Federal Environmental Policy Direction
The historical performance has been: Since 1970 - coal use for electricity generation has grown by 3x while total emissions have decreased by 1/3
Currently coal-fired generators are dealing with EPA’s NOx reduction program (through ‘07/’08)
- At DTE Energy, e.g. – we will:
- Reduce NOx by 70% by ‘04
- Spend > $600 million
- Typical of what many others are doing
In the future we are likely to see further reductions in NOx, SO2 and Hg
- Negotiations between industry, EPA, DOE, White House policy makers and key congressional members are in final stages for future step downs (10-15 years out)
- Substantially reduce emission levels with time frames and levels that are challenging and achievable
- Provide certainty for 10-15 years
- Run directly counter to Bush’ Energy policy
- Cost “a lot” more than necessary
- Result in retirement of older coal plants and,
- Sour the atmosphere for development of new plants
- Put simply: Would you make a 20-30 year investment if a “favorable” administration produces heavy handed environmental policy?
Much hinges on current environmental negotiations