This “opt-out” policy directly impacts carbon emissions. It increases the amount of energy used, which impacts energy costs for small businesses while limiting their ability to change it.
John,
Earlier this year, SEEC members doubled their efforts to tackle climate change by launching climate task forces that are focused on various aspects of the climate crisis. Already, the Power Sector Task Force is investigating opportunities to buoy President Biden’s clean energy goals, using the bipartisan infrastructure law as a foundation.
That’s why just last week, the Power Sector Task Force sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging it to eliminate a policy that is allowing states to keep fossil fuel power plants online.
FERC’s grid policy currently on the books allows states to block consumers from participating in demand response programs in wholesale electric markets. Demand response programs are a way for customers to reduce their electricity demands and get paid for them. These programs reduce energy consumption, increase grid reliability, and provide a new revenue source for small businesses. Therefore, allowing states to block these sorts of programs hurts the environment and the economy.
Already 13 southern and midwestern states have chosen to opt-out based on this rule, including Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. This “opt-out” policy directly impacts carbon emissions. It increases the amount of energy used, which impacts energy costs for small businesses while limiting their ability to change it.
Led by Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), the Power Sector Task Force has called out FERC for its backward policy. As stated in the letter, “wholesale demand response reduces energy consumption while earning revenues for local businesses, creating a critical environmental and economic win-win.”
SEEC members are pushing for the federal government to pull states along on important energy and environmental policies. As we fight to cut global emissions and prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis, SEEC members in the House are leaving no stone unturned. Make a contribution today to support their efforts to foster clean energy innovation →
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
Thanks to your help in 2020, SEEC PAC was able to re-elect over 95% of our pro-environment members to the U.S. House of Representatives — defying the odds on a night where Democrats lost seats. Now we are counting on you to help our SEEC members pass climate, clean energy and environmental justice policies in the 117th Congress while we undo the damage of the Trump Administration. But if you'd like to receive fewer emails, we understand. You can click here to only get our most important messages, or you can unsubscribe.
The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Political Action Committee (SEEC PAC) is an organization that supports members in the U.S. House of Representatives and candidates who fight for clean energy, climate change solutions, environmental justice, and protection of our nation’s clean air, water, wildlife, and public lands. Will you make a donation to our fight today?
Paid for and authorized by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Political Action Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Political Action Committee 10 E Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 United States
