OTTAWA, Ontario – December 18, 2014. Today, the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposal to limit carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants in the United States.
According to the U.S. EPA, the proposal – commonly referred to as the “Clean Power Plan” – would reduce carbon emissions from the U.S. electric power sector by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. The proposal is widely regarded as the cornerstone of U.S. President Barack Obama’s Climate Action Plan to combat the effects of global climate change.
In its comments, CEA urges the U.S. EPA to recognize and leverage the integrated nature of the North American electricity grid, and promote the continued two-way flow in cross-border electricity trade. In particular, CEA is requesting the agency to clearly affirm in its final rule that U.S. states will have the flexibility to allow affected entities to utilize the importation of low- and non-emitting electric generation from Canada as a CO₂ reduction measure.
“The interconnection of the Canadian and U.S. electric grids serves as a valuable and advantageous platform from which to maximize reductions in carbon emissions across North America,” said CEA President and CEO Jim R. Burpee. “We strongly encourage the U.S. EPA to ensure the door is left open to states that wish to leverage their integration with Canada as part of a broader approach to lowering the emissions profile of their generation fleet.”
Released in June 2014, the U.S. EPA’s Clean Power Plan consists of two components: (i) rate-based goals for CO₂ emission reductions which are specific to individual U.S. states; and (ii) guidelines for U.S. states to develop, submit and implement plans to meet their goals. The agency has stressed that it will grant maximum flexibility to U.S. states to meet their goals in a manner reflecting their specific circumstances and policy objectives.
In October 2014, the U.S. EPA supplemented its proposal with a request for comment on how to treat low- and non-emitting electricity generation across international boundaries under this regulatory framework.
“The Canadian electric utility industry remains committed to supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy,” added Mr. Burpee. “An indispensable element of this transition will be the decarbonisation of the electric power sector. CEA members are already preparing to comply with the new Canadian rules – the most stringent in the world – limiting carbon emissions from coal-fired plants. With a national electricity mix that is already comprised of approximately 80% non-emitting resources, Canada is therefore well positioned to support our American partners in fulfilling their carbon-reduction objectives. CEA looks forward to working with the U.S. EPA and other stakeholders as the agency prepares to finalize its proposal by June 1, 2015.”
Click here to read CEA’s formal submission to the U.S. EPA on the Clean Power Plan.
Click here for additional information about the U.S. EPA’s Clean Power Plan proposal.