LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Carbon regulations threaten Ohio economy

11/10/2013

The Obama Administration has released long-expected regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from our nation’s power plants (“Climate for change,” editorial, Sept. 27). Under the new rules, coal-fired power plants will need to be built with expensive carbon-capture technology to limit greenhouse-gas emissions. That could spell trouble for Ohio’s energy supply and economy.

Under the new regulations, many coal-fired power plants will have a difficult choice: upgrade or shut down. Both options could mean higher electricity prices for consumers and a less-reliable electric-power grid.

Ohio is particularly at risk. The state ranks fourth in coal consumption, partly because of its energy-intensive manufacturing sector. Manufacturers undoubtedly will be harmed if energy prices significantly increase in the face of power plant closures and limited electricity supplies.

State Rep. Mike Dovilla (R., Berea) summed up the situation succinctly: “All Ohioans should be concerned about the growing list of announced power plant closures in our state with no plan to bring online additional power-generating capacity to meet our current and projected needs. Ohio’s hard-working families will be particularly impacted, as analysts have projected electricity rate increases of up to 300 percent.”

While reducing greenhouse gases is an important goal, so too is a reliable electric grid. An all-of-the-above approach to electricity generation that allows for expansion of all forms of energy — including renewable, nuclear, and fossil energy — is needed to ensure continued reliable electricity for millions of consumers in Ohio and across the nation.

RYAN SCOTT

Executive Director Consumer Energy Alliance Midwest Chicago