Energy and the Environment

Environmental Research and Development Program

NYSERDA's Environmental Research Program develops and demonstrates energy-efficient technologies associated with waste management and pollution control and supports research to better understand the environmental impacts of energy production and use. Principal areas of emphasis are:

• Agricultural and Industrial Waste Management
• Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation & Protection
• Environmental Product Development
• Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is an agreement among 10 Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The RGGI states have committed to cap and then reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that certain power plants are allowed to emit, limiting the region's total contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. NYSERDA’s role is to administer or participate in the auctions of New York’s CO₂ allowances.

West Valley

NYSERDA, on behalf of the state of New York, holds title to the Western New York Nuclear Service Center in Cattaraugus Country. NYSERDA's West Valley Site Management Program addresses the Center's environment management challenges by implementing sound environmental, health and safety, and technical policies, and working to ensure that the U.S. Department of Energy honors its obligations under the West Valley Demonstration Project Act for the cleanup and long-term care of the site.