WIND AND THE NEW EPA RULES

AWEA's Gramlich discusses impact of existing source rule on wind energy growth

Transcript, June 10, 2014 (On Point/E&E TV)

Monica Trauzzi: Rob, wind energy is seen as one of the many sources of energy that could get a boost if the president's existing source proposal becomes final. How much growth is your industry preparing for?

Rob Gramlich: Well, we think that's exactly right, Monica. We're looking at 20 percent of U.S. electricity from wind by 2030. That's about what the Bush administration report said about seven years ago, and DOE is updating that. We think this is one of a number of policies that will help get us there.

[MT]: Which states have you identified where wind energy could have the greatest impact in terms of the state meeting the standards set out in the existing source plan?

[RG]: It's a combination of factors. There are a lot of states with great export potential who can produce a lot of wind -- Iowa, North Dakota, Colorado. There are a lot of states that have great wind resource potential. They could use that potential for local compliance, but also they can sell it to other states. So there are a lot of importing states who may have significant goals to achieve under the new rules where they can import wind to comply…

[MT]: In announcing the proposal, Administrator McCarthy highlighted nuclear energy as an energy source that could help states meet the standard. And of course recently the nuclear industry has taken a hit against wind power for undercutting its ability to compete in the marketplace. How do you see that back and forth and that dynamic between your industry and the nuclear guys escalating with this standard as part of the conversation?

[RG]: There's a conflict between Exelon and the production tax credit. We know their views on that. They don't see it the same way we do. I wouldn't say the nuclear industry broadly opposes wind or the PTC. In fact, I see a lot more voices both in the renewable sector and in the nuclear sector saying we really need ways to value carbon-free electricity. So I actually see more of a convergence over time… click here for more

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