The Environmental Markets Association (“EMA”) appreciates the opportunity to provide input to the CleanEnergy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 (the “Act”). EMA applauds the Council’s efforts in making Washington, D.C. (the “District”) a leader in clean energy and commends the Public Service Commission (“PSC”) for its effective implementation to date of the District’s renewable portfolio standard (“RPS”). DC’s RPS policy has been successful at incentivizing new clean and renewable energy generation since its enactment and currently serves as an example for other policymakers. We look forward to participating in this process to ensure the District accomplishes its economic and environmental sustainability policy objectives in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

The EMA is a US-based trade association representing companies that have interests in the trading, legislation, and regulation of environmental markets. EMA was founded in 1997 as a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization. The members have decades of extensive, first-hand experience with market instruments related to federal and regional cap-and-trade programs in sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), renewable fuels (RINs), and greenhouse gas emissions (Carbon Allowances and Offsets), as well as state-driven renewable energy certificate (“REC”) programs. EMA’s diverse member group represents a wide variety of participants in the clean energy markets, from utilities and electricity suppliers to renewable energy project developers and investors. Our members have extensive operational experience with RPS compliance, REC trading, and renewable energy investment and, collectively, have significantly contributed to the aggregate economic investment to achieve the District’s RPS. The EMA has a vested interest in the continued success of market-based mechanisms and RPS programs. Given this, we believe that the EMA is uniquely qualified to share its experience with the Council as it relates to the District’s RPS and its continued use as the primary policy framework on the path toward 100% clean energy.

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