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The articles provided below were initially compiled by the SUN DAY Campaign (ph. 301-270-2258; fax: 301-891-2866) for the 36 member organizations of the Sustainable Energy Coalition (list available upon request).
Feel free to distribute this newsletter to others. In addition, please let us know of other U.S. organizations, businesses, or government agencies that would like to be added to the e-mail list for this publication. This newsletter is presently sent to over 550 recipients nationwide.
FEDERAL ENERGY BUDGET AND TAXES
1.) Sustainable Energy Coalition/FY'00 Budget:
In a 2-page letter delivered to President Clinton on December 16, eighteen member groups of the Sustainable Energy Coalition urged the White House "to submit a budget for FY'2000 that will accelerate the pace of research, development, and deployment of sustainable energy technologies to the level charted by you in the 1998 State of the Union message." The signers noted that they "are concerned by reports that the proposed FY'2000 request for the U.S. Department of Energy's energy efficiency and renewable energy programs standards at a level that is less than the Administration's request for these programs for FY'1999." The Administration's FY'99 request for DOE's energy efficiency and renewable energy programs totaled $1.16 billion. There are reports that the FY'00 request is at least $40 million less. The Sustainable Energy Coalition has proposed a budget of $1.4 billion. The letter also noted that "coal, oil, and nuclear energy are now increasingly recognized as costly anachronisms" and, "in a budget full of tough choices," urged the President to phase them out. Let us know if you would like us to fax or e-mail you a copy of the letter.
2.) Senator Bingaman/Oil Funding:
In a 4-page December 17 news release, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) provided the text of a bi-partisan letter to President Clinton opposing proposed cuts in petroleum-related R&D. The letter states, in part: "We are ... disturbed by press reports that, in the midst of the current crisis facing the [domestic oil production] industry, the Office of Management and Budget has unilaterally decided to cut funding for petroleum-related R&D programs in your fiscal year (FY) 2000 budget. We strongly urge maintaining funding for these vital programs at least at their current levels." Bingaman is a co-chair of the Alliance to Save Energy as well as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy Committee. Let us know if you would like us to fax you a copy of the release.
3.) Polluter Tax Breaks:
Friends of the Earth reports that new information released by the non-partisan Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation shows that tax breaks for polluting industries are estimated to grow to $17.8 billion over the next five years. The report, "Estimates of Federal Tax Expenditures for Fiscal Years 1999-2003" notes that the oil and gas industries will receive tax breaks totaling close to $11 billion with $2.4 billion for the Percentage Depletion Allowance, $0.3 billion for Enhanced Oil Recovery, $2.2 billion for Intangible Drilling Costs, and $6.2 billion for Nonconventional Fuel Production Credit. The report can be viewed at www.foe.org/DLS.4.) Sustainable Energy Coalition/Climate Change Tax Package:
Various members of the Sustainable Energy Coalition are putting forth ideas for the Administration's climate change tax package. Regarding transportation, some are proposing that the current electric vehicle credit (10% of purchase price up to $4,000) which will expire shortly, be extended to 2008 and cover electric and fuel-cell vehicles as well as hybrids that meet California's LEV-2 emission standards and are at least 1.5 times as efficient as the class average. Regarding biomass, the current "closed loop" incentive should be extended and broadened to include some form of "open loop" systems and possibly allocate available monies on an auction basis. Regarding housing, a credit capped at $2,000 should be offered to either builders or buyers of either new and existing buildings against 20% of the cost of building upgrades that yield efficiency savings of 30% or more.
ELECTRIC UTILITY RESTRUCTURING
1.) Another Nuke Shutdown?:
The December 10 "St. Louis Post-Dispatch" reports that Illinova, Inc. is preparing to sell or permanently shut down its 950-MW Clinton nuclear power plant located near Clinton, Illinois resulting in a loss the company claims may top $1.5 billion. Reportedly, PECO Energy Co. and Entergy Corp. are potential buyers for the facility which has a book value of $1.6 billion. Clinton shut down in September 1996 because of mechanical problems that Illinova estimates would cost $210 million to repair. If sold, the plant's sales price would likely be less than $80 million.
2.) Solar Electricity Plant:
A December 10 news release from Sun Power Electric reports that solar power began flowing from the first generation facility to produce all its power from solar energy for sale in the competitive market. Thus far, Sun Power has completed installation of 60 of the 156 photovoltaic panels at Station #1, which are located on the roof of the BJ's Wholesale Club in North Dartmouth. The entire system is expected to generate 60,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting the needs of 10 average homes for 20 years. Sun Power sells this solar power to AllEnergy as part of its "green" electricity product "Re- Gen." Station#1 was partially funded by a grant from DOE's Utility Photovoltaic Group TEAM-UP program. For further info, call 508-359-0155.
3.) Congressional Committee Assignments:
House Commerce Chairman Bliley has named Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) as chairman of the House Energy & Power Subcommittee (which will handle electric utility restructuring legislation in the 106th Congress), according to Barton's office. Also, Rick Kessler (former personal staff of Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and lobbyist for Princeton) will be joining the minority staff of Commerce Committee, handling mostly Energy and Power subcommittee issues.
In addition we have received the following information about Democratic assignments to the full House committees. There is still no subcommittee or lesser committee information available. No freshmen were assigned to these three major committees.
Appropriations (gained 1 seat): left committee--Yates (IL), Stokes (OH), Fazio (CA), Skaggs (CO), Torres (CA); joined committee-- Clyburn (SC), Hinchey (NY), Royball-Allard (CA), Farr (CA), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), Kilpatrick (MI), Boyd (FL)
Commerce (gained 1 seat): left committee--Manton (NY), Furse (OR); joined committee--Barrett (WI), Luther (MN), Capps (CA)
Ways and Means: left committee--Kennelly (CT); joined committee--Doggett (TX)
4.) Kucinich Restructuring Bill:
We have received a 20-page section of the "Electricity Consumer, Worker, and Environmental Protection Act of 1998 (H.R.4798) introduced by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH). The section details the bill's provisions for a Public Benefits Fund, net metering, and a Renewable Portfolio Standard. Let us know if you would like us to fax you a copy.
CLIMATE CHANGE
1.) 1998 Warmest:
The December 18 "Washington Post" reports that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says that the earth's global temperature in 1998 will be the highest since 1860. In its "Annual Statement on Global Climate," WMO notes that the global mean surface temperature is estimated to be 0.58 degrees Centigrade above the recent long-term average based on the period 1961-1990. It also noted that the 10 warmest years have all occurred since 1983, with seven of them since 1990. In addition, from the surface to seven kilometers altitude, record temperatures in 1998 were 0.47 degrees higher than the average of the last 20 years, making 1998 by far the warmest year.
2.) Republicans/Climate Change:
A December 18 "Inside EPA" article reports that Senate Republicans, including Senators Frank Murkowski (R-AK) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE), are considering offering legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased reliance on hydropower, nuclear power, and other "clean" technologies as an alternative to the Administration's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. Such legislation might include easing the relicensing procedures from hydropower dams and nuclear power plants, and increasing research and tax incentives for a new generation of ultra-clean fossil fuel technologies. Republicans are apparently beginning to conclude they need to have an action agenda on climate change that goes beyond simply opposing the Kyoto Protocol.
MISCELLANEOUS
1.) New Jersey Energy-Saving Homes:
The December 10 "Newark Star-Ledger" reports that the State of New Jersey has agreed to offer up to $10 million in low-interest loans and tax credits to developers building energy-efficient homes as part of its Sustainable Development/Affordable Housing Pilot Project. Residents of these energy- efficient homes, which must be 30% more efficient than traditional homes, can expect to save an average of $30-$35 per month on their combined heating, cooling, and water heater bills. If the program meets its goal of developing 100 energy-efficient homes, it would result in the homeowners saving enough on their energy bills to pump $2-$4 million back into the economy.
2.) Nuclear Waste/Viability Assessment:
More than 100 organizations signed on to a 3-page news release issued December 18 by Public Citizen and the Nuclear Information and Resource Service. It coincided with the release of the Department of Energy's Viability Assessment (VA) of Yucca Mountain's suitability as high-level nuclear waste repository. The statement charged that the VA snubs necessary public involvement; nonetheless, scientific data in the VA confirms that the site should be disqualified. Let us know if you would like us to fax you a copy of the release.
3.) Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Executive Order:
We have received an updated 11-page version of the Administration's draft executive order to mandate expanded use of efficiency and renewables by federal agencies. Members of the Sustainable Energy Coalition are presently drafting comments that will recommend that the executive order direct federal facilities to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2010, curb energy use by 30% by 2005, and meet 10% of electricity needs with solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and small hydro (i.e., less than 30 MW) sources by 2005. In addition, we have received a 2-page memo sent to the White House by the Alliance to Save Energy outlining several recommendations including carbon targets and removal of numerous loopholes. Let us know if you would like us to fax you a copy of either document.
4.) Expanding Photovoltaic Markets:
The Renewable Energy Policy Project has released a new 20-page study "Expanding Markets for Photovoltaics: What To Do Next" which provides a "ten-point package of recommendations" including aggressive government procurement of PV, a multi-year PV communications plan, legislation to facilitate the deployment of distributed PV systems, and integration of PV's into the overall development strategy of developing countries. The full report should be available at www.repp.org.
5.) EPA/Solar Web Page:
The U.S. EPA has announced the creation of "a new webpage on the environmental benefits of solar energy, including the ways in which air pollution can be curtailed by the use of solar power as an energy source." The new webpage can be reached through www.epa.gov/solar and is found by clicking "Pollution Prevention Calculator" under Pollution Prevention Benefits of Renewable Energy.
6.) Correction:
A recent "Weekly Update" reported that a ribbon cutting ceremony marked the beginning of construction of the Vansycle Ridge Wind Farm in Oregon. In fact, the ceremony marked the beginning of the windfarm generating electricity.
7.) Happy Holidays:
The articles provided below were initially compiled by the SUN DAY Campaign (ph. 301-270-2258; fax: 301-891-2866) for the 36 member organizations of the Sustainable Energy Coalition (list available upon request).
Feel free to distribute this newsletter to others. In addition, please let us know of other organizations, businesses, or government agencies that would like to be added to the e-mail list for this publication. This newsletter is presently sent to over 500 recipients nationwide.
FEDERAL ENERGY BUDGET & TAXES
1.) Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Request:
There has been no movement within the Administration towards increasing its total Fiscal Year 2000 budget request for energy efficiency and renewable energy although there may be some slight moving around of funds among competing accounts. In addition, there reportedly will be no increase in the funding levels for the weatherization and state grants programs over FY'99 and key programs such as Resource Assessment are slated to be zeroed out. The budget request is expected to be formally transmitted to Congress on or about February 1.
2.) Climate Change Tax Package:
Presently, not much new money appears to be available for the Administration's $3.6 billion five-year climate change tax package and there may be only modest changes in the specific initiatives being proposed. A DOE official says that the problem is not the Energy Department but Treasury.
3.) Podesta/Energy Priorities:
The December 7 "Roll Call " reports that when asked about priorities for the next year, in the interview, new White House Chief of Staff Podesta first mentioned saving Social Security, then the Patients' Bill of Rights. When then asked for other priorities, he responded: "Well, scientific research is one. We're for increasing medical research, but also other areas of science, too. Congress has given healthy increases to the National Science Foundation, but not to energy research, which is a priority of ours. We're going to push forward on the environment, we're going to try to go back and push forward on our initiative on school modernization." Roll Call then asked what were the environmental priorities. Podesta responded: "Clearly, we've got a massive agenda, especially on the research and incentive side to begin to deal with challenges of climate change."
ELECTRIC UTILITY RESTRUCTURING
1.) EIA Analysis/RPS Impacts:
An analysis in the Energy Information Administration's "Annual Energy Outlook 1999" says that the Renewable Portfolio Standard (5.5% renewables by 2010) in the White House's proposed Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act could account for a reduction in carbon emissions of 20 million metric tons in 2010 and 25 million metric tons in 2020. Electricity prices would increase by $1/month in 2010 but decrease thereafter as renewable energy technologies become more economical. The analysis also noted that more rapid development and adoption of energy-efficient technologies than that assumed in the reference case could lower energy demand in 2010 by 3% below the reference case and lower carbon emissions by 4%, or 69 million metric tons. In 2020, energy demand would be lower by 7% and emission by 6% or 127 million metric tons. For further details, see: https://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo99/homepage.html.
2.) Utility Plant Emissions Database:
The U.S. EPA has made available a new Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated Database (E-GRID) providing comprehensive CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions (per unit of electricity) and fuel source data for virtually all electric power plants in the U.S. It also provides the amount and percentage of power from different fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables. EPA considers this an important right-to-know tool for consumers choosing among competing electricity suppliers. E-GRID can be found at https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/egrid/egrid.htm or call Rick Morgan (202-564- 9143) for further information.
3.) House Energy & Power Subcommittee:
The December 4 "White House Bulletin" reports that Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) may be named chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy & Power which would oversee development of utility restructuring legislation in the House. House Commerce Committee Chairman Tom Bliley (R-VA) is expected to name subcommittee members early next year. Evidently, Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) believes he has the chairmanship, but Hastert has sufficient seniority to get it.
4.) Senator Craig/Utility Restructuring:
The November 30 "Inside Energy" reports that in a letter send to Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chairman Frank Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY) indicated that he plans to reintroduce a version of the bill he introduced during the 105th session. That bill, S.722, would provide states with flexibility in determining how and when to open their markets to competition. Thomas argued that mandating competition "is not in the interests of all classes of customers and could result in increased rates for low- density states."
CLIMATE CHANGE
1.) Earth Warmest in 1,200 Years:
The December 12 "Washington Post" reports that "the warming of the Earth in this century is without precedent in at least 1,200 years and cannot be fully explained by any known combination of natural forces." It adds that Jonathan Overpeck, head of the paleoclimatology program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that new research that documents climate change as far back as the Holy Roman Empire is strengthening the argument that humans are partly responsible for the rising temperatures. "[W]hat we're now seeing ... [is] difficult to explain without turning to a 'greenhouse gas' mechanism. ... Twentieth century global warming is a reality and should be taken seriously," he noted.
2.) Climate/Congressional Prospects:
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) was recently quoted as saying that the Kyoto Protocol "is dead for as far as the eye can see in the U.S. Senate" because there was "no way" the White House could muster the two-thirds vote needed in the Senate to ratify the treaty.
3.) CO2 Solutions Study:
White House economists, the DOE laboratories, and other EPA and DOE economists are reportedly developing a new analysis of the potential of energy efficiency and renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions. It is expected that the renewables portion of the study will be a lot stronger than before and, according to one person working on it, "the renewables community should be very happy with the new report."
4.) Population/CO2 Emissions:
A new report, "Profiles in Carbon: An Update on Population, Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions" by Population Action International charts 45 years of per capita C02 emissions in 179 countries, and then ranks most of these countries by their 1995 emissions. The report quantifies the inequity involved in these emissions, noting that the 20% highest emitting populations contribute fully 63% of the CO2 emissions. On a per-capita basis, Americans are the third-highest per-capita CO2 emitters behind only the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Each American annually emits 5.3 metric tons of CO2 compared to 2.79 for Germans, 2.46 for Japanese, 1.38 for Swedish, and 0.71 for Chinese. The publication can be found at https://www.populationaction.org or call 202-659-1833.
MISCELLANEOUS
1.) Solar Photovoltaic Rooftops:
The December issue of "Photovoltaic Insider's Report" reports that the new German coalition government will launch a 100,000 solar rooftop program on January 1, 1999 that will dwarf any government photovoltaic program ever attempted in the 20-year history of the commercial PV industry. It is expected to create a market for some 500 MW of PV modules with a market value in the billions of dollars over the next few years -- about four time greater than total world module shipments of 122 MW in 1997. At present, the biggest government PV program is the solar rooftop program in Japan which called for the installation of 9,400 4-kW residential rooftop PV systems (or more than 35 MW of PV modules) in the last fiscal year. The U.S. has no program even approaching the size of the existing initiative in Japan or the new one in Germany. However, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District has launched a new program, PV Pioneer II, intended to enable residential utility customers to own their own rooftop PV system. Through the program, SMUD will "buy down" over half the cost of the solar system; a typical 2-kW rooftop system would generate enough energy to offset about half the average yearly energy needs of a SMUD customer and cost under $4,500 compared to a regular cost of $10,000. For details, see www.smud.org/green.
2.) Nuclear Ads Disputed:
On December 9, the Better Business Bureau said a Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) advertising campaign , which touts nuclear energy "environmentally clean" is inaccurate and it recommended that the industry trade group refrain from making such claims. The ruling comes in response to a complaint filed by 15 environmental and consumer groups including six members of the Sustainable Energy Coalition. Based on extensively documented issues involving nuclear waste, thermal discharges, and fuel fabrication, the ruling states that the nuclear industry should not make unqualified claims that it produces electricity "without polluting the environment." NEI has indicated disappointment with the ruling but has waived its right to appeal. Let us know if you would like us to fax you a 13-page packet of statements and news stories.
3.) Renewable Caucus Members:
Member-of-Congress-elect Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) has joined the House Renewable Energy Caucus making her the first Member-elect to join the caucus. There are now 123 members of the House Renewable Energy Caucus in the incoming 106th Congress (52 R's, 70 D's, 1 I.). Let us know if you would like us to fax you a list.
4.) New Members of Congress/Environment:
The Union of Concerned Scientists has prepared an 8-page analysis of the environmental and energy views of the new members of the 106th Congress (Senate and House). Let us know if you would like us to fax you a copy.
5.) New DOE EE/RE Staff:
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the appointment of David Leiter as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and Ben Finzel as EE/RE's Director of Communications.
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