The Ohio River Nutrient Trading Program

Описание: Since 2007, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has been working with collaborators to define, structure, and implement a water quality trading program in the Ohio River Basin. Last month, the Ohio River Basin Water Quality Trading Project was selected by the U.S. Water Alliance for its 2015 United States Water Prize that honors individuals, institutions, and organizations that have made an outstanding achievement in the advancement of sustainable solutions to national water challenges. Now the project is providing organizations an opportunity to participate in a Public Auction of Water Stewardship Credits, which will be a step in testing the long-term economic viability of the program without ongoing grants.

Water quality trading is a cost-effective approach to achieving water quality goals by allowing permitted dischargers to buy nutrient reductions from another source. EPRI is also testing the approach for meeting sustainability goals, including offsetting supply chain impacts, establishing an economic incentive to support farmers, and improving ecosystems. The Stewardship Credits have been created by farm conservation practices, are quantified and verified by state agencies, and can be applied toward corporate sustainability goals, supplemental environmental project (SEP) requirements, or for future permit compliance schedule consideration. EPRI will hold the auction on April 16 in New York City, providing an opportunity to be credit buyers in this innovative program (Wall Street Journal).

Project collaborators include American Farmland Trust, Markit, Troutman Sanders, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, State and federal agencies, and others. During this webcast, attendees will hear directly from the overall program manager, Jessica Fox, regarding rules, scientific verification, economic viability, and the upcoming Public Auction.