Section 285.78 - Registration of early emission reductions(1) In this section: (a) "Carbon reserve" means any system that takes in and stores more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases to the atmosphere.(b) "Fine particulate matter" means solid or liquid particles with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers or emissions that are precursors to solid or liquid particles with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers.(c) "Greenhouse gas" means carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride or any other gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.(2)(a) The department shall establish and operate a system under which the department registers reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases if the reductions are made before the reductions are required by law. Under the system, the department may register carbon sequestration from the creation or preservation of carbon reserves and may register avoided emissions resulting from energy efficiency measures and from the use of renewable energy sources. Under the system, the department may not register a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases if the reduction was made before January 1, 1991.(b) The department may establish and operate systems under which the department registers reductions in emissions of fine particulate matter, mercury or other air contaminants identified by the department if the reductions are made before the reductions are required by law.(c) The department may verify and quantify, or require the verification and quantification of, emission reductions that a person seeks to register under par. (a) or (b).(d) Registration of emission reductions under this section is voluntary.(3)(a) The department shall promulgate rules for the system under sub. (2) (a). In promulgating the rules, the department shall make the system as consistent as possible with other state, federal and international programs designed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.(b) The department shall promulgate rules for any system that the department establishes under sub. (2) (b). In promulgating the rules, the department shall make the system as consistent as possible with other state, federal and international programs designed to reduce emissions of the substances covered by the system.