Small business groups seek greenhouse gas rules for power plants

Washington (Platts)--11Jan2013/108 pm EST/1808 GMT

Five coalitions representing more than 150,000 diverse small businesses nationwide Friday asked the Obama administration to proceed as soon as possible with greenhouse gas regulations for fossil fuel-fired power plants.

In a letter to the president, the groups tied control of emissions linked to climate change with economic growth and said a survey of small business owners supported finalizing GHG rules for power generation.

"National standards to reduce carbon pollution from new and existing power plants will clarify risks and opportunities for US businesses while also leading to technological innovation and investment in the domestic clean energy market," the American Sustainable Business Council, Environmental Entrepreneurs, Ceres, Green America, and VOIS Business Alliance said in the letter.

Finalizing GHG new source performance standards under the Clean Air Act for power plants "is an important step toward spurring innovation, job creation and investment in low and no-carbon technologies, as well as new energy infrastructure and energy efficiency," the groups said in their letter. "Small business owners understand the nexus between environmental and economic interests and believe that adhering to sensible clean air standards can spark innovation and drive long-term growth."

According to the groups, 76% of small business owners that they surveyed support the US Environmental Protection Agency limiting carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act. About 87% also agree that "improving innovation and energy efficiency are good ways to increase prosperity for small businesses," the group said in their letter.

EPA last year proposed GHG performance standards for new power plants and is expected to finalize them this year. The agency has not said when it would do the same for nation's existing coal-burning fleet.

--Cathy Cash, cathy_cash@platts.com 
--Edited by Valarie Jackson, valarie_jackson@platts.com

 

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