NEWS

Energy plan ignores environmental issues

06/30/2008

Energy and environmental issues increasingly are intertwined. In Texas, especially, where the skies are polluted and carbon is king, plans for new power generation must give consideration to air-quality standards and expected federal emissions limits.

But new recommendations from Gov. Rick Perry’s Competitiveness Council offer a myopic view of energy and the economy while failing to recognize that pollution has a price.

A draft of the 2008 Texas State Energy Plan argues that adding "large amounts" of coal-fired power to the grid would be an effective way to reduce electricity prices. At the same time, the council denounces carbon dioxide regulations that would make coal a costly proposition.

Relying on pollution-intensive Texas lignite to power the state’s future is not just environmentally irresponsible, it’s also a foolhardy approach.

There is little doubt that Congress soon will put a price on carbon. Texas already spews more greenhouse gases than any other state, and emissions regulations will be expensive for polluters. Instead of preparing for life after climate change legislation, the Competitiveness Council is digging in, trying to wish away what officials deem Draconian measures.

Amazingly, the plan acknowledges that federal regulations would impose tremendous costs on Texas - while still proposing to burn more fossil fuels.

Coal will continue to be part of the power generation puzzle in Texas, as several new plants are under way. But the state’s long-term goal should be to rely more on renewables and less on old-fashioned coal-fired units.

The energy plan does correctly note that no "single silver bullet" exists for addressing the state’s ever-growing appetite for electricity. The council wisely calls for a diverse mix of fuels, including nuclear, solar and wind. The recommendations also acknowledge the need for increased energy efficiency and the development of clean-coal technology that reduces emissions.

But Texas must get aggressive in its pursuit of these alternatives.

Right now, the state’s energy plan depends on wishful thinking and convincing Congress to forgo carbon regulations. The council declares that Washington needs a Texas perspective in the climate change debate.

Apparently, Texas needs a reality check.