Climate Change Guidance Documents
Commissioner Policy 49
First established in 2010 and updated in 2022, Commissioner Policy #49 (PDF) "Climate Change and DEC Action" (CP-49) provides guidance to agency divisions, offices, and regions regarding the incorporation of climate change considerations into agency activities. In 2022, DEC revised CP-49 to reflect requirements under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). This includes guidance for implementing provisions of Sections 7 and 9 of the CLCPA.
Value of Carbon Guidance
DEC has established a Value of Carbon guidance that can be used by State entities to aid decision-making and for the State to demonstrate the global societal value of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The Appendix provides social cost values for carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) at the 1 percent, 2 percent, and 3 percent discount rates. A spreadsheet tool is also available by request. Updated May 2022.
- Value of Carbon Guidance (PDF)
- Appendix: NYS Social Cost Values (PDF)
- Memo from NYSERDA and Resources for the Future (PDF)
Community Risk and Resiliency Act (CRRA)
Community Risk and Resiliency Act (CRRA) Implementation Guidance - mainstreaming consideration of climate change
Guidance for Assessing Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Guide for Assessing Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in an Environmental Impact Statement (PDF) provides instructions to DEC staff for reviewing an environmental impact statement (EIS) that includes a discussion of energy use or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Other state and local agencies may choose to use this guide when serving as lead agency for a project subject to an EIS that includes a discussion of energy use or GHG emissions.
