An efficient offset system, consistent across WCI Partner jurisdictions, will help ensure an adequate supply of high-quality offsets

February 22, 2012

The Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Partner jurisdictions today release final recommendations for the requirements and process of offset project review and approval, and credit creation for the implementation of state and provincial greenhouse gas emissions trading programs.

The WCI Design Recommendations (2008) recommended the establishment of a rigorous offset system to support the WCI cap-and-trade program. The Design for the WCI Regional Program (2010) recommended essential criteria for high-quality offsets, and that standards and processes for approving offset projects be developed in an open and transparent manner. The final recommendations in this paper support these objectives.

The final recommendations identify the critical elements of offset project approval that WCI Partner jurisdictions believe will lead to high-quality offset credits that can be exchanged across the region. Consistent, transparent processes are expected to lower project development costs and support learning and sharing of experience among Partner jurisdictions and offset project developers. Stakeholder engagement, third party involvement, and regulatory oversight combine to ensure the environmental integrity of the program.

The final process recommendations incorporate stakeholder feedback on the draft offset system process released July 2011. The Offset System Process Final Recommendations are available here. The WCI Partners hosted a briefing with stakeholders on the recommendations on Friday, March 2, 2012. The presentation can be downloaded here.