Environment
Energy companies back US emission reduction law
Six major US energy companies have given their backing to legislation that
would establish a national programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the
electricity sector.
The electric utility cap-and-trade act, sponsored by
US
senator Dianne Feinstein, would first cap then ratchet down electricity sector
emissions to 25% below expected levels by 2020.
The legislation would also establish an 11-member independent panel to make
recommendations to the US Environmental Protection Agency every four years on
the reduction rate required to prevent “catastrophic climate change”.
The companies supporting the bill are Calpine,
Entergy,
Exelon, Florida Power &
Light, PG&E Corporation and
Public Service Enterprise Group. Together these six
supply 15 % of electricity consumed in the US.
Peter Darbee, PG&E chairman, praised the bill’s blend of “pragmatism and
aggressiveness” and called it a serious plan to control emissions in a sector
responsible for 33% of the US’ greenhouse gases.
Feinstein argued there is no one answer to climate change, but what is needed is
many answers in many different areas. Therefore, in the coming months she will
be introducing five further bills seeking, amongst other things, increased fuel
economy standards, the promotion of low-carbon fuels, and an energy efficiency
bill based on programmes pioneered in California.
Links
US
senator Dianne Feinstein
US Environmental Protection Agency
Calpine
Entergy
Exelon
Florida Power &
Light
PG&E Corporation
Public Service Enterprise Group
February, 2007 |