Dozens of people rallied outside the State Capitol yesterday to support tougher new EPA proposals for electricity-generating plants. At the same time, Virginia lawmakers were hearing from stakeholders—and trying to determine how the state could be effected if the rules are adopted. There were a lot of questions but few answers.
Senator Dick Saslaw questioned why the EPA won’t give more credit to Virginia’s nuclear power plants in setting its carbon emission reduction targets—hypothetically, even if nuclear power were the ONLY source.
“And emissions have not gone down to 1,000 – but they, in fact, have gone down almost zero. And you’re saying that wouldn’t count? Well I don’t say this – EPA says it.”
That’s Dr. Michael Karmis replying. Senator Kenneth Alexander said the options suggest that power customers won't be happy.
“What’s the cost of keeping the lights on, renewable and this mix will be very expensive.”
Dominion Virginia Power said upgrade costs would be passed on to customers, whose bills would rise by up to 30%.
After hearing from stakeholders about proposed EPA rules to reduce power plant carbon emissions, Virginia lawmakers expressed concern about estimates that the state’s utilities will have to spend billions of dollars on improvements and ultimately pass those costs on to consumers. But supporters of the regulations say that lawmakers aren't seeing the whole picture.
For instance, Cale Jaffe with the Southern Environmental Law Center says based on the credit for plans already underway— including maintenance of Virginia’s nuclear fleet that is “at risk” of being retired—new gas plants, and coal plant retirements, Virginia will be nearly 80% compliant with the EPA's emissions-reduction goal for the Commonwealth: And Jaffe counters the argument that investments in alternative energy sources would cost consumers 25 to 30% more.
Jaffe says 100% compliance with the EPA’s goal is achievable with investments in energy efficiency and renewables. He adds that Virginia has a great opportunity to leverage the Clean Power Plan into the creation of solar, wind, and energy-efficiency jobs.
