President Highlights Climate, Energy & Infrastructure In SOTU Address

Feb 12: President Obama, built on his Inaugural address, by adding a few more details in his State of the Union (SOTU) address to Congress and the nation. He spent a fair amount of time discussing his vision for energy development, climate change and infrastructure. On climate change he urged Congress to develop a market-based solution to climate change, saying if they don't he will use "executive actions" to address the issue. He said, his proposals "are fully paid for and fully consistent with the budget framework both parties agreed to just 18 months ago.  Let me repeat -- nothing I'm proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single dime.  It is not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth. It is not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth.  Specifically, he said:

". . .Now is not the time to gut these job-creating investments in science and innovation.  Now is the time to reach a level of research and development not seen since the height of the Space Race.  We need to make those investments. 

  

"Today, no area holds more promise than our investments in American energy.  After years of talking about it, we're finally poised to control our own energy future.  We produce more oil at home than we have in 15 years. We have doubled the distance our cars will go on a gallon of gas, and the amount of renewable energy we generate from sources like wind and solar -- with tens of thousands of good American jobs to show for it.  We produce more natural gas than ever before -- and nearly everyone's energy bill is lower because of it.  And over the last four years, our emissions of the dangerous carbon pollution that threatens our planet have actually fallen.

 

"But for the sake of our children and our future, we must do more to combat climate change. Now, it's true that no single event makes a trend.  But the fact is the 12 hottest years on record have all come in the last 15.  Heat waves, droughts, wildfires, floods -- all are now more frequent and more intense.  We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence.  Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science -- and act before it's too late.

 

"Now, the good news is we can make meaningful progress on this issue while driving strong economic growth.  I urge this Congress to get together, pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change, like the one John McCain and Joe Lieberman worked on together a few years ago.  But if Congress won't act soon to protect future generations, I will. I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy.

 

"Four years ago, other countries dominated the clean energy market and the jobs that came with it.  And we've begun to change that.  Last year, wind energy added nearly half of all new power capacity in America.  So let's generate even more.  Solar energy gets cheaper by the year -- let's drive down costs even further. As long as countries like China keep going all in on clean energy, so must we.

 

"Now, in the meantime, the natural gas boom has led to cleaner power and greater energy independence.  We need to encourage that.  And that's why my administration will keep cutting red tape and speeding up new oil and gas permits. That's got to be part of an all-of-the-above plan.  But I also want to work with this Congress to encourage the research and technology that helps natural gas burn even cleaner and protects our air and our water.

 

"In fact, much of our new-found energy is drawn from lands and waters that we, the public, own together.  So tonight, I propose we use some of our oil and gas revenues to fund an Energy Security Trust that will drive new research and technology to shift our cars and trucks off oil for good.  If a nonpartisan coalition of CEOs and retired generals and admirals can get behind this idea, then so can we.  Let's take their advice and free our families and businesses from the painful spikes in gas prices we've put up with for far too long.

 

"I'm also issuing a new goal for America:  Let's cut in half the energy wasted by our homes and businesses over the next 20 years. We'll work with the states to do it.  Those states with the best ideas to create jobs and lower energy bills by constructing more efficient buildings will receive federal support to help make that happen.

 

"America's energy sector is just one part of an aging infrastructure badly in need of repair.  Ask any CEO where they'd rather locate and hire -- a country with deteriorating roads and bridges, or one with high-speed rail and Internet; high-tech schools, self-healing power grids.  The CEO of Siemens America -- a company that brought hundreds of new jobs to North Carolina -- said that if we upgrade our infrastructure, they'll bring even more jobs.  And that's the attitude of a lot of companies all around the world.  And I know you want these job-creating projects in your district.  I've seen all those ribbon-cuttings.  

 

"So tonight, I propose a "Fix-It-First" program to put people to work as soon as possible on our most urgent repairs, like the nearly 70,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country. And to make sure taxpayers don't shoulder the whole burden, I'm also proposing a Partnership to Rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade what our businesses need most:  modern ports to move our goods, modern pipelines to withstand a storm, modern schools worthy of our children. Let's prove that there's no better place to do business than here in the United States of America, and let's start right away.  We can get this done. . ."

    The Republican response to the SOTU, delivered by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) contained no mention of climate change. The response stated, "One of the best ways to encourage growth is through our energy industry. Of course solar and wind energy should be a part of our energy portfolio. But God also blessed America with abundant coal, oil and natural gas. Instead of wasting more taxpayer money on so-called "clean energy" companies like Solyndra, let's open up more federal lands for safe and responsible exploration. And let's reform our energy regulations so that they're reasonable and based on common sense. If we can grow our energy industry, it will make us energy independent, it will create middle-class jobs and it will help bring manufacturing back from places like China."

 

    Both the Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH) and the Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) responded negatively to the President's address. Speaker Boehner said in part, "Four years after the president first addressed a joint session of Congress, Americans are still asking, 'where are the jobs?'   Tonight, he offered them little more than more of the same 'stimulus' policies that have failed to fix our economy and put Americans back to work. We cannot grow the middle class and foster job creation by growing government and raising taxes. . ." Senator McConnell said, "To me at least, the occasion cried out for bold and courageous leadership from a re-elected President who has run his last campaign it called for a President who was willing to stare down America's challenges, reject the easy choices, and step outside his political comfort zone -- to unite a deeply divided public behind a common goal. Sadly, history will record no such moment. . . Following four years of this President's unwillingness to challenge liberal dogma, we got more of the same. . ."

 

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued a statement saying in part, "The president's return to a focus on jobs and growth is overdue and we welcome his call for immigration reform and trade expansion. The question is whether the totality of his agenda is designed to grow our economy or simply to grow the government. More spending, higher taxes, and massive federal rule-making will not put Americans back to work or stop the slide of middle-class incomes. To revive our economy, restore confidence, and put millions of unemployed Americans back to work, jobs and growth cannot be an occasional priority, it must be the top priority at all times. . ."

 

    The American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Jack Gerard commented saying, "President Obama recognized the oil and natural gas industry as a robust economic engine that is investing in American jobs, generating billions of dollars for the government each year, and making our country more energy secure. Even with the aggressive expansion of renewable and alternative energy, oil and natural gas will continue to provide the majority of the energy necessary to heat our homes, run our businesses, and fuel our cars for decades to come. We're going to need all sources of energy to fuel a growing economy. Unfortunately, 83 percent of the land and offshore areas controlled by the federal government are still off-limits to oil and natural gas development. . ."

   

    Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director issued a statement saying, "As the president put it tonight, we must act on the climate crisis 'before it's too late.' We couldn't agree more. . . we applaud his vow to prioritize innovative climate solutions, including  investments in job-producing solar and wind energy as well as a focus on energy and fuel efficiency. These are critical steps forward in the fight against climate disruption, but that progress would be rolled back by more destructive oil drilling and gas fracking, and the burning of toxic tar sands. . ."

 

    Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) said, "The president has a full box of tools to strike back at climate chaos. The best tool he has is the Clean Air Act. It gives him the authority to reduce the carbon pollution from our dirtiest power plants, the single greatest threat to our climate future. That will take presidential leadership. Americans are counting on it -- and that's what the president delivered tonight. The president also laid out an assertive agenda for reducing dangerous carbon pollution more broadly, promising to lead a national effort to cut energy waste in half by 2030 and advance our use of renewable power. . ."

 

   The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) said, "The inspiring goal President Obama has set clearly indicates that he understands the importance of energy efficiency, and that he is committed to pursuing both administrative and legislative steps to tap this essential resource that will save the nation billions, create domestic jobs and reduce harmful pollution. We applaud Obama's initiative and look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to achieve the President's goal."

 

    The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Interim CEO Rob Gramlich said, "President Obama sets a goal tonight 'to once again double generation from wind, solar, and geothermal sources by 2020.' The President has called on Congress to make the renewable energy Production Tax Credit permanent and refundable, as part of comprehensive corporate tax reform, providing incentives and certainty for investments in new clean energy. . . Policymakers all over should be recognizing the opportunity and supporting the growth of clean energy in their own states, such as through robust state Renewable Portfolio Standards. . ."

 

    Access the full text of the President's SOTU address (click here). Access a video of the SOTU (click here). Access a fact sheet on Investing in Manufacturing (click here). Access a Policy Directive on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (click here); and a fact sheet (click here). Access the GOP response (click here); and a video (click here). Access Speaker Boehner's response (click here). Access the statement from Sen. McConnell (click here). Access the U.S. Chamber statement (click here). Access the statement from API (click here). Access the statement from Sierra Club (click here). Access the statement from NRDC (click here). Access the statement from ACEEE (click here). Access the statement from AWEA (click here). Access a summary of more business reaction from the Business Roundtable (click here). [#Climate, #Energy, #Water, #Transport]

 

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RGGI Proposes 45% Cut In GHG Emissions Cap

Feb 7: After a comprehensive two-year program review, the nine Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation's first market-based regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, released an updated RGGI Model Rule and Program Review Recommendations Summary. The Updated Model Rule will guide the RGGI states as they follow state-specific statutory and regulatory processes to propose updates to their CO2 Budget Trading Programs.

    Five years ago the RGGI states -- Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont -- demonstrated leadership in addressing CO2 pollution and accelerating the region's transition to a clean energy economy by conducting the first ever regional auction for CO2 allowances in the nation. The changes outlined in the Updated Model Rule and Program Review Recommendations Summary build upon RGGI's success and strengthen the program moving forward. The improvements include:

• A reduction of the 2014 regional CO2 budget, "RGGI cap", from 165 million to 91 million tons -- a reduction of 45 percent. The cap would decline 2.5 percent each year from 2015 to 2020.
• Additional adjustments to the RGGI cap from 2014-2020. This will account for the private bank of allowances held by market participants before the new cap is implemented in 2014. From 2014-2020 compliance with the applicable cap will be achieved by use of "new" auctioned allowances and "old" allowances from the private bank.
• Cost containment reserve (CCR) of allowances that creates a fixed additional supply of allowances that are only available for sale if CO2 allowance prices exceed certain price levels ($4 in 2014, $6 in 2015, $8 in 2016, and $10 in 2017, rising by 2.5 percent, to account for inflation, each year thereafter.)
• Updates to the RGGI offsets program, including a new forestry protocol.
• Not reoffering unsold 2012 and 2013 CO2 allowances.
• Requiring regulated entities to acquire and hold allowances equal to at least 50 percent of their emissions in each of the first 2 years of the 3 year compliance period, in addition to demonstrating full compliance at the end of each 3 year compliance period.
• Commitment to identifying and evaluating potential tracking tools for emissions associated with electricity imported into the RGGI region, leading to a workable, practicable, and legal mechanism to address such emissions.

    With the release of the Updated Model Rule, the RGGI states now plan to revise their CO2 Budget Trading Programs through their individual state-specific statutory and regulatory processes. Each RGGI state seeks to complete their state specific processes such that the proposed changes to the program would take effect on January 1, 2014.

 

    An independent report by the Analysis Group found that the investment of RGGI proceeds from the first three years: Generates $1.6 billion in net economic benefit region-wide through the end of the decade; Puts $1.1 billion in electricity bill savings back into the pockets of consumers in the region over the next decade; Creates 16,000 job-years in the region; and Keeps $765 million in the local economy due to reduced fossil fuel demand.

 

    Collin O'Mara, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Chair of the RGGI, Inc. Board of Directors said, "Over the past five years, the RGGI states have demonstrated that a market-based program that spurs investments in energy efficiency and low-emission electric generation can simultaneously achieve the goals of cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy. Today, we are taking another significant step forward in realizing our common goal of reducing carbon emissions, driving energy efficiency investments, accelerating clean energy deployment, and providing economic benefits to the region's businesses and families."

 

    Dale Bryk, Director of the Energy and Transportation Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council issued a statement saying, "This program has shown the nation unequivocally that environmental and economic progress can indeed go hand in hand.

    "In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, RGGI is combating extreme weather at its source: climate change. At the same time, it has proved to be an economic engine for participating states: creating thousands of local jobs, generating millions for clean energy development, and lowering energy bills. Now that it will be nearly twice as strong, just imagine what it can do. As the EPA prepares to issue carbon pollution standards for existing power plants nationwide, other states would be wise to look to RGGI as a model. By following this lead, they too can reap similar economic benefits while helping to reduce the turbocharged weather that has been sweeping across the entire country."

    Judi Greenwald, Vice President, Technology and Innovation at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) said, "We applaud today's plan by the nine states in the northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to adjust their cap-and-trade program by tightening the cap and increasing compliance flexibility for businesses. Combined, the adjustments would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase available funding for clean energy without unduly burdening businesses or consumers. C2ES believes that market-based policies are the most effective and efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we appreciate the continued leadership of the RGGI states."

    A long list of green energy companies in the Northeast have enthusiastically supported the RGGI and said it is a boost to the economy while "improving energy security." In letters to their respective state Governors they have said, ". . we encourage you to support and strengthen RGGI going forward."

    Access a lengthy release with more details and additional quotes from participating states (click here). Access the RGII website for more information (click here). Access a release from NRDC (click here). Access the C2ES release with links to more information (click here). Access support letter from green energy companies (click here). [#Climate]

 

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Manufactures Say "Sequester" Is "Self-Inflicted" Economic "Body Blow"

Feb 11: the Task Force on American Innovation, chaired by National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and Texas Instruments, sent a letter to the President and Congressional leaders calling for a halt to the "sequester" -- major domestic and defense budget cuts that go into effect March 1, unless Congress acts with an alternative plan. Signed by the heads of leading business and technology associations, the letter represents thousands of businesses, educational institutions and other interested parties. The sequester is set to make across the board budget cuts to discretionary spending, with much of those cuts to the defense sector.

    NAM has led the opposition to the sequester basically since its inception. Manufacturers released a study detailing the serious damage that these cuts will have on our economy -- we took that message around the country and have used every tool at our disposal to make sure that policymakers are well aware of the damage that will be inflicted. Unfortunately, in the 18 months since the Budget Control Act was passed, Washington hasn't found a way to avoid the sequester and the numbers haven't changed. NAM indicated in a blog posting, " If the planned defense cuts go into effect we'll see a body blow to our efforts at economic recovery -- over 1 million jobs lost; a loss of 1% of GDP; and an 0.7% increase in the unemployment rate."

    Additionally, NAM said, "we would see a drain on innovation and scientific advancement that manufacturers rely on to drive their business in such a competitive global economy. Continued economic growth is the true solution to our fiscal issues and if Washington allows the sequester to become a reality, we will have eliminated one of the most critical elements for success. The cuts undermine our economic growth in a shortsighted fashion that will hurt America for generations to come."

    NAM indicated that the businesses and other organizations that signed the letter to the President and Congressional leaders "are not crying wolf -- it's a very real threat to our ability to grow and lead the world economy and it's entirely self-inflicted. It's beyond time to solve this problem and get focused on growing the economy."

    In their letter the organizations state, "We concur with you that it is absolutely necessary that our nation make the difficult decisions required to control annual deficits and stabilize the national debt. However, as Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has indicated, sequestration's 'meat axe' approach to budget cutting would have a detrimental impact on our country. Scientific research would be chopped right alongside other programs, and discoveries and innovations that would create jobs and grow the economy would be delayed or lost entirely.

    "Funding science and research is a necessary and important investment for a country that seeks to expand its economy. Pulling back on those investments, especially when other nations are ramping up theirs, is short-sighted and will leave our nation less able to sustain the economic growth it needs to help eliminate budget deficits in future years. Moreover, the indiscriminate cuts of sequestration would have a devastating effect on our national security and military readiness, and would also hamper other vital government activities, including FAA operations of the national air transportation system, FBI law enforcement, FDA food inspections, NIH medical research, NASA's space exploration program and NOAA's development of new weather satellites."

    Access NAM blog posting and link to the letter, the study and NAM early opposition (click here). [#All]

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EPA Releases Draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan For Comment

Feb 8: U.S. released its Draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan (dated June 29, 2012) for public comment. The official notice was published in the Federal Register today (February 8, 2013) [78 FR 9387-9388]. The plan, is now open for comments through April 9, 2013. Other departments and agencies also released their 2012 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans which for the first time ever also include Climate Change Adaptation Plans [See separate article below].

 

    The plan examines the ways EPA programs are vulnerable to a changing climate and how the Agency can adapt to continue meeting its mission of protecting human health and the environment. Every program and regional office within EPA is currently developing an Implementation Plan outlining how each considers the impacts of climate change in its mission, operations, and programs, and carrying out the work called for in the agency-wide plan. The Plan indicates in part:

"We live in a world in which the climate is changing. Changes in climate have occurred since the formation of the planet. But humans are now influencing Earth's climate and causing it to change in unprecedented ways.

"It is in this rapidly changing world that EPA is working to fulfill its mission to protect human health and the environment. Many of the outcomes EPA is working to attain (e.g., clean air, safe drinking water) are sensitive to changes in weather and climate. Until now, EPA has been able to assume that climate is relatively stable and future climate will mirror past climate. However, with climate changing more rapidly than society has experienced in the past, the past is no longer a good predictor of the future. Climate change is posing new challenges to EPA's ability to fulfill its mission.

"It is essential that EPA adapt to anticipate and plan for future changes in climate. It must integrate, or mainstream, considerations of climate change into its programs, policies, rules and operations to ensure they are effective under future climatic conditions. Through climate adaptation planning, EPA will continue to protect human health and the environment, but in a way that accounts for the effects of climate change.

"EPA has not yet conducted a detailed quantitative assessment of the vulnerability of its mission to climate change. This Climate Change Adaptation Plan uses expert judgment, combined with information from peer-reviewed scientific literature on the impacts of climate change, to identify potential vulnerabilities. It then presents priority actions the Agency will take to begin integrating climate adaptation planning into its activities.

"EPA's focus on climate adaptation is part of a larger federal effort to increase the nation's adaptive capacity and promote a healthy and prosperous nation that is resilient to a changing climate . A central element of EPA's efforts to adapt to a changing climate will be to strengthen the adaptive capacity of its own staff and its partners across the country. It will increase staff's awareness of ways that climate change may affect their ability to implement effective programs. It will empower staff to integrate climate adaptation into the work they do by providing them with the necessary data, information and tools. . .

"The strategic performance measures contained in the FY 2011-2015 Strategic Plan commit the Agency to integrating adaptation planning into five major rulemaking processes and five major financial assistance mechanisms by 2015, using existing authorities. They also call for the integration of adaptation planning into five major scientific models or decision-support tools used in implementing Agency environmental management programs. These Strategic Plan commitments represent the Agency's best and most informed judgment about the most effective mechanisms for building adaptive capacity and promoting adaptive planning within EPA and by its partners. They also provide a set of measures for monitoring the Agency's progress on adaptation planning. . .

"The federal government has an important and unique role in climate change adaptation, but is only one part of a broader effort that must include public and private partners throughout the country and internationally. Partnerships with states, tribes, local communities, other governments and international organizations, many of which have already begun to implement adaptation measures, are essential.

   EPA indicates for example that data, information, and/or research needs which present potential vulnerabilities include:

• Characterization of local impacts to precipitation and hydrology for use in planning long-lived water infrastructure.
• Monitoring shifts in water quality and aquatic ecosystems in watersheds, and methods for incorporating such changes into water quality programs.
• The potential impact of more intense weather events on EPA's disaster response planning efforts.
• The site-specific impacts of climate change on Brownfields, Corrective Action Facilities under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Superfund sites, RCRA Treatment, Storage and Disposal (TSD) facilities, non-hazardous solid waste facilities, and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks.
• The effect of climate change on energy efficiency programs given changes in energy demand and supply.
• The interactions between climate and the stratospheric ozone layer.
• The effects of climate change on multi-pollutant interactions in ecosystems.
• A characterization of climate-related trends in chemical use (e.g., changing patterns of pesticide use and new chemical exposures to people and the environment), and implications for the review process for new chemicals or the registration process for new pesticides.

    Access the FR announcement (click here). Access the complete 55-page Plan which includes links to many referenced items (click here). Access the EPA docket for this action to submit and review comments (click here). Access EPA's

Federal and EPA Climate Change Adaptation Programs website for more information including Adaptation Programs for other agencies (click here). [#Climate]

 

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EPA To Release "Draft EPA Climate Change Adaptation Plan"

Feb 7: Tomorrow, February 8, U.S. EPA will issue a Federal Register announcement indicating a Notice of Availability for Public Review and Comment: Draft EPA Climate Change Adaptation Plan. According to a prepublication of the announcement:

"Scientific evidence demonstrates that the climate is changing at an increasingly rapid rate, outside the range to which society has adapted in the past. Climate change can pose significant challenges to the EPA's ability to fulfill its mission. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is committed to identifying and responding to the challenges that a changing

climate poses to human health and the environment. It is essential; therefore, that the EPA adapt to climate change in order to continue fulfilling its statutory, regulatory and programmatic requirements, chief among these protection of human health and the environment. Adaptation will involve anticipating and planning for changes in climate and incorporating considerations of climate change into many of the Agency's programs, policies, rules and operations to ensure they are effective under changing climatic conditions. Adaptation also necessitates close coordination between EPA and its many partners and stakeholders.

 

"EPA and other Federal Agencies and Departments have developed draft Agency Climate Change Adaptation Plans in response to the President's October 2009 Executive Order (E.O. 13514 - 'Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance') and the March, 2011 Implementing Instructions to all Federal Department and Agencies. Today, EPA announces the availability of a public review draft of its Agency Plan. The draft Plan will be available for a 60-day public review. . .

 

"EPA is working to fulfill its mission to protect human health and the environment. Many of the goals EPA is working to attain (e.g., clean air, safe drinking water) are sensitive to changes in weather and climate. Until now, EPA has been able to assume that climate is relatively stable and future climate would mirror past climate. However, with climate changing at an increasingly rapid rate and outside the range to which society has adapted in the past, climate change is posing new challenges to EPA's ability to fulfill its mission.

 

"This Plan will help guide the Agency to prepare for future changes in climate and to incorporate considerations of climate change into its mission-driven activities. Climate adaptation planning will help EPA continue to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment even as the climate changes.

 

"EPA considers public input to be essential for the development of this Plan. This input will also help the Agency strengthen its partnerships with states, tribes, local communities, and nongovernmental organizations – many of which have already begun to develop and implement adaptation measures."

    As referenced in part above, in 2009, the Obama Administration convened the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, co-chaired by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and including representatives from more than 20 Federal agencies. On October 5, 2009, President Obama signed an Executive Order directing the Task Force to develop a report with recommendations for how the Federal Government can strengthen policies and programs to better prepare the Nation to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

 

    On October 28, 2011 the Task Force released the 2011 Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force Progress Report outlining the Federal Government's progress in expanding and strengthening the Nation's capacity to better understand, prepare for, and respond to extreme events and other climate change impacts. The report provides an update on actions in key areas of Federal adaptation, including: building resilience in local communities, safeguarding critical natural resources such as freshwater, and providing accessible climate information and tools to help decision-makers manage climate risks (the report is available from the link below).

 

    Access the prepublication copy of the announcement (click here). Access the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force for related information (click here). [#Climate]

 

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60 Groups Urge Bold Climate Change Action From Secy. Kerry

Feb 6: Sixty leading environmental, conservation, development, faith-based, and social justice organizations are congratulating Secretary of State John Kerry for his commitment to fight climate change and urging him to "spur bold and immediate action" to reduce its worsening impacts on American families and communities. The groups sent a letter to Kerry, the former senator newly confirmed as Secretary of State, calling on him to push for strong action against climate change and to take three specific steps: to help secure a global agreement to deal with the climate crisis; to reject any new or expanded infrastructure for tar sands oil, starting with the Keystone XL pipeline [See WIMS 1/24/13]; and to secure funding for international climate action, particularly in developing countries and the most vulnerable communities.

    Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) International Program Director Susan Casey-Lefkowitz said, "American leadership is essential to heading off deeper climate disruption. Secretary Kerry has an opportunity to supercharge his already strong climate record by rejecting dirty fuels, starting with the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, which would dramatically boost carbon pollution and worsen our climate."

    In a release, the groups point out that the State department will soon release an environmental review of the controversial Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. An earlier review assumed that even if Keystone XL were not built, other pipelines would enable tar sands expansion to occur. However, "mounting evidence now shows that the tar sands industry's plan to triple production by 2030 will not be possible without the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline."  Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org said, "It must be a relief for John Kerry to leave the talk shop of the US Senate and take a post where his convictions will translate directly into policy. Hard to imagine that one of his first stands won't be to nix the Keystone pipeline, a 1,700-mile fuse to one of the planet's largest carbon bombs."

    On February 17, President's Day, more than 20,000 Americans will gather in Washington, DC, for a "Forward on Climate" rally, calling for the Obama Administration to take strong action on climate change, leading with rejecting the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline and reducing carbon pollution from the nation's power plants—the largest source of carbon pollution today.

    The release indicates that EPA has estimated that the tar sands pipeline will boost annual U.S. carbon pollution emissions by up to 27.6 million metric tons -- the impact of adding nearly 6 million cars on the road. The groups cite new research by Oil Change International (OCI) shows that the government's estimates of the carbon emissions associated with Keystone XL underestimates the full impact of tar sands because a barrel of tar sands produces significantly more petroleum coke than conventional crude, which is more carbon-intensive than coal [See WIMS 1/17/13]. It's also being sold today as a cheaper substitute to it both in the U.S. and internationally. OCI's research shows that Keystone XL will produce enough petcoke to fuel 5 U.S. coal plants. The emissions from this petcoke have not yet been included in climate-impact analysis of the pipeline or the tar sands industry and OCI shows that it will raise total emissions by at least 13 percent.

    Access a release from the organizations with a link to the EPA estimate (click here). Access the letter from the groups (click here). Access the Oil Change International report (click here). [#Energy/KXL, #Climate] 

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New Greenhouse Gas Data By Sector, Type & Location

Feb 5: U.S. EPA posted the second year of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions data on its website, which provides public access to emissions data by sector, by greenhouse gas, and by geographic region such as county or state. EPA indicates that greenhouse gases are the primary driver of climate change, which can lead to hotter, longer heat waves that threaten the health of the sick, poor or elderly; increases in ground-level ozone pollution linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses; as well as other threats to the health and welfare of Americans.

    Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation [who some are saying may be the next EPA Administrator] said, "Transparency ensures a better informed public, which leads to a better protected environment. With this second data release, communities, businesses and others can track and compare facilities' greenhouse gas emissions and identify opportunities to cut pollution, minimize wasted energy, and save money."

 

    The 2011 data, collected through the congressionally mandated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program, includes information from facilities in 41 source categories that emit large quantities of greenhouse gasses. The 2011 data also contains new data collected from 12 additional source categories, including petroleum and natural gas systems and coal mines. The facilities reported direct emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases -- for a total of 3.3 billion tons.

 

For facilities that are direct emitters of GHGs the data show that in 2011:

• Power plants remain the largest stationary source of GHG emissions, with 2,221 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (mmtCO2e) -- about 67% of 2011 reported emissions. 2011 emissions from this source were approximately 4.6 percent below 2010 emissions, reflecting an ongoing increase in power generation from natural gas and renewable sources.
• Petroleum and natural gas systems were the second largest sector, with emissions of 225 mmtCO2e in 2011, the first year of reporting for this group.
• Refineries were the third-largest emitting source, with 182 mmtCO2e, a half of a percent increase over 2010.

    EPA now has two years of greenhouse gas data for 29 source categories. Some industrial sectors, such as metals production and chemicals production, reported overall increases in emissions, while others, such as power plants, reported decreases. Overall emissions reported from these 29 sources were 3 percent lower in 2011 than in 2010. In the future the data collected through the program will provide the public with the opportunity to compare emissions and developing trends for all 41 industry types -- by facility and sector.

    The data is accessible through the Facility Level Information on Green House gases Tool (FLIGHT) -- a web-based data publication tool. EPA has also expanded accessibility of this data through EPA's online database EnviroFacts that allows a user to search for information by zip code.

    The data collection program is required by Congress in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which requires facilities to report data from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors, as well as suppliers of certain greenhouse gases, and products that would emit GHGs if released or combusted. EPA's GHG Reporting Program includes information from more than 8,000 sources and represents 85-90 percent of total U.S. GHG emissions. The data only includes large facilities and does not include small sources, agriculture, or land use, which can also be significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

    Access a release from EPA (click here). Access the GHG Reporting Program Data and Data Publication Tool (click here). Access the EnviroFacts website (click here). [#Climate, #MIClimate]

 

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Senator Murkowski Releases Energy Vision 20/20 Blueprint

Feb 4: U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ranking Member on the Energy & Natural Resources (ENR) released her energy blueprint – Energy 20/20: A Vision for American's Energy Future. In a speech before the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), Sen. Murkowski said, "I believe there must be a new conversation -- a better conversation -- and I intend to start it today. New technologies are emerging, changing the facts as so many thought they knew them, and our nation's energy discourse is not keeping up. It is time, despite some vastly different perspectives, to come together to address crucial and difficult issues." She continued saying:

"I'd ask you to think about some of the trends we're already seeing. For decades, our energy policies have been crafted on the premise of increasing scarcity, yet today we have increasing supply. Instead of absence, we find ourselves on the verge of abundance. There may never have been a time when we have had more potential for energy production – or for energy productivity. We can bring more energy to market, and we can also use that energy more wisely than ever before. . .

On paper and in words, most of us agree that an 'all of the above' energy policy is the best path. Yet our discussions of such a policy are anything but consistent. And in the absence of a proper balance between energy production and environmental regulation, our nation is too often hamstrung by burdensome regulations, delayed permits, and overzealous litigation.

"Energy 20/20 presents my vision for how we can move forward -- and we are officially releasing it today. . . The report features about 200 policy recommendations under seven headings: producing more; consuming less; clean energy technology; energy delivery infrastructure; effective government; environmental responsibility; and, 'an energy policy that pays for itself.' Call it a conversation starter. . .

"At the start of our report, we declare five principles: it is in our national interest to make energy abundant, affordable, clean, diverse, and secure. . . Within our report, we've set a number of important goals, generally centered around the year 2020. We can be fully energy independent from OPEC. We can diversify the use of coal and accelerate the commercialization of today's unconventional and alternative fuels. We can ensure renewable energy becomes more competitive and re-establish our supply chain for critical minerals. We can modernize our electricity infrastructure and protect ourselves from cyber threats. We can ensure that research, not endless regulation, is the force behind technological innovation. We can reform our environmental laws in a sensible manner that prevents their misuse and allows projects to proceed – while still maintaining some of the highest environmental standards in the world. . .

"And perhaps the best part, to me, is that none of this will require burdensome mandates or heavy-handed regulations. None of this need rely on tax hikes or limitations on consumer choice. We can take a long look at existing policies -- reform them -- and wind up in a far better place in a relatively short period of time. . ."

    A fact sheet provided by Senator Murkowski indicates the following "Representative Policy Ideas From Energy 20/20":

• Increase domestic oil and natural gas production and partner with Canada and Mexico to ensure their oil exports are brought to our country. This should begin immediately with the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline project.
• Reform permitting processes and review decisions for energy, natural resources, and infrastructure projects to reduce uncertainty, delay, and excessive litigation, while still meeting environmental standards; fast track projects of national importance; and defer to state agencies when possible.
• Redefine clean energy as "less intensive in global lifecycle impacts on human health and the environment than its likeliest alternative." Implement this definition across all programs and policies.
• Use the increased revenues that result from measures advocated in Energy 20/20 to create an Advanced Energy Trust Fund for clean energy research and to pay down the national debt.
• Define hydropower as a renewable resource across all federal programs and initiatives.
• Eliminate dependency on traditional government subsidies, supporting instead clean energy finance mechanisms that are technology-neutral, cost-effective, and conducive to private investment.
• Upgrade energy delivery infrastructure, including pipelines and transmission lines.
• Develop more of our offshore resources and provide revenue sharing for coastal producing states.
• Open the coastal plain of ANWR, as authorized by law, to oil and gas development and ensure the federal government promotes the maximum responsible production in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.
• Address climate change by funding basic research, lowering the cost of financing for especially promising technologies, providing prudent and temporary subsidies that are fully offset, and reducing regulatory burdens for deployment.
• Diversify coal use, facilitate exports, and reform regulations that inhibit improvements in the environmental performance of power plants.
• Encourage and accelerate efforts to make oil shale and methane hydrates commercially viable.
• Make solar and wind power more cost-effective by increasing R&D of energy storage technologies.
• Expand nuclear power and support for new technologies, including Small Modular Reactors, and resolve the pressing back-end issues of the fuel cycle.
• Promote a comprehensive energy efficiency approach by making financing accessible for efficiency retrofits, both in the federal space and private markets, and pursuing integrated efficiency systems, without creating any mandates, all while pursuing efficiency per unit of GDP rather than less energy production.
• Reform the Vehicle Technologies Program to focus on a technology-neutral suite of pre-commercial research, and eliminate the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program.
• Reform the Renewable Fuels Standard and the Department of Energy's Loan Guarantee Program.
• Focus federal research and development on basic and applied research with demonstrations of advanced technologies, and continue to fund ARPA-E.

    On the specific subject of climate change, Sen. Murkowski indicates in part in her report, "Predictions rely on computer models, which depend on the accuracy of the data on which they are built and the assumptions of the models. The variables of climate change are far more complex than those used in models predicting commodity prices, natural disasters, or housing market risks, and computer models have been dramatically wrong on all of these and other issues. This does not mean that models are not extraordinarily valuable tools, but rather that it is reasonable to view predictions of complex matters, such as how climate

change will impact our world, with caution. . .

 

    "Because climate change is a global concern, however, if we pursue burdensome and costly legal and regulatory responses that are unlikely to be matched by other countries, we put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage without making a meaningful impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. We need to lead a continued and careful evaluation of all options to allow us to address climate change in ways that benefit both our environment and our economy. . ."

 

    The American Chemistry Council (ACC) released the following statement saying, "Senator Murkowski's energy blueprint recognizes that domestic energy production has become the engine driving America's economy by producing thousands of new jobs and spurring billions of dollars in new manufacturing investment, including the potential for over $55 billion in new chemical industry capital investment. ACC has long-endorsed a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages and develops all of America's own energy resources, from increased production of natural gas to innovations that contribute to greater energy efficiency. Many of these approaches are captured in Senator Murkowski's energy initiative, and we hope this all-of-the-above approach to energy is prioritized in the new Congress.

    "Senator Murkowski's blueprint offers a strategic and substantial portfolio of ideas in support of its objective to develop an abundant, affordable, clean, diverse and secure energy future. The framework advocates for boosting domestic energy production, while continuing to fund scientific research on advanced energy technologies. The blueprint also supports modernizing federal energy policies to boost innovations in energy efficiency -- many of which are enabled by chemistry -- that will result in economic and environmental benefits across the country. ACC applauds Senator Murkowski for her leadership in crafting this energy blueprint that provides a framework for enhancing our nation's energy security and supporting America's manufacturing renaissance."

    Franz Matzner, associate director of government affairs for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) said, "Sen. Murkowski's energy blueprint for the future reads more like a cut-and-paste job from the fossil fuel industry's playbook of the past. It relies extensively on policies and incentives for increased oil and gas drilling, while ruling out many of the policy tools most likely to reduce carbon pollution and bring cleaner energy technologies into the marketplace. As the representative of the fastest-melting state in the union, Sen. Murkowski should not be pushing drilling in our most pristine landscapes or approving a pipeline that will result in more, not less, climate change problems. We need a plan that moves us forward to the 21st century, not one that keeps us wedded to the past." 

 

    David Moulton, senior legislative director at The Wilderness Society (TWS) said, "Senator Murkowski's energy plan is a lesson in ignoring inconvenient truths. It flat out ignores any harmful effect of global climate change. It ignores the vast swaths of unused acreage that the oil and gas industry has already leased. And it ignores the growth of clean, renewable energy. Instead of building on the path the country is on towards using precious energy more efficiently and competing for the renewable energy jobs of tomorrow, this Energy Plan is a U-turn on progress."

    Access the complete 123-page document (click here). Access her speech from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) (click here). Access a fact sheet (click here). Access a release from ACC (click here). Access a release from NRDC (click here). Access a release from TWS (click here). [#Energy]

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Opposing Views On EPA's Proposed Renewable Fuel Standard

Jan 31: U.S. EPA is proposing the 2013 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2). EPA said the proposal will be open for a 45-day public comment period and EPA will consider feedback from a range of stakeholders before the proposal is finalized. EPA continues to support the use of renewable fuels within the transportation sector through the RFS2 program, which encourages innovation, strengthens American energy security, and decreases greenhouse gas pollution.

    The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the RFS2 program and the annual renewable fuel volume targets, which steadily increase to an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, EPA calculates a percentage-based standard for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner and importer determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel.

    The proposed 2013 overall volumes and standards are: Biomass-based diesel (1.28 billion gallons; 1.12 percent); Advanced biofuels (2.75 billion gallons; 1.60 percent); Cellulosic biofuels (14 million gallons; 0.008 percent); and Total renewable fuels (16.55 billion gallons; 9.63 percent). Overall, EPA's RFS2 program encourages greater use of renewable fuels, including advanced biofuels. For 2013, the program is proposing to implement EISA's requirement to blend more than 1.35 billion gallons of renewable fuels over the amount mandated for 2012.

    The American Petroleum Institute (API) reacted immediately and criticized EPA for ignoring a recent court decision [See WIMS 1/25/13] in its 2013 proposed mandate for nonexistent cellulosic biofuel. API Downstream Group Director Bob Greco said, "The court recognized the absurdity of fining companies for failing to use a nonexistent biofuel. But EPA wants to nearly double the mandate for the fuel in 2013. This stealth tax on gasoline might be the most egregious example of bad public policy, and consumers could be left to pay the price. EPA needs a serious reality check."

    API indicated that EPA's 2013 proposed mandate will require refiners and importers of gasoline and diesel to purchase 14 million gallons of the nonexistent biofuel in 2013. Although cellulosic biofuel has never been available on the commercial market, EPA continues to increase the mandate each year and has fined companies for failing to purchase sufficient quantities. In a decision this month, U.S. Court of Appeals said that EPA is not allowed "to let its aspirations for a self-fulfilling prophecy divert it from a neutral methodology," and said EPA must set more reasonable mandates. 

    Greco said, "For four years running, biofuel producers have promised high cellulosic ethanol production. EPA uses these aspirational claims to set mandates, but the promised production hasn't happened. With today's announcement, EPA has proven yet again that its renewable fuels program is unworkable and must be scrapped." Greco said API recommends that "EPA base its prediction on the current year's cellulosic biofuel production when establishing the mandated volumes for the following year. This approach would provide a more realistic assessment of potential future production rather than simply relying on the assertions of companies whose self-interest is to advertise lofty projections of their ability to produce the cellulosic biofuel."

     Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), Ranking Republican of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee issued a statement that echoed the API concerns saying, "The EPA continues to make up unicorn-like standards in this area of renewable fuels production, and clearly are ignoring last week's appellate court ruling. EPA has been getting away with mandating exaggerated fuel standards based on a pie in the sky wish, and even after last week's embarrassing loss, they persevere in ignoring the cold hard facts. Increasing the standard after their 2012 requirements were vacated is beyond ludicrous, and they continue to force refiners to either purchase even more gallons of product that doesn't exist or pay a fine."

    Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) released a statement saying, "The advanced ethanol industry appreciates U.S. EPA's due diligence on getting to the right number on cellulosic biofuels. The cellulosic biofuels industry is just breaking through at commercial scale with the most innovative and cleanest liquid fuel in the world. U.S. EPA worked hard to ensure that the cellulosic biofuels volume standard for 2013 would be tied directly to the commercial production of cellulosic biofuels expected to come online this year. While weaning the United States off of its addiction to foreign oil is not easy, the volume standards proposed today will continue to provide advanced biofuel investors and innovators with a predictable and durable path forward in that effort. U.S. EPA's acknowledgement of the Brazil situation underscores the need to knock down the ethanol blend wall quickly, so that we are not protecting 90 percent of the market exclusively for fossil fuels. The RFS is one the most, if not the most forward-looking and intelligent energy programs ever enacted in the United States. We look forward to finalizing these targets as quickly as possible to provide our investors and fuel producers with the certainty they need to meet the RFS."

    Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen released comments saying:

"The 2013 RFS requirements will be the catalyst that finally compels oil companies to get serious about breaching the so-called blend wall. This year's RFS requirements will necessitate the use of more E15, E85 and other higher-level blends. Injecting larger volumes of biofuels into the U.S. fuel supply and spurring a more rapid transition to domestically produced renewables is exactly what the RFS was intended to do. The program is working as envisioned by Congress.

"EPA again considered the best available information -- including projections from the Energy Information Administration -- to set the 2013 cellulosic biofuel requirement. The proposed standard in no way exaggerates the volumes that will be available in 2013 based on current information, and may ultimately prove to be conservative. Cellulosic ethanol is being produced today at commercial scale in Florida, and with construction nearing completion at several other commercial sites, we fully expect 2013 to be the breakthrough year for cellulosic ethanol. At the same time, the fact that EPA waived 98.6 percent of the statutory cellulosic biofuel standard demonstrates the extraordinary flexibility and adaptability of the RFS program.

"We are concerned, however, that the proposed 2013 advanced biofuel standard will open the door even wider to imports of more expensive Brazilian sugarcane ethanol. We hope the requirement can be met with domestic advanced biofuels, like waste-derived ethanol and biodiesel. However, we must be mindful that imports accounted for 92 percent of the 2012 advanced biofuel standard. In an unconstrained fuel market where E15 and other mid-level blends were broadly available, imports would not be a major concern. However, in today's constrained market, where oil companies continue to throw up roadblocks to E15 and other mid-level blends, every gallon of imported ethanol is one less gallon of domestically-produced ethanol that will be used. This occurs only because EPA allows more expensive imported Brazilian ethanol to claim the advanced biofuel RIN that is currently trading at $0.48. High-priced sugar ethanol imports began to cannibalize the U.S. market in 2012, and today's decision potentially adds fuel to the fire.

"RFA will continue to encourage EPA to revisit its lifecycle analysis, which graciously assigns advanced biofuel status to sugarcane ethanol. EPA's outdated analysis suggests sugarcane ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 52 to 71 percent relative to gasoline. However, the most recent peer-reviewed, published estimate found the range of sugarcane GHG reductions to be 40 to 62 percent, meaning nearly half of current sugarcane imports likely do not meet the 50 percent GHG reduction requirement."

    The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) issued a release saying that, "EPA should exercise more discretion to reduce competition between food and fuel." Jeremy Martin, senior scientist with UCS's Clean Vehicles Program, noting that markets for corn, sugar and vegetable oil are tight and thus any expansion of mandates for any food-based biofuels will put pressure on food prices and accelerate agricultural expansion and deforestation said, "This year's drought reminded us that our food supplies can be easily disrupted. Cellulosic biofuel production is behind schedule, but that doesn't mean we need to accelerate mandates that threaten our environment and our food supplies."

     UCS noted that its research suggests there is enough non-food feedstock in the United States to meet the total 36 billion gallon biofuel target under the RFS, but that doing so will take longer than previously expected due to the financial crisis and other factors. Martin said, "Cellulosic fuels still offer the best bet for replacing large amounts of oil without disrupting our food supplies. Along with vehicle efficiency and other technology, cellulosic fuels can help us to cut our projected oil use in half over the next 20 years."

    Access a release from EPA  (click here). Access more information on the standards and regulations from EPA (click here). Access more information on renewable fuels (click here). Access a release from API (click here). Access a release from Sen. Vitter (click here). Access a release from AEC (click here). Access a release from RFA (click here). Access a release from UCS with various links to related information (click here). [#Energy/RFS]

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U.S. Wind Energy Industry Completes Strongest Year Ever

Jan 30: The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced that the U.S. wind energy industry had its strongest year ever in 2012, installing a record 13,124 megawatts (MW) of electric generating capacity, leveraging $25 billion in private investment,and achieving over 60,000 MW of cumulative wind capacity. The milestone of 60,000 MW (60 gigawatts) was reached just five months after AWEA announced last August that the U.S. industry had 50,000 MW installed. AWEA said, "Today's 60,007 MW is enough clean, affordable, American wind power to power the equivalent of almost 15 million homes, or the number in Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, and Ohio combined."

    AWEA indicated that in this historic year of achievement, wind energy for the first time became the number one source of new U.S. electric generating capacity, providing some 42 percent of all new generating capacity; the final tally will be released in April in AWEA's annual report. In fact, 2012 was a strong year for all renewables, as together they accounted for over 55 percent of all new U.S. generating capacity. Resulting from 190 projects across 32 states plus Puerto Rico, the new record for annual installations of over 13,000 MW by the U.S. industry far surpasses the previous record of 10,000 MW installed in 2010.

    AWEA Interim CEO Rob Gramlich said, "It is a real testament to American innovation and hard work that for the first time ever a renewable energy source was number one in new capacity. We are thrilled to mark this major milestone in the nation's progress toward a cleaner energy system." Currently installed wind power will avoid 95.9 million metric tons a year of carbon dioxide emissions, equal to 1.8% of the entire country's carbon emissions.

    In last year's fourth quarter alone, 8,380 MW were installed, making it the strongest quarter in U.S. wind power history. This was due in large part to impending expiration of the successful Federal Production Tax Credit (PTC). It was slated to end on December 31, 2012, but was extended by Congress on January 1, 2013, as part of the "fiscal cliff package," the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

    Gramlich added, "What is just as striking as the new records is the expansion of new customers. A total of 66 utilities bought or owned wind power in 2012, up from 42 in 2011. We are also seeing growth in new customers in the industrial and commercial sectors purchasing or owning wind energy directly." New wind power purchasers last year included at least 18 industrial buyers, 11 schools and universities, and eight towns or cities, showing a significant trend toward nontraditional power purchasers from the industrial sector. Manufacturers of everything from plastics to light bulbs, semiconductors, and badges, farms, and medical centers are now directly purchasing wind power. Gramlich said, "The fact that wind power grew by another 28 percent in 2012 alone and poured $25 billion of private investment into the U.S. last year demonstrates wind's ability to scale up, and continue to serve as a leading source of energy in America."

    AWEA indicates that the top 10 states for new capacity installations in 2012 include: 1. Texas (1,826 MW); 2. California (1,656 MW); 3. Kansas (1,440 MW); 4. Oklahoma (1,127 MW); 5. Illinois (823 MW); 6. Iowa (814 MW); 7. Oregon (640 MW); 8. Michigan (611 MW); 9. Pennsylvania (550 MW); and,10. Colorado (496 MW).

    States with exciting news in wind project development in 2012 include California, Michigan, and Illinois. The Golden State regained its position as the second largest state in installed wind capacity, surpassing Iowa, which had been number two since 2008. California achieved the 5,000-MW milestone in wind capacity, following Texas, and alongside Iowa.

    Illinois had its most successful year ever. Ranking number five in new capacity, Illinois saw the installation of over 800 MW, with half that output sold into the Tennessee Valley Authority market. As one of America's wind power hubs, Illinois is home to wind power innovation and this year, it installed the first concrete wind tower, which the manufacturer says can support taller turbines to access better winds. Iowa soon followed suit.

    While a strong renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is successfully growing wind power in California, such policies are also growing wind projects in upper Midwest states like Michigan. Over 610 MW across 9 projects were built in the Wolverine State, which is close to achieving the 1,000-MW mark within the first few years of its RPS program, while continuing to be a leader in wind manufacturing jobs.

    AWEA indicated that the America's wind energy industry workers had been living under threat of the PTC's expiration for over a year and layoffs had already begun, as companies idled factories because of a lack of orders for 2013. Uncertain Federal policies have caused a "boom-bust" cycle in U.S. wind energy development for over a decade. Half the American jobs in wind energy -- 37,000 out of 75,000 -- and hundreds of U.S. factories in the supply chain would have been at stake had the PTC been allowed to expire, according to a study by Navigant Consulting. Gramlich said, "America's wind energy industry is back on track. With a banner year to celebrate, we look forward to showing how wind power can continue to strengthen America's energy future, and create jobs and business for our families and communities."
 
    The global wind energy industry will gather in Chicago, May 5-8, 2013, for the world's largest annual wind power event, WINDPOWER 2013. Thousands of workers and leaders from all sectors will attend to show their wares, attend conference sessions, and seek further solutions for success.

 

    Access a release from AWEA (click here). Access the WINDPOWER 2013 website for complete details (click here). Access the AWEA website for more information (click here). [#Energy/Wind, #MIEnergy/Wind]

 

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