Utilities say they want clean energy. So why are they opposing Biden’s plan?

Southern California Edison’s Stance on President Biden’s Climate Plan

Southern California Edison (SCE), a leading electric utility serving 15 million people, has been actively promoting clean energy and sustainability. The company obtained 45% of its power from climate-friendly sources last year and has set a goal of achieving an 80% clean grid statewide by 2030. However, SCE’s leader, Pedro Pizarro, who also serves as the board chair of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a trade group for electric utilities, has expressed concerns about President Biden’s latest climate plan. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy from some climate advocates.

Background on President Biden’s Climate Plan

In May, President Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule to limit greenhouse gas emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. The rule requires coal plants to capture 90% of their carbon emissions if they want to continue operating beyond 2039. Gas plants larger than 300 megawatts must either capture 90% of their carbon emissions by 2035 or transition to a fuel blend with at least 30% hydrogen by 2032. The proposed rule aims to cut U.S. climate pollution in half by 2030 and achieve a 100% clean electric grid by 2035.

SCE’s Concerns and EEI’s Stance

Pizarro and other utility executives have raised concerns about the feasibility and readiness of carbon capture and clean hydrogen technologies as required by the proposed rule. They argue that these technologies are not yet economically viable or scalable enough to be implemented within the proposed timeline. They also express concerns about potential legal challenges and the impact on energy bills and reliability if utilities are forced to comply with the rule.

Trust and Commitment to Clean Energy

While some critics question the electric industry’s commitment to clean energy, Pizarro emphasizes the industry’s track record in reducing emissions and its dedication to the energy transition. He highlights the significant investments in wind and solar energy made by utilities across the country, resulting in a substantial decrease in power plant emissions. Pizarro also emphasizes the industry’s collaboration and support for initiatives beyond advocacy, such as emergency response efforts and cybersecurity.

Call for Pragmatic and Realistic Regulation

Pizarro and EEI support the need for regulations to drive the energy transition and reduce emissions. However, they advocate for a pragmatic and realistic approach that considers the current state of technology and ensures reliability and affordability. They suggest that a longer timeline and more flexibility in compliance requirements would be more effective in achieving emission reductions without compromising energy reliability.

Addressing Trust Concerns

Pizarro acknowledges the lack of trust from some environmental advocates but encourages them to examine the industry’s achievements and commitments. He points to the industry’s efforts in exceeding previous emission reduction targets and emphasizes the collaborative nature of the Edison Electric Institute. Pizarro also highlights the importance of state regulators and their influence on the pace of the energy transition.

Conclusion

Southern California Edison and Pedro Pizarro have expressed concerns about President Biden’s climate plan, particularly regarding the feasibility of carbon capture and clean hydrogen technologies within the proposed timeline. While some critics accuse the electric industry of hypocrisy, Pizarro emphasizes the industry’s commitment to clean energy and its track record in reducing emissions. He calls for pragmatic and realistic regulations that balance emission reductions with energy reliability and affordability.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the efforts of Southern California Edison to transition to clean energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the adoption of electric cars and electric heat pumps and stoves in homes. These efforts align with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article also mentions the need for technological advancements and research and development in carbon capture and renewable hydrogen technologies, which are relevant to SDG 9. Additionally, the article highlights the debate over President Biden’s climate plan and the role of utility companies in reducing climate pollution, connecting to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning

The targets identified are based on the efforts mentioned in the article to increase the share of clean energy sources, improve energy efficiency, upgrade infrastructure for sustainability, integrate climate change measures into policies and planning, and enhance education and awareness on climate change.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of power generated from climate-friendly sources
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants
• Deployment of renewable energy technologies
• Improvement in energy efficiency
• Investment in research and development of carbon capture and renewable hydrogen technologies

The article mentions the percentage of power obtained from climate-friendly sources as an indicator of progress towards clean energy goals. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants can also serve as an indicator of efforts to combat climate change. The deployment of renewable energy technologies and improvement in energy efficiency are additional indicators that can measure progress towards sustainable energy targets. Finally, investment in research and development of carbon capture and renewable hydrogen technologies can be an indicator of advancements in sustainable infrastructure.

Table of Findings

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Source: latimes.com

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