Beyond Coal: Transforming America’s Electricity Sector

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Electric Sector2007

Coal is Where the Carbon Is

Existing Coal: Fighting Global Warming

•24,000 premature deaths

•500,000 asthma attacks

•1/6 women at risk for mercury poisoning

•Largest producer of toxic waste

•2,000 miles of streams destroyed

Coal Is Where the Pollution Is

Existing Coal: Health Costs

EPA estimates the annual benefits from the proposed Transport Rule alone range between

$120-$290 billion in 2014.

Gas may help replace coal (30-120 GW)

But prices matter ($5 - $7 per mmbtu)

Overcoming challenges – performance

Poor environmental performance threatens long-term viability, e.g.

New York State passing a drilling moratorium

Recommendations:1)Federal regulation under

Safe Drinking Water Act

2)State requirements for drilling best practices and

enforcement

Overcoming challenges – volatility

Recommendations:

1)Fuel hedging strategies and long-term contracts

2)Aggressive energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy programs reduce volatility and risk

Discussion:

- Feedback on Plan

- Next Steps

Mark KresowikNortheast Regional Director

Beyond Coal Campaignmark.kresowik@sierraclub.org

202-675-7914