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| California bans "dirty" power sources, effective 1.Feb |
| 2007-01-25 |
| Edited for brevity. California regulators approved rules Thursday banning power companies from buying electricity from high-polluting sources, including most out-of-state coal-burning plants. The rules - aimed at reducing emissions of heat-trapping gases linked to global warming - could have a far-reaching effect on the energy market across the West. While there are almost no coal-fired plants in California, the nation's most populous state, about 20 percent of the state's electricity comes from coal plants in other Western states. "It represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address the challenge of climate change," said Michael Peevey, president of the Public Utilities Commission. The commission voted 4-0 to prohibit utilities and other energy providers from entering into long-term contracts with sources that emit more carbon dioxide than a modern natural gas plant. The new standard is aimed at encouraging investment in cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar, while discouraging the use of coal and other high-polluting fuels. The rule is expected to take effect Feb. 1. Um, nuclear power? Anyone? A landmark global warming bill Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law last year required the commission to adopt emissions standards for utilities. The Public Utilities Commission regulates the state's three investor-owned utilities from which most Californians get their power. The California Energy Commission is drawing up a similar emissions standard for municipal utilities. |
| Posted by:Dar |
| #6 "The people there are of the breed That don't need electricity." California Al Jardine & Mike Love. |
| Posted by: Jackal 2007-01-25 23:05 |
| #5 No acknowledgment of how many Californians die every year from skin cancer and heat prostration due to exposure to 'dirty' solar energy. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2007-01-25 22:16 |
| #4 And since they oppose oil drilling off their shores they should ban oil from other sources as 'tainted' too. And since they won't allow LNG regassification there, they should ban regassified gas brought in by pipeline too. And get rid of those nasty hydro-electric dams so the salmon can get upstream easier. Just have illegal immigrants operate pedal-powered generators to run their AC, and travel by rickshaws. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2007-01-25 22:08 |
| #3 When people talk about energy independence, I didn't realize they were talking about independence from Wyoming. "The people of California shall no longer be in thrall to the mullahs of the Powder River Basin!" |
| Posted by: Matt 2007-01-25 22:05 |
| #2 crap |
| Posted by: Frank G 2007-01-25 21:35 |
| #1 When they came for the lights, I said nothing... Good luck with wandering around in the dark, Cali. |
| Posted by: john 2007-01-25 20:50 |