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MEMO: EMISSION REDUCTIONS, COSTS, BENEFITS AND ECONOMIC 

IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH BUILDING BLOCKS 1 AND 2

1 Introduction

This memo provides estimates of the costs, energy impacts, and the monetized climate 

benefits and air pollution health co-benefits associated with emission reductions for two 

illustrative compliance scenarios associated with building blocks 1 and 2 only. It also includes 

estimates of the labor impacts on the regulated sector. The methods applied to generate these 

estimates are described in detail in Chapter 3, 4, and 6 of the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA).

For brevity, this memo just reports the results of these analyses.

EPA used the Integrated Planning Model (IPM), developed by ICF International, to 

conduct this analysis. It provides forecasts of least cost capacity expansion, electricity dispatch, 

and emission control strategies while meeting energy demand and environmental, transmission, 

dispatch, and reliability constraints.

This analysis also evaluates the climate benefits associated with emission reductions of 

CO2 and the air pollution health co-benefits associated with reduced emissions of SO2 and NOx,

which would lead to lower ambient concentrations of PM2.5 and ozone. Unlike the analysis of 

health co-benefits in Chapter 4 of the RIA, estimates of emissions reductions of directly emitted 

particles are not available for this analysis. Similar to Chapter 4 of the RIA, unquantified cobenefits include exposure to several HAPs (including mercury and hydrogen chloride), carbon 

monoxide, SO2, and NO2, as well as ecosystem effects and visibility impairment. 

2 State Goals for Building Blocks 1 and 2

This analysis includes state-specific rate-based goals that reflect a two-building block 

approach. It is also based upon the same modeling framework, assumptions and calculations as 

presented in the RIA. The two-blocks incorporated in the following state goals include efficiency 

improvements at existing coal steam electric generating units (EGUs) and use of lower emitting 

power sources (increased utilization of existing NGCCs) and are identical to the proposed levels, 

included for purposes of establishing state-specific goals, associated with Option 1 (6% 

efficiency improvement and no more than 70% redispatch).
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Table 1. State-specific Goals for Two-Block Approach for Existing Sources

State Rate

Alabama 1,329

Alaska 1,252

Arizona 900

Arkansas 1,115

California 838

Colorado 1,521

Connecticut 809

Delaware 1,013

Florida 910

Georgia 1,296

Hawaii 1,751

Idaho 858

Illinois 1,865

Indiana 1,834

Iowa 1,846

Kansas 2,186

Kentucky 1,986

Louisiana 1,099

Maine 848

Maryland 1,868

Massachusetts 886

Michigan 1,511

Minnesota 1,369

Mississippi 843

Missouri 1,784

Montana 2,295

Nebraska 1,941

Nevada 882

New Hampshire 878

New Jersey 905

New Mexico 1,447

New York 927

North Carolina 1,329

North Dakota 2,226

Ohio 1,714

Oklahoma 1,186

Oregon 852

Pennsylvania 1,480

Rhode Island 918

South Carolina 1,514

South Dakota 1,456

Tennessee 1,798

Texas 1,083

Utah 1,559

Virginia 1,135

Washington 811

West Virginia 1,933

Wisconsin 1,619

Wyoming 2,151
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3 Emissions and Power Sector Impacts

Tables 2 through 18 report the emissions and power sector impacts of the two-block 

approach. 

Table 2. Projected CO2 Emission Impacts

CO2 Emissions

(MM Tonnes)

CO2 Emissions 

Reductions from Base

Case

(MM Tonnes)

CO2 Emissions Reductions: 

Percent Change from Base 

Case

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Base Case 2,161 2,231 2,256

Two-Block Regional 1,930 1,973 1,997 231 258 258 11% 12% 11%

Two-Block State 1,908 1,947 1,963 252 284 292 12% 13% 13%

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014

Table 3. Projected Non-CO2 Emissions Reductions

Base Case

Two Block Two Block

Regional State Regional State

2020

SO2 (thousand tons) 1,476 1,243 1,199 -15.7% -18.8%

NOX (thousand tons) 1,559 1,319 1,286 -15.4% -17.5%

Hg (tons) 8.3 7.2 7.1 -12.8% -13.9%

HCl (thousand tons) 8 8 8 2.9% -1.3%

2025

SO2 (thousand tons) 1,515 1,228 1,171 -19.0% -22.7%

NOX (thousand tons) 1,587 1,317 1,272 -17.0% -19.9%

Hg (tons) 8.7 7.4 7.3 -14.9% -16.2%

HCl (thousand tons) 8 9 9 0.8% 3.0%

2030

SO2 (thousand tons) 1,530 1,188 1,134 -22.3% -25.9%

NOX (thousand tons) 1,537 1,274 1,224 -17.1% -20.4%

Hg (tons) 8.8 7.4 7.3 -15.2% -16.8%

HCl (thousand tons) 9 9 9 0.0% -5.1%

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014

Table 4. Annualized Compliance Costs (billions of 2011$)

2020 2025 2030

Two Block Regional 3.2 3.0 6.8

Two Block State 4.4 4.6 9.8

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014
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Table 5. Generation Mix (thousand GWh) 

Base Case, Generation

Two Block, Generation Two Block, Percent Change

Regional State Regional State

2020

Pulverized Coal 1,665 1,435 1,395 -14% -16%

NG Combined Cycle (existing) 1,003 1,178 1,170 17% 17%

NG Combined Cycle (new) 85 153 199 81% 134%

Combustion Turbine 19 34 31 79% 63%

Oil/Gas Steam 52 25 26 -51% -50%

Non-Hydro Renewables 299 300 300 0% 0%

Hydro 280 283 283 1% 1%

Nuclear 817 819 819 0% 0%

Other 8 8 9 11% 17%

Total 4,227 4,235 4,232 0% 0%

2025

Pulverized Coal 1,702 1,420 1,377 -17% -19%

NG Combined Cycle (existing) 919 1,176 1,144 28% 24%

NG Combined Cycle (new) 280 310 385 11% 37%

Combustion Turbine 27 42 38 57% 42%

Oil/Gas Steam 37 20 20 -47% -46%

Non-Hydro Renewables 335 335 335 0% 0%

Hydro 280 282 282 1% 1%

Nuclear 817 819 819 0% 0%

Other 6 7 8 15% 22%

Total 4,404 4,411 4,408 0% 0%

2030

Pulverized Coal 1,668 1,372 1,321 -18% -21%

NG Combined Cycle (existing) 810 1,144 1,099 41% 36%

NG Combined Cycle (new) 599 551 644 -8% 7%

Combustion Turbine 23 43 40 92% 78%

Oil/Gas Steam 23 15 17 -34% -29%

Non-Hydro Renewables 350 352 353 1% 1%

Hydro 280 282 282 1% 1%

Nuclear 797 797 797 0% 0%

Other 6 7 8 23% 31%

Total 4,557 4,565 4,560 0% 0%

Note: “Other” mostly includes MSW and fuel cells. Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014

In 2020, incremental coal retirements relative to the base case are 24 GW in the regional

scenario, and 32 GW in the state scenario.
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Table 6. Total Generation Capacity by 2020-2030 (GW)

Base 

Case

Two Block Two Block

Reg. State Reg. State

2020

Pulverized Coal 244 219 211 -10% -13%

NG Combined Cycle (existing) 219 221 221 1% 1%

NG Combined Cycle (new) 12 23 30 93% 153%

Combustion Turbine 146 148 149 1% 2%

Oil/Gas Steam 83 80 79 -3% -5%

Non-Hydro Renewables 93 93 93 0% 1%

Hydro 101 101 101 0% 0%

Nuclear 103 103 103 0% 0%

Other 5 5 5 2% 2%

Total 1,005 994 992 -1% -1%

2025

Pulverized Coal 243 219 211 -10% -13%

NG Combined Cycle (existing) 219 221 221 1% 1%

NG Combined Cycle (new) 39 49 59 25% 52%

Combustion Turbine 149 160 160 8% 7%

Oil/Gas Steam 82 80 79 -2% -4%

Non-Hydro Renewables 103 104 104 0% 1%

Hydro 101 101 101 0% 0%

Nuclear 103 103 103 0% 0%

Other 5 5 5 2% 2%

Total 1,044 1,042 1,043 0% 0%

2030

Pulverized Coal 240 217 209 -10% -13%

NG Combined Cycle (existing) 219 221 221 1% 1%

NG Combined Cycle (new) 84 88 101 6% 20%

Combustion Turbine 156 174 172 12% 10%

Oil/Gas Steam 82 80 79 -2% -4%

Non-Hydro Renewables 107 108 109 1% 1%

Hydro 101 101 101 0% 0%

Nuclear 101 101 101 0% 0%

Other 5 5 5 2% 2%

Total 1,095 1,095 1,096 0% 0%

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014
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Table 7. Projected Capacity Factor of Existing Coal Steam and Natural Gas Combined 

Cycle Capacity

Existing Coal Steam Existing Natural Gas Combined 

Cycle

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Base Case 78% 80% 79% 52% 48% 42%

Option 2 Regional 75% 74% 72% 61% 61% 59%

Option 2 State 75% 74% 72% 60% 59% 57%

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014

Table 8. Projected Capacity Additions, Gas (GW)

Cumulative Capacity Additions: Gas 

Combined Cycle

Incremental Cumulative Capacity 

Additions: Gas Combined Cycle

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Base Case 11.9 38.9 83.8

Two Block Regional 23.1 48.7 88.5 11.1 9.8 4.7

Two Block State 30.2 58.9 100.7 18.3 20.0 17.0

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014

Table 9. Projected Capacity Additions, Non-hydro Renewable (GW)

Cumulative Capacity Additions: 

Renewables

Incremental Cumulative Capacity Additions: 

Renewables

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Base Case 17.8 28.4 32.7

Two Block Regional 18.1 28.8 33.6 0.3 0.4 0.8

Two Block State 18.3 29.0 33.7 0.5 0.6 1.0

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014

Table 10. Coal Production for the Electric Power Sector, 2020

Coal Production (MM Tons) Percent Change from Base Case

Two Block Two Block

Base Case Regional State Regional State

Appalachia 140 110 111 -22% -21%

Interior 249 230 224 -8% -10%

West 446 324 308 -27% -31%

Waste Coal 9 11 11 20% 20%

Imports 0 0 0

Total 844 675 654 -20% -22%

Source: Integrated Planning Model run by EPA, 2014
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Table 11. Power Sector Gas Use

Power Sector Gas Use (TCF) Percent Change in Power Sector Gas Use

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Base Case 8.35 8.88 9.89

Two Block Regional 9.90 10.90 12.14 18.7% 22.7% 22.6%

Two Block State 10.14 11.14 12.42 21.5% 25.5% 25.6%

Table 12. Projected Average Minemouth and Delivered Coal Prices (2011$/MMBtu)

Minemouth Delivered - Electric Power Sector

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Base Case 1.73 1.88 2.06 2.62 2.80 2.98

Two Block Regional 1.55 1.69 1.81 2.32 2.47 2.59

Two Block State 1.55 1.69 1.83 2.31 2.47 2.62

Table 13. Projected Average Minemouth and Delivered Coal Prices: Percent Change from 

Base Case Projections

Minemouth Delivered - Electric Power Sector

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Two Block Regional -10.6% -10.5% -12.1% -11.5% -11.8% -13.0%

Two Block State -10.5% -10.4% -11.0% -11.7% -11.9% -12.2%

Table 14. Projected Natural Gas Prices (2011$/MMBtu)

Henry Hub Delivered - Electric Power 

Sector

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Base Case 4.98 5.68 6.00 5.36 6.11 6.39

Two Block Regional 5.53 6.06 6.62 5.90 6.42 6.94

Two Block State 5.56 6.10 6.73 5.93 6.45 7.05

Table 15. Projected Natural Gas Prices: Percent Change from Base Case Projections

Henry Hub Delivered - Electric Power 

Sector

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Two Block Regional 10.9% 6.7% 10.3% 9.9% 5.0% 8.6%

Two Block State 11.5% 7.3% 12.2% 10.6% 5.5% 10.3%
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Table 16. 2020 Projected Contiguous U.S. and Regional Retail Electricity Prices 

(cents/kWh)

2020 Projected Retail Price (cents/kWh) Percent Change from Base Case

Base Case Two Block 

Regional Two Block State Two Block Regional Two Block State

ERCT 9.9 10.3 10.4 4.8% 5.1%

FRCC 10.6 11.0 11.2 3.6% 5.1%

MROE 10.4 10.5 10.5 0.6% 0.5%

MROW 9.2 9.2 9.3 0.0% 1.8%

NEWE 13.8 14.2 14.5 2.5% 5.0%

NYCW 18.0 18.3 18.5 1.9% 2.6%

NYLI 14.7 15.1 15.2 2.5% 3.3%

NYUP 12.7 13.0 13.1 2.1% 2.8%

RFCE 12.2 12.6 12.7 3.2% 3.6%

RFCM 10.7 10.7 10.8 0.3% 1.1%

RFCW 10.1 10.3 10.4 1.7% 2.5%

SRDA 9.0 9.2 9.2 2.8% 2.6%

SRGW 9.3 9.5 9.6 1.9% 2.9%

SRSE 10.4 10.4 10.5 0.5% 0.7%

SRCE 8.2 8.2 8.2 -0.9% -0.9%

SRVC 10.7 10.6 10.7 -0.3% -0.1%

SPNO 10.6 10.5 10.5 -1.0% -1.3%

SPSO 8.3 8.8 8.8 5.0% 5.3%

AZNM 10.5 10.7 10.8 1.7% 2.9%

CAMX 14.3 14.6 14.6 2.2% 2.4%

NWPP 7.3 7.4 7.4 1.3% 1.4%

RMPA 8.9 9.0 9.2 0.7% 2.9%

Contiguous U.S. 10.4 10.6 10.7 1.9% 2.5%
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Table 17. 2025 Projected Contiguous U.S. and Regional Retail Electricity Prices 

(cents/kWh)

2025 Projected Retail Price (cents/kWh) Percent Change from Base Case

Base Case Two Block 

Regional Two Block State Two BlockRegional Two Block State

ERCT 11.2 11.5 11.5 2.5% 3.0%

FRCC 10.9 11.2 11.3 2.6% 4.0%

MROE 10.5 10.5 10.4 0.3% -0.8%

MROW 9.2 9.4 9.6 1.9% 4.2%

NEWE 14.2 14.6 14.9 2.2% 4.4%

NYCW 18.8 19.2 19.3 2.0% 2.3%

NYLI 15.6 16.0 16.1 2.9% 3.3%

NYUP 13.2 13.5 13.6 2.0% 2.3%

RFCE 12.6 12.8 12.9 1.6% 2.0%

RFCM 10.7 10.8 10.9 0.7% 1.8%

RFCW 10.9 11.0 11.1 0.7% 1.0%

SRDA 9.3 9.6 9.6 2.7% 3.0%

SRGW 10.1 10.3 10.3 1.3% 1.9%

SRSE 10.3 10.5 10.5 1.1% 1.1%

SRCE 8.2 8.1 8.1 -1.5% -1.7%

SRVC 10.6 10.6 10.6 -0.1% 0.1%

SPNO 10.3 10.3 10.3 -0.2% -0.3%

SPSO 8.8 9.3 9.2 4.9% 4.4%

AZNM 10.8 11.1 11.3 2.7% 4.7%

CAMX 13.9 14.1 14.1 1.0% 1.0%

NWPP 7.4 7.4 7.5 0.7% 1.7%

RMPA 9.4 9.5 9.7 0.9% 3.3%

Contiguous U.S. 10.8 10.9 11.0 1.4% 2.0%
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Table 18. 2030 Projected Contiguous U.S. and Regional Retail Electricity Prices 

(cents/kWh)

2030 Projected Retail Price (cents/kWh) Percent Change from Base Case

Base Case Two Block 

Regional Two Block State Two Block Regional Two Block State

ERCT 11.6 12.1 12.1 4.0% 4.8%

FRCC 10.9 11.5 11.6 5.0% 6.3%

MROE 10.5 10.7 10.7 2.3% 1.6%

MROW 9.4 9.6 9.8 2.1% 4.9%

NEWE 15.1 15.4 15.4 2.0% 1.8%

NYCW 19.9 20.3 20.3 1.7% 1.6%

NYLI 16.9 17.2 17.1 1.8% 1.3%

NYUP 14.2 14.5 14.5 1.7% 1.6%

RFCE 12.4 12.8 12.8 2.8% 3.4%

RFCM 10.8 11.0 11.1 1.8% 2.9%

RFCW 11.2 11.4 11.4 1.3% 1.8%

SRDA 9.5 9.9 10.0 4.5% 5.0%

SRGW 10.4 10.5 10.6 0.9% 1.6%

SRSE 10.4 10.6 10.7 2.4% 2.6%

SRCE 8.1 8.1 8.1 -1.2% -1.2%

SRVC 10.4 10.4 10.5 0.6% 1.1%

SPNO 10.2 10.2 10.2 -0.1% 0.2%

SPSO 9.1 9.7 9.6 6.3% 6.1%

AZNM 11.5 11.8 12.0 2.7% 4.4%

CAMX 14.1 14.4 14.5 1.9% 2.3%

NWPP 7.4 7.5 7.6 1.2% 2.6%

RMPA 9.9 10.1 10.4 2.1% 5.7%

Contiguous U.S. 10.9 11.2 11.3 2.3% 2.9%

4 Estimated Climate Benefits from CO2 Emission Reductions

Tables 19 through 21 report the climate benefits estimated in three analysis years (2020, 

2025, and 2030) for the two illustrative compliance scenarios (i.e., state and regional) evaluated.
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Table 19. Estimated Global Climate Benefits of CO2 Reductions for Building Blocks 1 and 

2 in 2020 (billions of 2011$)*

Discount Rate and Statistic State Regional

Million metric tonnes of CO2 reduced 252 231 

5% (average) $3.2 $3.0

3% (average) $12 $11

2.5% (average) $17 $16

3% (95th percentile) $34 $31

* The SCC values are dollar-year and emissions-year specific. SCC values represent only a partial accounting of 

climate impacts.

Table 20. Estimated Global Climate Benefits of CO2 Reductions for Building Blocks 1 and 

2 in 2025 (billions of 2011$)*

Discount Rate and Statistic State Regional

Million metric tonnes of CO2 reduced 284 258 

5% (average) $4.2 $3.9

3% (average) $14 $13

2.5% (average) $21 $19

3% (95th percentile) $43 $39

* The SCC values are dollar-year and emissions-year specific. SCC values represent only a partial accounting of 

climate impacts.

Table 21. Estimated Global Climate Benefits of CO2 Reductions for Building Blocks 1 and 

2 in 2030 (billions of 2011$)*

Discount Rate and Statistic State Regional

Million metric tonnes of CO2 reduced 292 258 

5% (average) $5.0 $4.4

3% (average) $16 $14

2.5% (average) $23 $21

3% (95th percentile) $50 $44

* The SCC values are dollar-year and emissions-year specific. SCC values represent only a partial accounting of 

climate impacts.

5 Estimated Human Health Co-Benefits

Tables 22 through 24 provide the emission reductions estimated to occur in three analysis 

years (2020, 2025, and 2030) for two illustrative compliance scenarios (i.e., state and regional) 

by region (i.e., East, West, and California). Tables 25 through 27 report the health co-benefits 

estimated in three analysis years (2020, 2025, and 2030) for the two illustrative compliance 

scenarios (i.e., state and regional) evaluated.
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Table 22. Emission Reductions of Criteria Pollutants in 2020 (thousands of short tons)

Region SO2 All-year NOx Ozone-Season NOx

State

East 253 233 96

West 23 40 17

California 0 0 0

Total 277 273 113

Regional 216 209 86

East 15 29 12

West 1 2 1

California 232 240 98

Total 216 209 86

Table 23. Emission Reductions of Criteria Pollutants in 2025 (thousands of short tons)

Region SO2 All-year NOx Ozone-Season NOx

State

East 318 265 111

West 26 41 17

California 0 9 1

Total 344 315 128

Regional

East 265 237 97

West 22 26 11

California 1 8 1

Total 287 270 109

Table 24. Emission Reductions of Criteria Pollutants in 2030 (thousands of short tons)

Region SO2 All-year NOx Ozone-Season NOx

State

East 365 265 108

West 31 48 21

California 0 0 0

Total 396 313 128

Regional

East 316 233 92

West 26 29 12

California 1 1 0

Total 342 263 105
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Table 25. Summary of Estimated Monetized Health Co-benefits in 2020 (millions of 

2011$)*

Pollutant 3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

State

SO2 $10,000 to $23,000 $9,300 to $21,000

NOx (as PM2.5) $1,600 to $3,600 $1,400 to $3,200

NOx (as Ozone) $450 to $1,900 $450 to $1,900

Total $12,000 to $29,000 $11,000 to $26,000

Regional

SO2 $8,900 to $20,000 $8,000 to $18,000

NOx (as PM2.5) $1,500 to $3,300 $1,300 to $3,000

NOx (as Ozone) $410 to $1,700 $410 to $1,700

Total $11,000 to $25,000 $9,800 to $23,000

* All estimates are rounded to two significant figures so numbers may not sum down columns. The estimated 

monetized co-benefits do not include climate benefits or reduced health effects from direct exposure to NO2, SO2, 

ecosystem effects, or visibility impairment. All fine particles are assumed to have equivalent health effects, but the 

benefit-per-ton estimates vary depending on the location and magnitude of their impact on PM2.5 levels, which 

drive population exposure. The monetized co-benefits incorporate the conversion from precursor emissions to 

ambient fine particles and ozone. Co-benefits for PM2.5 precursors are based on regional benefit-per-ton estimates. 

Co-benefits for ozone are based on ozone season NOx emissions. Ozone co-benefits occur in analysis year, so they 

are the same for all discount rates. Confidence intervals are unavailable for this analysis because of the benefit-perton methodology. In general, the 95th percentile confidence interval for monetized PM2.5 benefits ranges from 

approximately -90 percent to +180 percent of the central estimates based on Krewski et al. (2009) and Lepeule et 

al. (2012).

Table 26. Summary of Estimated Monetized Health Co-benefits in 2025 (millions of 

2011$)*

Pollutant 3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

State

SO2 $14,000 to $32,000 $13,000 to $29,000

NOx (as PM2.5) $2,100 to $4,800 $1,900 to $4,300

NOx (as Ozone) $680 to $2,900 $680 to $2,900

Total $17,000 to $40,000 $15,000 to $36,000

Regional

SO2 $12,000 to $27,000 $11,000 to $24,000

NOx (as PM2.5) $1,900 to $4,200 $1,700 to $3,800

NOx (as Ozone) $600 to $2,600 $600 to $2,600

Total $14,000 to $34,000 $13,000 to $30,000

* All estimates are rounded to two significant figures so numbers may not sum down columns. The estimated 

monetized co-benefits do not include climate benefits or reduced health effects from direct exposure to NO2, SO2, 

ecosystem effects, or visibility impairment. All fine particles are assumed to have equivalent health effects, but the 

benefit-per-ton estimates vary depending on the location and magnitude of their impact on PM2.5 levels, which 

drive population exposure. The monetized co-benefits incorporate the conversion from precursor emissions to 

ambient fine particles and ozone. Co-benefits for PM2.5 precursors are based on regional benefit-per-ton estimates. 

Co-benefits for ozone are based on ozone season NOx emissions. Ozone co-benefits occur in analysis year, so they 

are the same for all discount rates. Confidence intervals are unavailable for this analysis because of the benefit-perton methodology. In general, the 95th percentile confidence interval for monetized PM2.5 benefits ranges from 

approximately -90 percent to +180 percent of the central estimates based on Krewski et al. (2009) and Lepeule et 

al. (2012).
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Table 27. Summary of Estimated Monetized Health Co-benefits in 2030 (millions of 

2011$)*

Pollutant 3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

State

SO2 $17,000 to $39,000 $16,000 to $35,000

NOx (as PM2.5) $2,100 to $4,700 $1,900 to $4,200

NOx (as Ozone) $700 to $3,000 $700 to $3,000

Total $20,000 to $47,000 $18,000 to $43,000

Regional

SO2 $15,000 to $34,000 $14,000 to $31,000

NOx (as PM2.5) $1,800 to $4,100 $1,700 to $3,700

NOx (as Ozone) $600 to $2,600 $600 to $2,600

Total $18,000 to $41,000 $16,000 to $37,000

* All estimates are rounded to two significant figures so numbers may not sum down columns. The estimated 

monetized co-benefits do not include climate benefits or reduced health effects from direct exposure to NO2, SO2, 

ecosystem effects, or visibility impairment. All fine particles are assumed to have equivalent health effects, but the 

benefit-per-ton estimates vary depending on the location and magnitude of their impact on PM2.5 levels, which 

drive population exposure. The monetized co-benefits incorporate the conversion from precursor emissions to 

ambient fine particles and ozone. Co-benefits for PM2.5 precursors are based on regional benefit-per-ton estimates. 

Co-benefits for ozone are based on ozone season NOx emissions. Ozone co-benefits occur in analysis year, so they 

are the same for all discount rates. Confidence intervals are unavailable for this analysis because of the benefit-perton methodology. In general, the 95th percentile confidence interval for monetized PM2.5 benefits ranges from 

approximately -90 percent to +180 percent of the central estimates based on Krewski et al. (2009) and Lepeule et 

al. (2012).

6 Combined Climate Benefits and Health Co-benefits

Tables 28 through 30 provide the combined climate and health benefits for each 

compliance scenarios evaluated for 2020, 2025, and 2030. 
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Table 28. Combined Climate Benefits and Health Co-Benefits in 2020 (billions of 2011$)*

SCC Discount Rate

Climate 

Benefits 

Only

Climate Benefits and Health Co-Benefits 

(Discount Rate Applied to Health Co-Benefits)

3% 7%

State 252 million metric tonnes CO2

5% $3.2 $16 to $32 $14 to $29

3% $12 $24 to $40 $23 to $38

2.5% $17 $30 to $46 $28 to $43

3% (95th percentile) $34 $47 to $63 $46 to $61

Regional 231 million metric tonnes CO2

5% $3.0 $14 to $28 $13 to $26

3% $11 $21 to $36 $20 to $33

2.5% $16 $27 to $41 $26 to $39

3% (95th percentile) $31 $42 to $57 $41 to $54

*All estimates are rounded to two significant figures. Climate benefits are based on reductions in CO2 emissions. 

Co-benefits are based on regional benefit-per-ton estimates. Co-benefits for ozone are based on ozone season NOx 

emissions. Ozone co-benefits occur in analysis year, so they are the same for all discount rates. The health cobenefits reflect the sum of the PM2.5 and ozone co-benefits and reflect the range based on adult mortality functions 

(e.g., from Krewski et al. (2009) with Bell et al. (2004) to Lepeule et al. (2012) with Levy et al. (2005)). The 

monetized health co-benefits do not include reduced health effects from direct exposure to NO2, SO2, and HAP;

ecosystem effects; or visibility impairment. 

Table 29. Combined Climate Benefits and Health Co-Benefits in 2025 (billions of 2011$)*

SCC Discount Rate

Climate 

Benefits 

Only

Climate Benefits and Health Co-Benefits 

(Discount Rate Applied to Health Co-Benefits)

3% 7%

State 284 million metric tonnes CO2

5% $4.2 $21 to $44 $20 to $40

3% $14 $31 to $54 $30 to $50

2.5% $21 $38 to $61 $36 to $57

3% (95th percentile) $43 $60 to $83 $59 to $79

Regional 258 million metric tonnes CO2

5% $3.9 $18 to $37 $17 to $34

3% $13 $27 to $46 $26 to $43

2.5% $19 $33 to $52 $32 to $49

3% (95th percentile) $39 $54 to $73 $52 to $70

*All estimates are rounded to two significant figures. Climate benefits are based on reductions in CO2 emissions. 

Co-benefits are based on regional benefit-per-ton estimates. Co-benefits for ozone are based on ozone season NOx 

emissions. Ozone co-benefits occur in analysis year, so they are the same for all discount rates. The health cobenefits reflect the sum of the PM2.5 and ozone co-benefits and reflect the range based on adult mortality functions 

(e.g., from Krewski et al. (2009) with Bell et al. (2004) to Lepeule et al. (2012) with Levy et al. (2005)). It is 

important to note that the monetized health co-benefits do not include reduced health effects from direct exposure to 

NO2, SO2, and HAP; ecosystem effects; or visibility impairment. 
16

Table 30. Combined Climate Benefits and Health Co-Benefits in 2030 (billions of 2011$)*

SCC Discount Rate

Climate 

Benefits 

Only

Climate Benefits and Health Co-Benefits 

(Discount Rate Applied to Health Co-Benefits)

3% 7%

State 292 million metric tonnes CO2

5% $5.0 $25 to $52 $23 to $48

3% $16 $36 to $63 $35 to $59

2.5% $23 $44 to $70 $42 to $66

3% (95th percentile) $50 $70 to $97 $68 to $92

Regional 258 million metric tonnes CO2

5% $4.4 $22 to $45 $20 to $41

3% $14 $32 to $55 $30 to $51

2.5% $21 $38 to $62 $37 to $58

3% (95th percentile) $44 $61 to $85 $60 to $81

*All estimates are rounded to two significant figures. Climate benefits are based on reductions in CO2 emissions. 

Co-benefits are based on regional benefit-per-ton estimates. Co-benefits for ozone are based on ozone season NOx 

emissions. Ozone co-benefits occur in analysis year, so they are the same for all discount rates. The health cobenefits reflect the sum of the PM2.5 and ozone co-benefits and reflect the range based on adult mortality functions 

(e.g., from Krewski et al. (2009) with Bell et al. (2004) to Lepeule et al. (2012) with Levy et al. (2005)). It is 

important to note that the monetized health co-benefits do not include reduced health effects from direct exposure to 

NO2, SO2, and HAP; ecosystem effects; or visibility impairment. 

7 Net Benefits

Tables 31 through 33 summarize the benefits, costs, and net benefits for 2020, 2025, and 

2030 for the two illustrative compliance scenarios evaluated for building blocks 1 and 2 only.
17

Table 31. Summary of Monetized Benefits, Compliance Costs, and Net Benefits in 2020 

(billions of 2011$) a

State

3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

Climate Benefits b

5% discount rate

3% discount rate

2.5% discount rate

95th percentile at 3% discount rate

$3.2

$12

$17

$34

Air pollution health co-benefits c $12 to $29 $11 to $26

Total Compliance Costs d $4.4

Net Benefits e $20 to $36 $18 to $33

Non-Monetized Benefits

Direct exposure to SO2 and NO2

1.1 tons of Hg 

Ecosystem Effects

Visibility impairment

Regional

3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

Climate Benefits b

5% discount rate

3% discount rate

2.5% discount rate

95th percentile at 3% discount rate

$3.0

$11

$16

$31

Air pollution health co-benefits c $11 to $25 $9.8 to $23

Total Compliance Costs d $3.2

Net Benefits e $18 to $32 $17 to $30

Non-Monetized Benefits

Direct exposure to SO2 and NO2

1.1 tons of Hg 

Ecosystem Effects

Visibility impairment

a All estimates are for 2020 and are rounded to two significant figures, so figures may not sum.

b The climate benefit estimates in this summary table reflect global impacts from CO2 emission changes and do not account for 

changes in non-CO2 GHG emissions. Also, different discount rates are applied to SCC than to the other estimates because CO2

emissions are long-lived and subsequent damages occur over many years. The SCC estimates are year-specific and increase over 

time. 

c The air pollution health co-benefits reflect reduced exposure to PM2.5 and ozone associated with emission reductions of directly 

emitted PM2.5, SO2 and NOX. The range reflects the use of concentration-response functions from different epidemiology studies. 

The reduction in premature fatalities each year accounts for over 90 percent of total monetized co-benefits from PM2.5 and ozone. 

These models assume that all fine particles, regardless of their chemical composition, are equally potent in causing premature 

mortality because the scientific evidence is not yet sufficient to allow differentiation of effect estimates by particle type. 

d Total costs are approximated by the illustrative compliance costs estimated using the Integrated Planning Model and a discount 

rate of approximately 5%. This estimate includes monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting costs and demand side energy 

efficiency program and participant costs.

e The estimates of net benefits in this summary table are calculated using the global SCC at a 3 percent discount rate (model 

average). Tables 10-12 in this memo present combined climate and health estimates based on additional discount rates.
18

Table 32. Summary of Monetized Benefits, Compliance Costs, and Net Benefits in 2025 

(billions of 2011$) a

State

3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

Climate Benefits b

5% discount rate

3% discount rate

2.5% discount rate

95th percentile at 3% discount rate

$4.2

$14

$21

$43

Air pollution health co-benefits c $17 to $40 $15 to $36

Total Compliance Costs d $4.6

Net Benefits e $27 to $49 $25 to $46

Non-Monetized Benefits

Direct exposure to SO2 and NO2

1.4 tons of Hg 

Ecosystem Effects

Visibility impairment

Regional

3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

Climate Benefits b

5% discount rate

3% discount rate

2.5% discount rate

95th percentile at 3% discount rate

$3.9

$13

$19

$39

Air pollution health co-benefits c $14 to $34 $13 to $30

Total Compliance Costs d $3.0

Net Benefits e $24 to $43 $23 to $40

Non-Monetized Benefits

Direct exposure to SO2 and NO2

1.3 tons of Hg 

Ecosystem Effects

Visibility impairment

a All estimates are for 2025 and are rounded to two significant figures, so figures may not sum.

b The climate benefit estimates in this summary table reflect global impacts from CO2 emission changes and do not account for 

changes in non-CO2 GHG emissions. Also, different discount rates are applied to SCC than to the other estimates because CO2

emissions are long-lived and subsequent damages occur over many years. The SCC estimates are year-specific and increase over 

time. 

c The air pollution health co-benefits reflect reduced exposure to PM2.5 and ozone associated with emission reductions of directly 

emitted PM2.5, SO2 and NOX. The range reflects the use of concentration-response functions from different epidemiology studies. 

The reduction in premature fatalities each year accounts for over 90 percent of total monetized co-benefits from PM2.5 and ozone. 

These models assume that all fine particles, regardless of their chemical composition, are equally potent in causing premature 

mortality because the scientific evidence is not yet sufficient to allow differentiation of effect estimates by particle type. 

d Total costs are approximated by the illustrative compliance costs estimated using the Integrated Planning Model and a discount 

rate of approximately 5%. This estimate includes monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting costs and demand side energy 

efficiency program and participant costs.

e The estimates of net benefits in this summary table are calculated using the global SCC at a 3 percent discount rate (model 

average). Tables 10-12 in this memo present combined climate and health estimates based on additional discount rates.
19

Table 33. Summary of Monetized Benefits, Compliance Costs, and Net Benefits in 2030 

(billions of 2011$) a

State

3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

Climate Benefits b

5% discount rate

3% discount rate

2.5% discount rate

95th percentile at 3% discount rate

$5.0

$16

$23

$50

Air pollution health co-benefits c $20 to $47 $18 to $43

Total Compliance Costs d $9.8

Net Benefits e $27 to $53 $25 to $49

Non-Monetized Benefits

Direct exposure to SO2 and NO2

1.5 tons of Hg

Ecosystem Effects

Visibility impairment

Regional

3% Discount Rate 7% Discount Rate

Climate Benefits b

5% discount rate

3% discount rate

2.5% discount rate

95th percentile at 3% discount rate

$4.4

$14

$21

$44

Air pollution health co-benefits c $18 to $41 $16 to $37

Total Compliance Costs d $6.8

Net Benefits e $25 to $48 $23 to $45

Non-Monetized Benefits

Direct exposure to SO2 and NO2

1.3 tons of Hg 

Ecosystem Effects

Visibility impairment

a All estimates are for 2030, and are rounded to two significant figures, so figures may not sum.

b The climate benefit estimates in this summary table reflect global impacts from CO2 emission changes and do not account for 

changes in non-CO2 GHG emissions. Also, different discount rates are applied to SCC than to the other estimates because CO2

emissions are long-lived and subsequent damages occur over many years. The SCC estimates are year-specific and increase over 

time. 

c The air pollution health co-benefits reflect reduced exposure to PM2.5 and ozone associated with emission reductions of directly 

emitted PM2.5, SO2 and NOX. The range reflects the use of concentration-response functions from different epidemiology studies. 

The reduction in premature fatalities each year accounts for over 90 percent of total monetized co-benefits from PM2.5 and ozone. 

These models assume that all fine particles, regardless of their chemical composition, are equally potent in causing premature 

mortality because the scientific evidence is not yet sufficient to allow differentiation of effect estimates by particle type. 

d Total costs are approximated by the illustrative compliance costs estimated using the Integrated Planning and a discount rate of 

approximately 5%. This estimate includes monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting costs and demand side energy efficiency 

program and participant costs.

e The estimates of net benefits in this summary table are calculated using the global SCC at a 3 percent discount rate (model 

average). Tables 10-12 in this memo present combined climate and health estimates based on additional discount rates.
20

8 Labor

Table 34 presents the labor changes estimated in job-years associated with the illustrative 

building blocks 1 and 2 analysis.

Table 34. Engineering-Baseda Changes in Labor Utilization, Building Blocks 1 & 2

(Number of Job-Years of Employment in Year)

Category Regional Compliance State Compliance

2017-2020 2021-2025 2026-2030 2017-2020 2021-2025 2026-2030

Construction-related (One-time) Changes*

Heat Rate Improvement: Total 37,400 0 0 35,300 0 0

Boilermakers and General 

Construction 26,000 0 0 24,500 0 0

Engineering and Management 6,900 0 0 6,500 0 0

Equipment-related 3,300 0 0 3,200 0 0

Material-related 1,200 0 0 1,100 0 0

New Capacity Construction: 

Total 7,700 7,300 1,600 11,000 9,400 1,000

Renewables 0 500 1,600 -700 500 1,600

Natural Gas 7,700 6,800 0 11,700 8,900 -600

Recurring Changes**

2020 2025 2030 2020 2025 2030

Operation and Maintenance: 

Total -10,970 -9,500 -8,300 -14,100 -12,200 -10,600

Changes in Gas 1,330 1,500 1,100 2,200 2,400 2,100

Retired Coal -11,800 -10,700 -9,200 -15,600 -14,100 -12,300

Retired Oil and Gas -500 -300 -200 -700 -500 -400

Fuel Extraction: Total -1,900 -1,000 -700 -1,500 -1,000 -800

Coal -9,700 -11,100 -12,000 -10,500 -12,400 -13,500

Natural Gas 7,800 10,100 11,300 9,000 11,400 12,700

Supply Side Employment 

Impacts – Quantified 32,230 -3,200 -7,400 30,700 -3,800 -10,400

a

Job-year estimates are derived from IPM investment and O&M cost estimates, as well as IPM fuel use estimates 

(tons coals or MMBtu gas)

bAll job-year estimates on this are Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs. Job estimates in the Demand-Side energy 

efficiency section (below) include both full time and part time jobs

*Construction-related job-year changes are one-time impacts, occurring during each year of the 2 to 4 year period 

during which construction and HRI installation activities occur. Figures in table are average job-years during each of 

the years in each range. Negative job-year estimates when additional generating capacity must be built in the base 

case, but is avoided in the Guideline implementation scenarios due to HRI or Demand-side energy efficiency 

programs. 

**Recurring Changes are job-years associated with annual recurring jobs including operating and maintenance 

activities and fuel extraction jobs. Newly built generating capacity creates a recurring stream of positive job-years, 

while retiring generating capacity, as well as avoided new built capacity, create a stream of negative job-years. In 

addition, there are recurring jobs prior to 2020 to fuel and operate new generating capacity brought online before 

2020; the recurring jobs prior to 2020 are not estimated.
21

9 References

Bell, M.L., et al. 2004. “Ozone and Short-Term Mortality in 95 U.S. Urban Communities, 1987-

2000.” Journal of the American Medical Association, 292(19): pp. 2372-8. 

Krewski D; M. Jerrett; R.T. Burnett; R. Ma; E. Hughes and Y. Shi, et al. 2009. Extended FollowUp and Spatial Analysis of the American Cancer Society Study Linking Particulate Air 

Pollution and Mortality. HEI Research Report, 140, Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA. 

Lepeule, J.; F. Laden; D. Dockery and J. Schwartz. 2012. “Chronic Exposure to Fine Particles 

and Mortality: An Extended Follow-Up of the Harvard Six Cities Study from 1974 to 

2009.” Environmental Health Perspectives, July, 120(7): pp. 965-70. 

Levy, J.I.; S.M. Chemerynski and J.A. Sarnat. 2005. “Ozone Exposure and Mortality: An 

Empiric Bayes Meta-regression Analysis.” Epidemiology, 16(4): pp. 458-68.