Input

Massachusetts Carbon Allowance Registry & Auctions

The Carbon Allowance Registry tracks allowances for large power plants in Massachusetts for purposes of satisfying the requirements of 310 CMR 7.74: Reducing CO2 Emissions from Electricity Generating Facilities.

Administered by MassDEP, the Allowance Registry enables Designated Representatives to register their facilities, receive or transfer allowances, and manage their allowance holdings.

Electricity Generating Facilities may purchase allowances in Allowance Auctions. Purchased allowances can be used for compliance with 310 CMR 7.74 beginning in 2019.

See Key Actions below for access to the Allowance Registry and information about the Carbon Allowance Auctions process.

A training video on how to use the Allowance Registry system, along with related reporting and compliance forms, are available in Available Resources below.

Additional Resources   for Massachusetts Carbon Allowance Registry & Auctions

Carbon Allowance Market Monitor Auction Reports

The Market Monitor provides written reports on the outcomes of Carbon Allowance Registry allowance auctions. See Additional Resources below for a report on the results of the latest auction, as well as a link to an archive of all Market Monitor documents issued to date.

Additional Resources   for Carbon Allowance Market Monitor Auction Reports

Carbon Allowance Market Monitor Quarterly Reports

The Market Monitor provides written reports on the allowance market, including transfers in the Carbon Allowance Registry, as well as the conduct and outcomes of allowance auctions. See Additional Resources below for the latest quarterly report, as well as a link to an archive of all Market Monitor documents issued to date.

Additional Resources   for Carbon Allowance Market Monitor Quarterly Reports

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback