NMA stresses need for caution in energy transition
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
World Coal,
The National Mining Association (NMA) has issued a statement following the Senate Committee on Natural Resources Full Committee hearing to review administration of laws within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Jurisdiction.
During the hearing, FERC commissioners and members of Congress discussed flaws with the US’ current energy market design, along with the incredible challenges associated with maintaining the reliability of the power system and protecting consumers from paying unreasonable prices for electricity.
Rich Nolan, NMA President and CEO, said: “While it is encouraging to hear commissioners and senators echoing many of the reliability concerns industry has warned of for years, at the very same moment, as part of reconciliation, proposals are being contemplated in the House that will only exacerbate the crisis. By increasing royalty rates and other fees, making lease terms less favourable, and through other penalties proposed for the coal industry, Congress will be adding additional competitive obstacles to the very fuel that can offer price and availability stability. Congress must act decisively to require adequate planning for the grid and incentivise the maintenance of traditional resources of power capable of 24/7 operations – the Clean Electricity Payment Program does just the opposite. Incentivising the transition of our grid to one based on variable power before the required infrastructure to support such a system is even permitted or built is a predictable catastrophe. Congress must change course and support the reliability and affordability of electricity for Americans.”
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/04102021/nma-stresses-need-for-caution-in-energy-transition/
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