Action Policy Glossary
Agriculture and Forestry Sector
Afforestation Initiatives- Urban Afforestation Initiatives - Programs that promote urban tree planting to increase carbon sequestration.
- Rural Afforestation Initiatives - Programs that promote planting of trees in rural areas to increase carbon sequestration.
Conservation or Management of Land Resources- Improved Management of Existing Forest and Other Open Space - Programs that improve the management of forests and other open spaces to increase carbon sequestration.
- Utilization of Forest Removals - Programs that promote the use of forest removals for wood products, feedstock, or other purposes.
- The general policy description has not been written. - No description exists for this policy.
- Land Retirement Initiatives - Programs that ensure efficient land use practices.
Education/Outreach and Technical Assistance- Community Tree Planting Projects - Projects that plant trees in the community.
- Livestock Manure Methane Recovery - Projects that reduce methane emissions from livestock manure.
- Agricultural Practices and Technologies that Reduce Greenhouse Gases - Programs that promote practices and technologies that reduce greenhouse gases.
Farm Energy Efficiency Programs- The general policy description has not been written. - No description exists for this policy.
- Energy efficient farming practices. - Programs that promote energy-efficient farming practices.
Improved Ruminant Productivity- The general policy description has not been written. - No description exists for this policy.
Livestock Management- Improved Cattle Productivity - Programs that increase the efficiency of dairy and beef cattle operations.
- Miscellaneous - Other livestock management policies.
- Improved Ruminant Productivity - Programs that increase the efficiency of dairy and beef cattle and other ruminant operations.
Manure Management- Livestock Manure Methane Recovery - Programs that promote the capture and utilization of methane from livestock manure.
- Miscellaneous - Other programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock manure.
- Manure Composting - Projects that promote the composting of manure.
Soil Management- Conservation Tillage Programs - Programs that improve the efficiency of farming operations through environmentally-friendly planting methods.
- Fertilizer Improvement Programs - Programs that promote optimal application of nitrogen fertilizers.
Commercial Sector
Appliance Energy Efficiency- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Office Equipment - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in commercial office equipment to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Refrigeration - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in commercial refrigeration to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
Building Energy Efficiency- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Water Heating and Cooling - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in commercial water heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Space Heating and Cooling - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in space heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Lighting - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in commercial lighting to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- General Energy Efficiency Improvements in Commercial Buildings - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in lighting, space heating and cooling, water heating and cooling, space and system design, and other building features to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Commercial Building Codes-Recommendations-Assessments - Codes, recommendations, and assessments that establish and monitor standards for energy efficiency technologies and products that are required to be used in construction and retrofit of commercial buildings.
- Financial Incentives for Commercial Energy Efficiency - Provide financial incentives such as low-interest loans, rebates, and financing options to encourage improvements in energy efficiency in commercial buildings and facilities.
- Promote Participation in Voluntary Programs - Promote participation in programs that encourage partnerships and improvements that increase reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial buildings and facilities. Examples of programs include U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Buildings, WasteWise and state-specific programs.
District Heating and Cooling-Commercial- The general policy description has not been written. - No description exists for this policy.
- Commercial District Heating and Cooling - Projects that promote district heating and cooling for commercial operations.
Renewable Energy Sources- Promote Geothermal Options - Programs that encourage the use of geothermal energy through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
- Promote Solar Energy - Programs that encourage the use of solar energy through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
- Promote Use of Biomass Fuels - Promote use of biomass fuels, such as wood, charcoal, and wood waste through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
- Provide Opportunities to Employ Renewable Energy - Programs that encourage the use of renewable energy--such as solar, biomass, wind, or geothermal power--through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
Cross-Sectoral Climate Change Initiatives or Programs Sector
Climate Change and GHG Emissions Assessment and Reduction- GHG Reduction Programs or Targets - No description exists for this policy.
- Monitoring of GHG Emissions - Programs in which levels of individual greenhouse gases are monitored.
- Monitoring of Climate Effects - Programs in which the effects of climate change are monitored.
- Monitoring of Activities and Progress - Policies that enforce accountability for progress of program activities through periodic assessment and documentation.
- Emissions Credits and Trading - Programs that support emissions credits and trading.
Education and Outreach- Reduce GHG Emissions from Schools and Encourage Learning about Climate Change - Programs that help community schools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage discussion and learning about climate change.
- Demonstration Projects - Programs that promote projects that demonstrate technologies that reduce GHGs.
- Education Strategy - Devise an education strategy to increase public awareness of climate change.
R&D- Research on Potential Effects of Climate Change - Programs focusing on identifying the potential impacts of climate change.
- Transportation-related Technologies - Programs that encourage the research and development of transportation-related technologies that reduce GHG emissions.
- Energy-related Technologies - Programs that encourage the research and development of energy-related technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Economic and Financial Tools and Strategies - Programs that encourage the research and development of financial tools and strategies that facilitate greenhouse gas reductions.
- Public-Private Partnerships for Research and Development - Programs that encourage public-private partnerships for research and development of technologies that reduce greenhouse gases.
- Research on Carbon Sequestration Potential - Programs that promote research on the carbon sequestration potential of forests and oceans.
- Cross-Sectoral R&D - Other programs that promote research on technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or sequestering carbon.
State and Local Capacity Building and Planning- The general policy description has not been written. - No description exists for this policy.
- Incorporating GHG Considerations in Existing Programs - Programs that facilitate the incorporation of GHG considerations into existing programs.
- Incorporating GHG Considerations in Existing Programs - Programs that facilitate the incorporation of GHG considerations into existing programs.
Technical Assistance- Technical Assistance Initiatives - Programs that offer technical assistance to individuals, businesses, localities, or other entities to facilitate greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Industrial Sector
Energy Efficiency- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Industrial Space Heating and Cooling - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in industrial space heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Promote Participation in Energy Efficiency Programs - Promote participation in programs that encourage partnerships and improvements that increase energy efficiency in industrial facilities. Examples of programs include U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Buildings and state-specific programs.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Industrial Lighting - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in industrial lighting to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Financial Incentives for Energy Efficiency - Provide financial incentives such as low-interest loans, rebates, and financing options to encourage improvements in energy efficiency in industrial facilities.
- General Energy Efficiency Improvements in Industrial Facilities - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in lighting, space heating and cooling, water heating and cooling, space and system design, and other building features to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Industrial Building Codes-Recommendations-Assessments - Codes, recommendations, and assessments that establish and monitor standards for energy efficiency technologies and products that are required to be used in construction and retrofit of industrial facilities.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Equipment - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in equipment to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Demand-Side Management Programs - Programs aiming to improve or to promote energy efficiency to consumers through utilities.
- Promote Energy Assessments - No description exists for this policy.
- Promote Alternative Energy and Energy Technologies - Programs that encourage the use of alternative energy and energy technologies such as renewables and cogeneration through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
GHG Reporting and Caps- GHG Reporting - Policies that promote reporting of GHGs through inventories and assessments.
- GHG Emissions Caps - Policies that mandate GHG emissions limits.
Production Processes- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Steam Systems - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in steam systems to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Process Heating and Cooling - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in process heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Compressed Air Systems - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in compressed air systems to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Production Methods - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in production methods to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Coal-bed Methane Recovery - Programs promoting methane recovery from mining processes.
Power Generation Sector
Demand-Side- Public Benefit Funds - Programs that support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through small surcharges (sometimes referred to as a “systems benefit charge”) on electric bills.
- Demand-Side Management - Programs aiming to improve or to promote energy efficiency to consumers through utilities.
- Financing Mechanisms - Programs that promote renewable energy production or energy use reduction through fuel or emission taxes or credits, incentives or accounting.
- Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Electricity Restructuring - Programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of electricity restructuring efforts.
- Miscellaneous - Other demand-side policies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.
- Net Metering - Programs that require utilities to meter and buy back surplus energy generated by retail electric customers.
- Demand-Side Education and Outreach - Programs that promote education and outreach initiatives targeted toward consumers.
- Demand-Side Energy Efficiency Programs - Policies that support the creation of energy-efficiency programs for consumers.
Supply-Side- Fuel-Switching/Renewables (General) - Programs that support the use of low-carbon or renewable fuels for electricity generation.
- Miscellaneous - Other supply-side policies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.
- Biomass Initiatives - Programs that promote the use of biomass as an energy source.
- Solar-Wind-Hydropower Initiatives - Programs that promote the use of solar-, wind-, or hydro-based energy.
- Portfolio Standards - Requirement that utilities produce electricity using a certain percentage of low- or zero-emitting energy technologies.
- Emissions Standards-Taxes/Credits-Offsets-Allowances - Programs that promote renewable energy production or energy use reduction through standards, fuel or emission taxes or credits, incentives or accounting.
- Improved Efficiency of Natural Gas Generation - Programs that increase the efficiency of natural gas technologies through prevention of leaks or deployment of high-efficiency technologies.
- Distributed Generation Initiatives - Programs that promote smaller generation units near the point of use. This reduces transmission and distribution losses; also, some emerging generation technologies may be more efficient than current central power generation (though most existing technologies are not).
- Landfill Gas to Energy Projects - Policies that promote supplementing the power grid with landfill gas to energy projects.
- Geothermal Energy Initiatives - Programs that promote supplementing the power grid with geothermal energy.
- Efficient Power Production Processes - Policies that research and promote ways to increase the efficiency of power generation processes.
- Utility Partnerships - Policies that promote partnerships between municipal and federal agencies and the private sector to educate providers and expand capacity through efficient production and alternative power projects.
- Nuclear Power - Policies that support the use of nuclear power.
Residential Sector
Appliance Energy Efficiency- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Household Refrigeration - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in household refrigeration to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Household Appliances - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in household appliances to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
Building Energy Efficiency- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Residential Water Heating and Cooling - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in commercial water heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Home Heating and Cooling - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in space heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements in Lighting - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in residential lighting to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- General Energy Efficiency Improvements in Homes - Programs that promote the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in lighting, space heating and cooling, water heating and cooling, space and system design, and other home features to reduce energy consumption and create energy savings.
- Residential Building Codes-Recommendations-Assessments - Codes, recommendations, and assessments that establish and monitor standards for energy efficiency technologies and products that are required to be used in construction and retrofit of commercial buildings.
- Financial Incentives for Residential Energy Efficiency - Provide financial incentives such as low-interest loans, rebates, and financing options to encourage improvements in energy efficiency in residential homes.
- Promote Participation in Energy Efficiency Programs - Promote participation in programs that encourage partnerships and improvements that increase energy efficiency in residential homes. Examples of programs include U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Homes and state-specific programs.
- Promote Weatherization Measures - Programs that assist, fund, or promote the implementation of energy conservation measures that reduce heat exchange between homes and the outside air.
District Heating and Cooling-Residential- Residential District Heating and Cooling - Programs that support residential district heating and cooling.
Energy Efficiency- Residential Building Codes-Recommendations-Assessments - Codes, recommendations, and assessments that establish and monitor standards for energy efficiency technologies and products that are required to be used in construction and retrofit of residential buildings.
Renewable Energy Sources- Promote Solar Energy - Programs that encourage the use of solar energy through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
- Promote Use of Biomass Fuels - Promote use of biomass fuels, such as wood, charcoal, and wood waste through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
- Promote Geothermal Options - Programs that encourage the use of geothermal energy through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
- Provide Opportunities for Renewable Energy Use - Programs that provide the opportunity for residents to choose renewable energy--such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass--through tax credits, grants, and other supporting legislation.
Transportation Sector
Alternative Fuel Vehicles- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Initiatives - Programs that support the use of alternative fuels for transportation, including methanol, ethanol, natural gas, electricity, and hybrid gas/electricity.
- Fleet Requirements - Policies that require state or local agency's fleets to contain a certain percentage of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs).
- Refueling Infrastructure Development - Policies that encourage the development of alternative fuel refueling stations.
- Vehicle Purchase/Retrofit and Fuel-Related Incentives - Incentives that encourage purchasing AFV vehicles and fuel.
- AFV/ATV/Fuel R&D and Demonstration Projects - Policies that promote demonstration projects and research and development concerning the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFV), advanced technology vehicles (ATV), and alternative fuel. ATVs include Hybrid and Fuel Cells and other fuel-efficient technologies and fuels.
- Promotion of Specific Fuel/AFV/ATV Types - Policies that promote the use of specific types of fuels, AFVs, or ATVs, e.g., hydrogen, electric, propane, methanol, etc.
Non-Road Vehicle Technology- Technical Improvements to Aircraft-Rail-Ships - Programs that promote R&D or implementation of technical improvements for non-road transportation such as air, rail, and water.
Pricing Strategies- Road or VMT Pricing - Programs in which charges are levied to individuals traveling on certain segments of roads or during peak hours, or on a per-mile basis.
- Feebates - Programs in which taxes are levied on purchases of fuel-inefficient vehicles, and rebates are provided for purchases of fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Fuel Tax/Subsidy - Programs that impose a tax on purchases of greenhouse gas-intensive fuels (e.g., petroleum) and/or provide a subsidy for fuels that emit lower quantities of greenhouse gases.
- Miscellaneous - Other pricing strategies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
- Increase Driving Costs - Policies that promote increasing driving costs and the visibility of driving costs to encourage alternate forms of transportation or carpooling.
Public Transportation- Promote Mass Transit (General) - Programs that promote the use of rail, bus, and other forms of mass transit.
- Promote Rail Transit - Programs that support the use of rail transit as an alternative to automobile use.
- Promote Bus Transit - Programs that promote the use of buses as an alternative to automobile travel.
Transportation Education and Outreach Initiatives- Education and Outreach Initiatives - Programs that promote education and outreach about greenhouse gases and transportation.
Transportation System Efficiency- Commuter Incentives - Programs that promote alternatives to single-occupancy automobiles for commuter travel, including car/van pooling and telecommuting.
- Land Use/Transit-Oriented Development - Programs that minimize transportation greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating alternatives to automobile travel through land use planning.
- Intelligent Transportation Systems - Programs that use computerized systems to increase the flow of traffic on local streets and highways, thereby reducing fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
- Speed Limit Initiatives - Programs that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering highway speed limits in order to improve average fuel economy.
- Miscellaneous - Other system efficiency measures designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
- Non-motorized Travel - Programs that promote walking, bicycles, and other non-motorized alternatives to automobile travel.
- Truck-to-Rail Initiatives - Programs that promote the shipment of freight goods via rail rather than trucks.
- Multi-modal Coordination - Programs that seek to improve overall transportation efficiency by improving coordination between automobile, rail, bus, and other forms of travel.
- Transportation Planning - Programs that support planning of transportation systems to ensure efficiency.
Vehicle Fuel Economy Improvement Programs- Improve Vehicle Fuel Efficiency - Policies that support improving the efficiency of vehicle fuel.
- Vapor Recovery - Programs that promote R&D and implementation of vapor recovery technology.
- Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance - Policies that improve fuel economy through enhanced inspection and maintenance programs.
Waste Sector
Methane Capture- Promote Use of Landfill Methane - Projects that use landfill methane as fuel.
- Promote Flaring of Landfill Methane - Projects that flare landfill methane.
Waste Reduction- Promote Pre-Consumer Source Reduction - Programs that promote or assist pre-consumer source reduction.
- Promote Recycling and Waste Reduction - Programs that promote or assist waste reduction and recycling.
- Promote Participation in Recycling and Waste Reduction Programs - Promote participation in programs that encourage partnerships and improvements that encourage recycling and reduce waste. Examples of programs include U.S. EPA's Wastewise and state-specific programs.
- Financial Incentives for Recycling and Waste Reduction - Programs that provide financial incentives for recycling and waste reduction, such as volume-based fees programs and refunds for recyclables.
- Maintain Data on Waste Management and Conduct Analyses - Programs that support the maintenance and analysis of data on waste, waste management practices, landfills and landfill methane emissions.
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