On March 14, APGA responded to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol’s surveys on scope 2 and scope 3 emissions guidance, as well as their questions on market-based accounting approaches. The purpose of gathering stakeholder input is for the World Resources Institute (WRI) to understand the need, scope, and potential approaches to inform updates to existing standards or the need for additional guidance.
In the Scope 2 Guidance survey, APGA asked WRI’s GHG Protocol team to ensure that any updates remain technology neutral to promote renewable natural gas (RNG) development, which can support our country’s sustainability efforts. Regarding Scope 3 Guidance, APGA requested recognition of accounting requirements and the burdens reporting could place on all members of the energy value chain. Requiring additional resources could cause pass-through costs, negatively impacting American families and business-owners who utilize community-owned utilities.
In addition, APGA urged incorporation of market-based accounting in Scope 1 emissions reporting. In doing so, existing gas infrastructure can transport lower carbon energies, such as RNG and hydrogen, to achieve sustainability goals in an affordable and reliable way.
APGA looks forward to continued collaboration with WRI on the GHG Protocols.
Because of the requirement to respond via survey, a succinct copy of the responses is not readily available, but if you have questions on the input or any details from this article, please contact Lindsay Selfridge of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-0834 or by email at lselfridge@apga.org.