DEQ Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Regulations 2

Question 1

Which sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States according to EPA data?

Accepted Answer

Transportation

Answer

Transportation is currently the largest source of GHG emissions in the US, accounting for approximately 28% of total emissions, surpassing electricity generation.

Question 2

What is a 'cap-and-trade' system in the context of greenhouse gas regulation?

Accepted Answer

A market-based system where a limit on total emissions is set and allowances can be bought and sold

Answer

Cap-and-trade sets an overall emissions limit (cap), issues tradable allowances up to that limit, and lets facilities buy or sell surplus allowances.

Question 3

Which international agreement established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries and is a key reference in state DEQ climate programs?

Accepted Answer

Kyoto Protocol

Answer

The Kyoto Protocol (1997) was the first international agreement establishing binding GHG reduction targets for developed (Annex I) countries.

Question 4

Under what authority can a state DEQ require facilities to conduct a Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analysis for greenhouse gases?

Accepted Answer

Clean Air Act Prevention of Significant Deterioration program

Answer

The Clean Air Act's PSD program requires BACT analysis for regulated pollutants, including GHGs, when a new major source or modification triggers PSD review.

Question 5

What is the approximate 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) of methane (CH4) compared to CO2?

Accepted Answer

About 28-36 times that of CO2

Answer

Methane has a 100-year GWP of approximately 28-36, meaning it traps that many times more heat than CO2 over a century on a mass basis.

DEQ - Department of Environmental Quality Practice Test

DEQ - Department of Environmental Quality Practice Test

DEQ Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Regulations 2