HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-Review of Report on Greenhouse Gas EmissionsTRUC EE D 11 NE
Public Utility District
WORKSHOP
To:
Board of Directors
From:
Kathleen Neus
Date:
October 16, 2013
Subject: Review of Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
This item is the review of the District's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as it pertains
to the District's service territory.
2. HISTORY
Throughout the United States and more specifically in the State of California, there is a
large emphasis for utilities to reduce GHG emissions due to the generation of power,
the transmission and usage of the same power. Additionally, (GHG) analysis is now
part of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
The District is required under AB 32 to have its GHG emissions analyzed and verified
by an approved State of California third party verifier. The District's GHG emissions
have been verified since 2009.
3. NEW INFORMATION
With California's passing of Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), Global Warming Solutions Act
which empowered the California Air Resources Board with implementing a statewide
program to reduce GHG emissions. AB 32 suggests that local agencies establish an
emissions reduction goal of 15% below current levels by 2020. Another factor driving
for a climate action plan is Senate Bill 97 (SB 97), which requires GHG emissions and
their impacts subject to analysis under CEQA. CEQA allows public agencies to
simplify CEQA analysis at the project level if there is place an entity -wide reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions.
The District contracted with Sierra Business Council to prepare a greenhouse gas
analysis for the District for calendar year 2008. 2008 was designated as the base line
year with greenhouse gases being re -inventoried in 2012. With input and information
gathering from District staff Sierra Business Council calculated the District's GHG
Emissions. The full document is included as Attachment 1.
Sierra Business Council uses a protocol developed by the Climate Registry, with GHG
accounting best practices. The gases included within the inventory where carbon
dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20) and refrigerants (perfluorinated
compounds, PFC's and hydrofluorocarbons, HFC's) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). All
gases were converted to carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).
Calculations were based quantification methodology; specifically activity data and
emission factors. Activity data is the number of kilowatt hours consumed multiplied by
Metric Tons of CO2/kWh. Activities include buildings and other facilities, water facilities,
District's fleet, refrigerants and fire suppression, employee commute (-85%
responded) and electric power delivery. The comparison between the two years is
dramatic as shown in the chart and table included as Attachment 2 and 3.
The results can be attributed to a switch from coal generated electricity to natural gas
generated, increased purchases of renewable electricity (Horse Butte Wind, landfill
gas, small hydro). Because of all of these actions the District experienced an overall
reduction of CO2 emissions of 57%.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this workshop item.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Receive this report and provide comments to staff.
Michael D. Holley
General Manager