EnergyBiz - January/February 2008 - (Page 9) Thumbs Down on Sunflower goveRnoR explAins Action By mARtin RosenBeRg K a nsas cr e aTed quiTe a sTir in The energy POINT COUNTERPOINT industry when it recently decided to nix the proposed construction of two coal-fired generation plants in the sparsely populated southwest part of the state, saying that its emissions would contribute to global warming. Contributing to the decision was the fact that most of the electricity to be generated by the plant would be exported out of the state. Given the significance of the case, EnergyBiz asked Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to respond to several written questions. Her answers follow. EnErgyBiz United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has described climate change as “the defining challenge of our age.” Do you agree? sEBELius Climate change is the challenge of our age because it will require the entire world to work together toward the common goal of protecting our planet. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change just released its fourth synthesis report and they documented an 80 percent increase in carbon dioxide emissions since 1970. They list a number of likely results of the climate change, including more severe droughts across the world, more severe flooding and other weather impacts. If the United States does not take the lead in this effort, there’s simply no way that the entire world will agree to tackle this problem. EnErgyBiz What responsibility does state government have for dealing with climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions? sEBELius I am disappointed with the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s inaction to address climate change. Creating a patchwork of regulatory interventions across the nation on a state-by-state basis is not an optimal approach to this national and, ultimately, international problem. However, until the federal government takes action, states will continue to step up. A vital step is to enact federal greenhouse gas policy, which sets goals to lower emissions for the next several decades. A key component of enforcement is carbon tax or cap-andtrade policy on both new and existing coal plants and other greenhouse gas emitters. Putting a price on GHG emissions is essential if we are to move toward a low-carbon economy. While pushing for GHG emissions policy at the federal level, at the state level I want to see us get through this transition period by focusing on adding a realistic degree of renewable energy in conjunction with building a strong conservation ethic into our value systems at home, businesses, and throughout government institutions. EnErgyBiz Do you believe that Kansas needs to build more electricity generation facilities? sEBELius As we focus on our goal of limiting GHG emissions, we should take advantage of the tremendous opportu- Kathleen Sebelius phOTO cOurTEsy OF kansas gOvErnOr’s OFFicE nities to reduce our energy needs through energy efficiencies. Increasing the efficiency of energy use, without reducing productivity, will save consumers and businesses money on their energy bills while reducing the need to construct new power plants. I endorse the 20 percent energy efficiency goal by 2020 adopted by the Western Governors’ Association. As part of our efforts to meet that goal, I adopted an executive directive requiring a 10 percent increase in the EPA mileage for state vehicles by 2010, and increasing energy efficiencies in buildings that the state either leases or owns. Energy efficiencies, combined with renewable energy, should be able to meet our short-term energy needs until commercial carbon sequestration is a reality. Having said that, I recognize that we are in a transitional period right now where we are just beginning to tap into the potential of efficiencies and renewables. During this period, we may need to construct new plants to meet current energy needs. If we build new plants, they need to be as small as possible, with the best technology and companion plans to mitigate the carbon. EnErgyBiz If so, what share of it should come from nuclear, coal, natural gas, wind and solar generation? sEBELius Currently, Kansas’ energy portfolio is too heavily sided toward coal. While the nation receives only half of its energy from coal, here in Kansas, we receive 75 percent. The slightest shift in the carbon market would impact Kansas consumers and businesses dramatically. That’s why we need to balance our portfolio out with non-carbon source forms of energy, like wind. I will continue to bring people to the table to have a discussion on what energy mix is right for Kansas. www.energycentral.com E n E rgyB i z 9 http://www.energycentral.com
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