Contact Tobias Sellier, Senior Director of Media Relations and Communications at MediaRelations@PublicPower.org or 202-467-2927
Washington, D.C., April 25, 2024 — The American Public Power Association (APPA) recognizes the importance of utilities reducing their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is proud of the work that the electric sector has done to decrease CO2 emissions by 36 percent between 2005 and 2022. This work will continue, but as it does – we cannot lose sight of the importance of reliability and cost when serving our communities.
APPA is encouraged that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dropped existing natural gas-fired units from inclusion in the final rule and agrees with its finding that hydrogen co-firing, while a promising technology, is not mature enough to be considered a best system of emissions reduction. Unfortunately, the rule still includes impractical timelines for existing coal units and reduces the capacity factor threshold for new natural gas-fired units that are very likely to impact grid reliability and increase customer energy bills. Further, APPA is disappointed that the rule includes the requirement to use carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce emissions from power plants given it is currently not adequately demonstrated, there are significant difficulties getting permits, and cost.
“Upon initial review, APPA is concerned that the final rule will result in the premature retirement of power plants and at the same time make it much more difficult to get generation built, which is needed to meet increasing electricity demand and resource adequacy needs,” said APPA President & CEO Scott Corwin.
Public power is committed to further reducing CO2 emissions, but on a more realistic timeframe that ensures the reliability of the electric grid and affordability of electricity for all Americans.