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EPSA URGES HOUSE COMMITTEE TO FACILITATE WIND POWER AND NATURAL GAS SUPPLIES
"If the United States is committed to minimizing the impact of climate change and enhancing domestic energy sources, wind power should be encouraged, not unduly hindered."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - John E. Shelk, President and CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA), today sent a letter to House Natural Resources Chairman Nick J. Rahall II (D-WV) criticizing H.R. 2337, the "Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007," which is being considered by the committee today.
"We are concerned with Titles I and II of your bill that would roll back portions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, restrict future domestic natural gas supplies, as well as provisions that place excessive restrictions on new wind power," Shelk said.
The Chairman's substitute to be taken up today would place unnecessary restrictions on the wind industry by subjecting wind projects to additional, burdensome regulation which works against the Congress' stated goal of achieving energy security and restricting carbon emissions. "If the United States is committed to minimizing the impact of climate change and enhancing domestic energy sources, wind power should be encouraged, not unduly hindered," Shelk stated.
The Energy Information Administration predicts that electricity demand in the United States will grow by nearly 40 percent by 2030 and as "one of the fastest-growing renewable electricity sources, wind power will continue to play a major role in our nation's energy future," Shelk added. EPSA has an important stake in wind projects as 73 percent of wind generation is located in competitive markets where EPSA member companies operate. The bill would also make it more difficult and costly to produce the natural gas needed for power generation.
In conclusion Shelk wrote that, "The competitive power industry is committed to fuel diversity and supports policies that encourage new power generation from a wide range of energy sources, including coal, nuclear, natural gas, wind, geothermal and other forms of renewable sources. It is important to not place restrictions on one energy source."
A copy of the letter is attached.
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EPSA Letter to Chairman Rahall.PDF
CONTACT: JOHN SHELK
(202) 349-0154or 703-472-8660
EPSA is the national trade association representing competitive power suppliers, including generators and marketers. These suppliers, who account for nearly 40 percent of the installed generating capacity in the United States, provide reliable and competitively priced electricity from environmentally responsible facilities serving global power markets. EPSA seeks to bring the benefits of competition to all power customers.