The Division of Air Quality will conduct a public hearing (Docket # 2026-R-A-0003) to consider proposed amendments to the CO₂ Budget Trading Program. Public comment period open through Aug. 14, 2026.

The purpose of this hearing is to receive comment from the public about proposed changes to Delaware’s CO₂ Budget Trading Program (7 DE Admin. Code 1147).

Since 2009, Delaware and nine other states have implemented a regional program to reduce CO₂ emissions, known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). In 2025, Delaware and other participating states finalized revisions to the RGGI program. The purpose of this action is to amend Delaware’s program to reflect these revisions.

The proposed amendments include, among other minor program adjustments:

• Adjusting Delaware’s portion of the regional cap beginning in 2027-2037
• Replacing the Emissions Containment Reserve with increased minimum reserve price
• Amending the quantity of allowances in the Cost Containment Reserve
• Adding an additional Cost Containment Reserve
• Updating the regional base CO₂ allowance amount
• Removing Offsets from RGGI design beginning in 2027

The proposed amendments may be inspected online starting July 1, 2026, in the Delaware Register of Regulations or in-person, by appointment only, by contacting Valerie Gray at Valerie.Gray@delaware.gov or 302-739-9402.

The Department will accept public comment through Aug. 14, 2026. Comments will be accepted in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to the address on this page.

Public Hearing Officer: Lisa Vest
DNREC Office of the Secretary
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901

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