The chairman of E.ON North America has called on US energy firms to embrace rather than fight President Obama’s Clean Power Plan.
The final version of the rules were revealed this week. The plan would set emission reduction targets for the power sector at a state level as well as a national goal for 28% of electricity generation to be drawn from renewable sources by 2030. Legal challenges are widely expected.
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In a statement released on Thursday, Patrick Woodson, chairman for E.ON North America called for his industry to back the proposals.
“As an owner of multiple sources of generation, we understand that there is room for all technologies in this debate but there needs to be clear direction and clear policies in order to make a cleaner energy future possible,” he said.
“We cannot have that future without thoughtful planning and affordable energy. While this plan has big targets there is also a 15-year period to implement it. Rather than fighting this plan for years, the generation community should embrace it and start working toward a cleaner future. There is no payoff standing around like dinosaurs watching meteors. Let's embrace this plan and start building a cleaner America,” he added.
“For years, the lack of a national energy policy has left the US without clear direction on America's energy future. This plan gives the markets a clear view of the future electric generation fleet that will power America's economy. It is clear that fleet will need to have clean, affordable, homegrown energy from gas, hydro, nuclear, wind and solar power to achieve these targets,” said Woodson.
