NOTICES
Request for Information Concerning a Multimedia Trading Registry Department Objective
[33 Pa.B. 4981] The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) is seeking the input of all interested parties in its intended development of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a multimedia trading registry. Multimedia trading involves the exchange of pollution reduction or environmental improvement credits across multiple media formats using watersheds as a basis of trade. By building a program that recognizes the values of multiple environmental benefits created by environmental improvement activities, the Department hopes to help harness the power of markets in meeting and exceeding environmental goals.
The Department, through the use of this Request for Information (RFI), would like to make several important determinations prior to the release of the RFP. The first factor is to ascertain the level of interest and necessary qualifications of third parties in developing and operating a multicredit registry. The second is to gain a better understanding of the elements needed to build a registry and the resulting resources that would be needed to operate and sustain a registry. The third is to gain a better inventory of the policy issues related to the development and operation of a registry. Lastly, the Department is interested in options or methods that the public and proposers suggest it can pursue. Commentators are encouraged to submit their ideas and suggestions on any other issue related to this RFI.
Current Activities
The Department is currently involved with several single-medium trading programs or initiatives, such as the Ozone Transport Commission trading program for ozone precursors. The Department is also working with stakeholders in the Conestoga Watershed on a water trading program for nutrients and is working with stakeholders on programs to help address the challenges associated with acid mine drainage. A registry would help to take the next step of building a multimedia effort.
Information of Interest
The Department will review all submitted information. Examples of information of interest include:
* Examples of existing registries that support trading programs and could either be integrated or expanded to support a multimedia effort.
* Information on resources needed to build and operate multimedia trading registries.
* Concepts of web-based applications and other software approaches to portions or the entirety of a registry.
* Protocols that would assist in the evaluation and quantification of credits.
* Approaches for addressing policy issues.
Information and Recommendations
Information and recommendations submitted by the deadline will be considered by the Department in its intended development of the RFP. The final date for commentators to submit ideas for consideration by the Department is January 2, 2004. Written responses to this RFI should be submitted to Andrew Zemba, Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Water Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105, fax (717) 705-4087, azemba@state.pa.us. Questions concerning the RFI should be directed to Andrew Zemba, (717) 787-4686, azemba@state.pa.us.
KATHLEEN A. MCGINTY,
Secretary
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-1943. Filed for public inspection October 3, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
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