Last chance! Complete NPPD's survey *now* before the Sept. 1 deadline (Wednesday).
John --
Like all utilities facing the realities of climate change, Nebraska Public Power District (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.
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 -- and the deadline for you to take action and complete the survey is Wednesday, Sept. 1. [1]
ACTION: Take a few minutes right now, and complete NPPD's survey. Your voice in support of climate action and clean energy is crucial!
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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] "Nebraska Public Power District seeking comments on reducing utility's carbon footprint," North Platte Telegraph, 7/30/21.
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P.O. Box 254
Hastings, NE 68902 US
