As the new home of ConnPIRG's environmental work, Environment Connecticut can be contacted regarding this news release.
A
new economic analysis commissioned by Gov. Rell and eight other
Northeastern governors in both political parties who are finalizing
plans to cut power plant global warming pollution predicts substantial
consumer savings from the climate policy coupled with increased
investment energy efficiency efforts.
Even
at current efficiency investment levels, the state climate accord would
save the typical residential customer about $50 per year, according to
a new study by the interstate working group and the EDR Group on behalf
of the nine governors. Moreover, the study shows that increased
investment to tap additional energy savings opportunities would more
than double the average household savings to $109 per year.
“What
we’re talking about is killing two birds with one stone; cutting
emissions and cutting costs at the same time,” said Roger Smith with
Clean Water Action. “This is a huge, untapped opportunity that elected
officials would be crazy to pass up.”
The
new data comes as the governors are moving to conclude a final
agreement on the climate pact, which is expected to cut emissions of
heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions 10 percent by 2020 by combining
new pollution limits with an emissions trading market that minimizes
costs and rewards companies that outperform the standards.
Participating
states include Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The
standards are expected to become a model for other states to follow.
In
addition to the support of a wide-ranging coalition of environmental
groups, the plan has been endorsed by numerous other groups and
corporations, including Bank of America, Staples and Pfizer.
“This
is a sensible, affordable standard that will put the Northeast states
at a technological and competitive advantage as the rest of the nation
begins to tackle the problem,” said Derek Murrow of Environment
Northeast. “If this new analysis shows anything, it shows that we
should be seeking greater reductions in global warming emissions from
the electric industry,” said Murrow.
The
governors remain under intense pressure from industry lobbyists and
some power generators. Opponents of the measure, the owners of coal
fired power plants and their allies, have raised exaggerated concerns
about the effect on energy costs. Ironically, these arguments come as
energy companies post record profits.
“The
electric power companies who opposed this pact are hiding behind a
false argument. What the Northeast truly cannot afford is to let a few
polluting companies stand in the way of an initiative that will protect
both our environment and consumer’s pocketbooks,” said Christopher
Phelps with ConnPIRG. “We hope that Governor Rell and the other eight
governors will continue to stand firm in their support for this
important plan and move to quickly announce a final agreement.”
