As the new home of ConnPIRG's environmental work, Environment Connecticut can be contacted regarding this news release.
Hartford—Consumer
and environmental advocates blasted a misguided industry proposal to
promote construction of gasified coal-fired power plants in
Connecticut. Lobbyists for power generators, notably NRG, are pushing
to lock Connecticut into a future of expensive reliance on fossil fuels
and increased pollution. At the same time, several proposals to adopt
natural gas and electricity efficiency and conservation measures are
stalled while lobbyists press for the coal plant provisions.
“It
is outrageous that lobbyists for power generators like NRG are pushing
this expensive, polluting, wrong-headed, so-called ‘solution’ to
Connecticut’s energy needs behind closed doors,” said Christopher
Phelps, Advocate for ConnPIRG. “Energy efficiency, conservation and
clean energy are cheaper, cleaner, smarter solutions that will provide
real reductions in energy demand and keep utility rates under control
for consumers and small businesses.”
Bills to promote energy efficiency and conservation stalled in legislature:
Legislative proposals to promote energy efficiency and conservation
savings are currently stalled while power generators lobby behind
closed doors for new coal power plants. The stalled bills include:
•
An Energy Efficiency Bill that would decrease natural gas and
electricity consumption by expanding on 2004’s successful energy
efficiency product standards legislation. The bill would also create
energy-efficient green building standards that would reduce energy
consumption, and energy costs, for municipal and state government.
• Natural gas conservation and efficiency fund legislation that would
reduce consumption of natural gas and save ratepayers money by funding
efficiency programs and rebate incentives.
• Legislation to eliminate the disincentive for gas and electric
companies to support efficiency and conservation, by “decoupling”
utility profits from energy sales. This bill would allow gas and
electric companies to be financially rewarded for reducing demand, not
for selling more energy.
“Building
new coal plants is completely incompatible with our global warming and
air quality goals, and will prolong our dependence on polluting fossil
fuels. We hope the state legislature won’t let special interest energy
companies dictate our energy future and saddle our grandchildren with
the energy sources of our grandparents,” said Roger Smith, Campaign
Director for Clean Water Action.
