Abt Associates Data Informs New Rules To Cut Power Plant Emissions

Bethesda, MD /PRNewswire/ - Abt Associates provided data that was instrumental in helping the Obama Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) craft the newly released regulations on cutting carbon dioxide emissions from existing U.S. power plants by 30 percent by 2030.

The EPA's Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) was developed by Abt Associates in partnership with Radium Consulting Group and provides users with a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of virtually all electric power generated in the United States. Abt used the eGRID data aggregation methodology to help EPA develop state-level CO2 baselines for the new rule, which established the first-ever CO2 emissions standards for existing power plants in the United States.

"We are pleased to help provide the data that will assist states in complying with what is one of the most far-reaching environmental regulations in the United States," said Abt's Jonathan Dorn, Ph.D., M.P.P., an associate in Abt's Environment and Resources Division and director of the eGRID project.

Governments, academia, non-government organizations and companies rely on eGRID for estimating indirect emissions from electricity purchases, developing greenhouse gas inventories, carbon footprinting, and estimating avoided emissions from programs and projects that would reduce the consumption for grid supplied electricity.

The 9th Edition of eGRID, which is the most recent version, provides users with year 2010 emissions and emission rates data for a number of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs), including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide.

Abt, in partnership with Radium Consulting Group, will continue to support EPA in updating eGRID over the next year. The release of the 2011 and 2012 eGRID databases is slated for February 2015.

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com