An evaluation of New York state livestock carbon offset projects under California’s cap and trade program

Abstract

Carbon offsets allow greenhouse gas emitters in a cap and trade system to purchase the right to emit by paying others who are not subject to the cap to reduce their emissions. California has implemented a state-wide cap and trade system and developed a compliance offset program that defines protocols for offset project eligibility and methodology for calculating emissions reductions. One such protocol allows livestock methane digester projects to generate offset credits, including in other jurisdictions outside of California. Here, we assess incentives and barriers to participation in the livestock offset compliance program among dairy farmers in New York state and evaluate who is participating in this program and why. Our research presents a novel assessment of this carbon offset protocol and contributes to our understanding of the factors that shape effective cross-boundary climate mitigation policy implementation.