John --
Our neighbors across the Missouri River in Iowa just made headlines for being the #1 state in renewable energy, with 57.6% generated from clean sources [1] -- compared to just 15% from renewables for NPPD (Nebraska Public Power District), Nebraska's largest public utility.
Like all utilities facing the realities of climate change, NPPD right now is having to make decisions on how quickly it should "decarbonize" -- or transition from the carbon-intensive coal it still relies on heavily (42% from coal in 2020), to more wind, solar, and clean energy sources to power our homes and businesses across the state.
During August, NPPD is hosting an online public survey to collect feedback from its customer-owners about the climate plan it's creating right now for the decarbonization of Nebraska's power generation. [2]
ACTION: Take a few minutes right now, and complete NPPD's survey.
NPPD will also host a series of public meetings this month, to hear from the publicly-owned utility's customer-owners. (Hint: This Means You -- Nebraska is the ONLY state in the nation where citizens own the utilities!).
We encourage folks who care about protecting our breathable air, clean water, a livable climate for their grandchildren, to complete NPPD's survey -- and also to attend the public meetings, and voice support for more clean energy for Nebraska.
We know people who support fossil fuels will be at these upcoming meetings -- so it is critical to have people like you also in the room:
Seward:
Thursday, August 12th, 6:00 p.m.
Concordia University,
Janzow Campus Center
Cattle Conference Room
800 N. Columbia Ave.
North Platte:
Monday, August 16th, 6:00 p.m.
Mid-Plains Community College,
North Campus
Rooms 202 & 204
1101 Halligan Dr.
Scottsbluff:
Tuesday, August 17th, 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Western Nebraska Community College,
Harms Center Plex
1601 East 27th Street
Kearney:
Wednesday, August 18th, 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn,
Ballroom II,
110 Second Avenue
Our friends at Nebraska Conservation Voters have compiled some facts on clean energy in Nebraska, which you can use to help inform your answers on the NPPD survey:
-
Reducing the property tax burden on Nebraskans: Every year, nearly $12 million in property taxes is being generated from clean energy sources in Nebraska. In our neighboring state of Iowa, wind companies paid $69.5 million in state and local taxes.
-
More cost-effective than fossil fuel energy: Wind power can cost as little as $26/MWh, undercutting the $34/MWh it takes to run an existing coal plant. In fact, a recent study found that as wholesale power prices continue to fall, NPPD could cut its carbon emissions by 90% without any added expense to ratepayers.
-
Healthier communities: Coal plants emit pollutants that have been correlated with many health problems, including early death, heart attacks, respiratory disorders and stroke. Fossil fuel emissions have also been correlated with various types of cancers. Clean energy is emissions-free and doesn't cause these severe health problems.
-
Create more jobs: There are currently more than 3,000 jobs in renewable energy electricity generation in Nebraska. Growing the clean energy industry in Nebraska means more good-paying jobs in our rural communities.
-
Keeping dollars in Nebraska: In 2019, 100% of Nebraska's coal was shipped from Wyoming. Rather than sending money out of state, we can develop our own energy and keep that money in Nebraska.
ACTION: Take a few minutes right now and complete NPPD's climate plan survey.
Thank you for making sure your voice is heard, and your support for clean energy in Nebraska is counted.
Tom Genung and the Bold team
REFERENCES
[1] "Iowa ranks first in renewable energy use, according to new report," Cedar Rapids Gazette, 8/2/21.
[2] "Nebraska Public Power District seeking comments on reducing utility's carbon footprint," North Platte Telegraph, 7/30/21.
P.S. Chip in to support Bold Nebraska's work.
@Bold Nebraska on Twitter
Bold Nebraska on Facebook
Bold Nebraska
P.O. Box 254
Hastings, NE 68902 US
