Edited for brevity.
California regulators approved rules Thursday banning power companies from buying electricity from high-polluting sources, including most out-of-state coal-burning plants. The rules - aimed at reducing emissions of heat-trapping gases linked to global warming - could have a far-reaching effect on the energy market across the West. While there are almost no coal-fired plants in California, the nation's most populous state, about 20 percent of the state's electricity comes from coal plants in other Western states.
"It represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address the challenge of climate change," said Michael Peevey, president of the Public Utilities Commission. The commission voted 4-0 to prohibit utilities and other energy providers from entering into long-term contracts with sources that emit more carbon dioxide than a modern natural gas plant.
The new standard is aimed at encouraging investment in cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar, while discouraging the use of coal and other high-polluting fuels. The rule is expected to take effect Feb. 1.
Um, nuclear power? Anyone?
A landmark global warming bill Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law last year required the commission to adopt emissions standards for utilities. The Public Utilities Commission regulates the state's three investor-owned utilities from which most Californians get their power. The California Energy Commission is drawing up a similar emissions standard for municipal utilities. |