Electric Co-ops and Climate Change: Bridging the Technology Gap
Even as consensus solidifies around the need to reduce greenhouse gases, America’s need for electric power is growing. America’s electric cooperatives need to build more baseload electric power plant capacity.
Congress and states must now resolve hard issues: How do we reduce greenhouse gases? At what cost? In what time frame? Using what techologies?
Where NRECA stands
As cost-effective technology is not currently commercially available to capture and store CO2 produced by coal-based power plants, NRECA believes that any realistic policy must include a substantial, prolonged research and development program.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has identified seven critical areas for research and development in the electric power sector:
- renewable energy
- energy efficiency
- nuclear power
- advanced clean coal generation
- carbon capture and sequestration
- distributed energy
- plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Climate change is a global issue: American policy must encourage equal international efforts by all major emitting nations.
News:
Electric Cooperatives Oppose S. 1733, "Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act"
November 3, 2009 - In several key areas Chairman’s mark represents a step backward from the House version passed in June.
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EPRI Updates Analyses of Climate Change Goals and Costs
September 3, 2009 - Deploying a “full portfolio” of generation and efficiency technologies, including expanded nuclear generation, carbon capture and electric cars, would reduce the cost of meeting carbon reduction targets.
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Energy Information Administration Weighs In With Cap-and-Trade Cost Estimate
August 17, 2009 - Over a range of scenarios, economic impacts of climate legislation vary widely.
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NRECA Urges Senator Boxer to Work for Achievable, Least-Cost Climate Change Bill
August 7, 2009 - Senate should protect consumers by allocating allowances to local distribution corporations with formula based on carbon emissions.
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Study Throws New Light on Who Will Bear Climate Change Costs Under House Bill
July 15, 2009 - NRECA CEO Glenn English calls for consumer-friendly approach.
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Statement of Glenn English on House Passage of HR 2454
June 26, 2009 - NRECA looks forward to working with Senators to make additional improvements to climate change legislation.
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Electric Cooperatives Reach Agreement with Chairman Waxman on Carbon Allowances
June 23, 2009 - NRECA pleased with the progress in making the bill more fair, more sustainable
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NRECA: HR 2454 Should Protect Consumers Most at Risk for Carbon Reduction Costs
June 11, 2009 - NRECA CEO Glenn English testifies on the “American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) of 2009,” before the House Agriculture Committee. more >>
CBO: Climate Change Legislation Imposes Larger Burden on Low-income Americans
June 8, 2009 - In Senate testimony, Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf projects the impact of carbon cap-and-trade on household energy costs. more >>
Related Resources On NRECA.coop:
Electric Cooperatives: Meeting the Challenges of a Carbon-Constrained Future (PDF)
Documents: