Administration's Carbon Emission Limits Split Coal Industry From Utilities in States

摘要

Electric companies are breaking with longtime allies in the coal industry over state-level legislation that would stymie President Barack Obama's carbon emissions limits. Entergy Corp., PPL Corp. and FirstEnergy Corp. are among those opposing a wave of bills backed by coal companies that would let legislatures block plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The rift between power companies and their suppliers is the result of Republican defiance of global warming rules that included a plea from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) asking governors not to cooperate (46 ER 648, 3/6/15). The utilities are already cutting emissions by shifting to solar and wind power and natural gas. They may face costlier federal requirements if states refuse to act. Environmental advocates were initially alarmed by the flood of legislation, said Aliya Haq, who is tracking it for the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington.