Approaching the climate challenge: The experience of PacifiCorp
- PacifiCorp, Portland, OR (United States)
Despite many uncertainties regarding the impacts of increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on the global climate, policies and actions intended to reduce the perceived threat of climate change are being actively discussed and developed at the international, national, state, and local levels. PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 1.3 million customers headquartered in Portland, Oregon, has been a pioneer in exploring ways to offset emissions using domestic tree planting. In 1992, PacifiCorp began implementing pilot carbon offset projects to test different offset techniques while working through implementation issues. Forestry was chosen for PacifiCorp`s initial offset efforts because forestry can provide credible carbon benefits at low cost and forestry programs could be funded within the limits of PacifiCorp`s pilot efforts. Forestry initiatives also are, for PacifiCorp, a distinct endeavor that cannot be confused with the company`s normal business activities and they have ancillary environmental benefits beyond carbon sequestration such as watershed restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. PacifiCorp has pursued four projects to date: reforestation in southern Oregon working with the Oregon Department of Forestry, reforestation through Oregon`s Forest Resource Trust, reforestration in eastern Washington, and urban forestry in Salt Lake City. The projects were chosen for their program benefits and ability to satisfy specific rigorous carbon offset criteria. PacifiCorp is evaluating additional future project opportunities; possibilities include utilization of methane from sewage treatment facilities, capture of methane from underground coal mines, and carbon offsets from ethanol production. PacifiCorp`s pilot projects have demonstrated the advantages of a flexible carbon offset approach. The offsets produced are credible, reliable, and verifiable, and provide ancillary benefits to the utility`s customers.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 115362
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP--200-8098; CONF-9508104--; ON: DE95009230
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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