Ecosystem Services Conceptual Models Series

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES CONCEPTUAL MODELS SERIES

Although numerous methods and approaches for incorporating ecosystem services into decisions have been established through academic research, this alone is not sufficient for widespread implementation. Practical guidance for how to support the consistent and credible use of these methods and approaches and integrate them into existing management and policy decisions is needed. A new report series by the National Ecosystem Services Partnership describes an easy to use approach that can support consistency in implementation--ecosystem services conceptual models. The series offers illustrations of the models' possible use in two case studies. Register to learn more about the concepts in this series through a webinar presented by authors and federal agency partners 3-4 p.m. ET on Friday, September 28.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT, LOCALLY GROUNDED

The Nicholas Institute works to inform decision makers about the risks and rewards associated with policies at the local, national, and global levels. Read our 2018 annual report to discover how we are not only deepening our leadership locally, but on global issues in order to meet 21st century challenges. The report showcases three features stories that describe projects on energy access, small-scale fisheries, and China's environment that extend beyond U.S. borders.

POLICY BRIEF: FERC CAPACITY MARKET ORDER

On June 29 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order offering how PJM's capacity market should handle state policies favoring certain types of power generation. How this FERC proposal takes shape will affect the cost of implementing public policies in PJM states and how much consumers will have to pay for electricity. A new Nicholas Institute policy brief finds that small changes to proposals being developed by PJM and commenters in response to the June order can improve the proposals' cost-effectiveness and workability without impacting reliability. It offers recommendations to improve efficiency of the developing proposals and help those responding to the FERC order understand the implications of different design choices related to FERC's proposal.

Current and Future Supply and Demand of Ecosystem Services in the Carolinas September 17 \| Columbia, South Carolina	Ecosystem Service Conceptual Models September 28 \| Webinar
Methods for Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Decision Making: Conceptual Models and Benefit-Relevant Indicators December 3 \| Arlington, Virginia	Mobilizing Technology and Business Models to Close the Energy Gap January 6-8, 2019 \| Durham, North Carolina

Linking State Carbon Trading Programs

Watch video from a September workshop exploring how Virginia and New Jersey's plans to link to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) could be a learning opportunity for other states that want to link to RGGI or implement a separate carbon trading program.

The Conversation, Will John McCain be the Last Republican Leader in the Senate to Address Climate Change?	New York Times, EPA Rule Change Could Let Dirtiest Coal Plants Keep Running (and Stay Dirty)
Bloomberg, New Jersey, Virginia Move to Join Regional Carbon Trading in 2020	Inside Climate News, John McCain's Climate Change Legacy