Number: 1997-07
WHEREAS, the electric utility industry has a major impact on the environment. Burning coal and other fossil fuels for electricity generation is a significant source of atmospheric pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, particulate matter, and toxic heavy metals. Air emissions of mercury from coal-fired power plants have been identified by federal and state agencies as a significant source of human-caused mercury emissions nationwide; and
WHEREAS, the deposition of air pollutants and toxics is a significant source of water pollution. As of 1994, there were 37 states with fish consumption limitations based on mercury contamination, including seven states with statewide mercury advisories. Air emissions of mercury are of particular concern throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, the principles of traditional utility regulation have made it possible for electric utilities and governments to pursue environmentally responsible policies, such as energy conservation programs, long-term resource planning and renewable resource research and development. These activities are vital to pollution prevention and sustainable economic development; and
WHEREAS, public regulation of the electric utility industry is being restructured at the federal and state levels to move the industry to greater reliance on competition. Changes in markets due to restructuring may threaten environmental health as regulators seek to eliminate or reduce oversight and utilities seek to reduce costs associated with environmental protection;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled April 3-6, 1997 in Tucson, Arizona, supports state and federal legislation that will:
Recognize the importance of the environment, particularly effects on air and water quality, in any plans to restructure the electric utility industry. Changes to the electric industry should maintain or improve the quality of the environment.
Ensure that the public benefits of energy efficiency and renewable resource development are maintained through existing or new mechanisms in competitive electric markets, and take steps necessary to inform the public of the advantages of using our natural resources wisely.
Require all fossil fuel burning power plants to comply with new source performance standards contained in applicable state and federal air pollution laws.
Provide the means for consumers to have needed and useful information to make sound choices between competing electricity providers. All electricity providers and marketers should be required to provide standard and useful disclosure of price, risk, and environmental impact information to permit consumers to easily compare resource mix and environmental characteristics of their electricity purchases; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls upon the U.S. EPA to submit its Mercury Study and Utility Study Reports to Congress with no further delay, as required under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.