Maine Governor’s Veto of Utility Takeover Bill Saves Families, Businesses Billions in Energy Costs

July 13, 2021

Augusta, Maine – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, today applauded Maine Governor Janet Mills for vetoing LD 1708, a bill that would have ultimately led to billions of dollars in additional energy costs to Maine’s families and businesses.

“CEA is pleased that Governor Mills recognized the major flaws in this legislation and moreover, that it ‘would touch the lives of nearly every Maine citizen in serious and substantial ways,’” CEA New England Director Marc Brown said. “We applaud her rationale that a veto was required because the legislation was rushed through the process without adequate public participation and analysis.”

“Energy is woven into the fabric of everyday life, and Governor Mills’ people-first approach toward energy is the right one,” Brown said.

The bill essentially would have essentially amounted to a government-led takeover of two of Maine’s investor-owned utility companies.

“While CEA appreciates the proponents of LD 1708’s intent to attempt to improve customer service, cut consumer bills and add more renewable power to the grid, the risks of increased costs — especially to low- and fixed-income Mainers – far outweighed any potential benefits. Further, there were just too many unanswered questions associated with this legislation. Maine enjoys some of the lowest electricity rates in New England, which is already one of the most expensive areas nationwide for retail electricity costs. Anything that risks unnecessarily increasing costs or hindering reliability deserves scrutiny.”

“Governor Mills did right by the citizens of Maine in determining that the bill, if signed into law, would have spawned a protracted legal battle, which would have invariably pitted the State of Maine and the utilities involved against each other – an outcome that would likely raise both taxes and electricity rates.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
202-657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Natural Gas Service Ban Could Cost North Carolinians Over $25,000 Per Household

July 13, 2021

Raleigh, NC – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, today released a report that finds that a natural gas ban would cost every household in North Carolina more than $25,000.

The report, “The Hidden Costs of a North Carolina Natural Gas Ban,” examines the impact of a natural gas ban if it were forced onto families and North Carolinians. Using open-source consumer data, CEA developed a cost calculator to provide an estimate of what a typical household in Charlotte could expect to pay as a result of policies to ban natural gas service and use, depending on home configuration, appliances used and other factors.

These findings dovetail with previous research performed by CEA which found that the cost to replace just major gas appliances in homes nationwide would be more than $258 billion. The report also found that attempts to “electrify everything” would require a massive infrastructure buildout of over $100 billion in the state.

“With one in four North Carolina households using natural gas for home heating, banning natural gas would be a devastating blow to families who would have to pay upwards of $25,000 to involuntarily reconfigure their home and purchase new appliances. A ban on natural gas would also lead to an increase in energy bills, placing an unnecessary burden on the 13.6% of North Carolinians who live at or below the poverty level, those on fixed incomes, and businesses still recovering from the hardships of COVID-19,” CEA Vice President of State Affairs Kevin Doyle said.

Doyle added: “Not only is natural gas a critical resource for fueling North Carolina’s families and businesses, but the state has seen remarkable reductions in emissions as natural gas use has increased and expanded.”

The report also highlights data from the Environmental Protection Agency, which shows that from 1990 to 2019, North Carolina’s emissions have decreased across the board, including:

69.1% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx)
62.0% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
93.0% reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2)

“Misguided attempts to ban energy services will only lead to undue financial burdens on North Carolina’s families, seniors and small businesses and work against our environmental and climate goals. Consumers should retain the right to keep the energy service they want and choose appliances they wish to use – not activists with ill-considered agendas that put families last.”

To view the report, click here.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading consumer advocate for energy, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households and businesses across the country. CEA works daily to encourage people across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our energy needs. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – July 9

July 9, 2021

Gas prices are on the rise and unfortunately, they’re expected to keep climbing, with some experts predicting oil could top $100 a barrel. AAA shows that gas prices have risen nearly a dollar on average since this time last year.

Meanwhile, the White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, this week said the Administration wants affordable and reliable energy and confirmed that they have been in discussions with officials in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to reach an agreement to stem the rise in crude prices.

Meanwhile, BP’s annual energy report released this week showed that emissions from the energy sector in 2020 declined by their highest percentage since the end of WWII, as demand for oil declined amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking for more energy news? Check out our five favorite stories below!

5Global wind, solar capacity rose last year

Global wind- and solar-power capacity grew last year, even as the coronavirus pandemic decreased overall energy demand. The Wall Street Journal reports on how renewable energy as a whole represented 6% of the world’s energy consumption last year.

4Coming soon: Solar powered watches

Solar power isn’t for roofs anymore! The NY Times tells all about how watchmakers are turning to watches that convert light to energy now, including benefits such as longer-lasting batteries, touch screens and high-fashion design.

3Using candles to help create better batteries

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have found that a compound found in candles could help in developing better batteries for renewables. E&E News explains how an organic compound commonly used in candles could help store massive amounts of energy for the electric grid and provide more backup for renewable power.

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Brewery and algae go together to reduce emissions

A brewery teamed up with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to use algae tanks to help lower emissions as it brews beer. Nerdist breaks down the process of how the algae consumes the CO2 produced by the brewing process.

1Exploring modular, floating tidal energy systems

The biggest tidal energy systems today rely on large underwater walls, with gates that open and close as the tide changes to leverage the water levels to turn turbines. New Atlas shows how new floating platforms work and how they recently breezed through a testing regime that simulated 20 years of real-world conditions.

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – July 2

July 2, 2021

Earlier this week, news outlets buzzed with the announcement that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor the PennEast pipeline, which rejected New Jersey’s contention that sovereign immunity shields the state from being sued by PennEast.

At the same time, AAA projected that 47 million Americans are planning to travel this Independence Day weekend – making it the second-highest on record and nearing the highs set in 2019. But, as millions of Americans prepare for road trips this upcoming Independence Day weekend, the national average price of gas on July 4 is still expected to be over $3 per gallon, some 43 percent, or 93 cents more than last year’s pandemic-induced price of $2.18.

With oil’s continued push higher, fueled by continued strong demand globally and production occurring at a slower rate, gasoline prices are continuing up. And with the news that the OPEC+ alliance could keep tighter restraints on output with oil prices now trading around $75 a barrel , more than 40% up this year, many are concerned that the rise in oil prices could contribute to global inflation, slowing the economic recovery from the pandemic.

Whether you are headed out of town, hosting a barbeque at your home or watching fireworks this 4^th of July, catch up on more of this week’s energy news below!

5Greater access to EV charging stations is around the corner – and they’re solar-powered

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, so naturally, we need more charging stations in the U.S. to meet the growing demand. CleanTechnica reports of a new initiative will deploy solar-powered EV charging stations across America.

4General Motors cuts historic deal to source lithium from the United States for its electric car batteries

General Motors struck a deal to source lithium from geothermal deposits in the United States. With no full-scale lithium production in the U.S. currently, The Verge explains how the deal isn’t without its risks, but the need for new, environmentally friendly sources of lithium will be necessary as EV production continues to grow.

3NASA makes hundreds of innovations available to the public – including software for solar and wind energy improvements

The public can now download hundreds of NASA’s computational innovations thanks to its Technology Transfer program – allowing American taxpayers to benefit from NASA developed technology. ZDNet shares that some of the technology available for download includes programs that can calculate a solar power system’s size, code that can analyze solar aircraft concepts and improve efficiency of wind turbine power generation.

2The world’s second largest hydropower station went live this week

China’s newest hydropower station, which is now the second-largest in the world, went live this week. Electrek reports that this is a major accomplishment for China, especially if they hope to reach their net zero deadlines under the Paris Climate Agreement.

1World’s first net-zero, 3D-printed neighborhood to be fully powered by residential solar panels

Developers in Rancho Mirage, California have plans to build a community of 15 net-zero, 3D-printed homes. Inhabitat reports that the homes will feature solar panels that will generate enough energy to power the entire home; and residents will have the option to add EV chargers to their homes as well.

A Summer of Shortages

July 2, 2021

The summer, and more specifically the July 4^th holiday, are points in the year that most Americans look forward to enjoying. Pool parties, barbeques, and road trips. In years past, the only thing you had to worry about was the increased price of gas. This year, however, it feels like nearly every product you come across is either out of stock, in limited quantities or higher-priced than usual, and you’re not crazy. The world is going through an ongoing shortage of items as supply chains work to keep up with increasing demand post pandemic. Last year, manufacturers stopped producing in-demand items in health-related shutdown. Now, many are having trouble returning to full production because of a nationwide labor shortage.

As we enter summer and plan for barbecues, holidays and celebrations, what do these shortages mean for us as we navigate a COVID-19 hangover?

Chicken Wings

In late May, major beef and pork producer JBS USA suffered a cyberattack, prompting reported shutdowns at company plants in North America and Australia. Following the hack, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reached out to meat processors across the country to ask that they try to accommodate the additional capacity to maintain the supply chain.

Operations slowly resumed but now we’re seeing a shortage of one popular snack food and bar staple: chicken wings.

The chicken shortage can be attributed to a few different factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the chicken industry also took two major hits in February. The first and most recent is Winter Storm Uri, the severe storm in Texas that resulted in the death of millions of chickens and also coincided with the wing industry’s biggest event of the year, Super Bowl Sunday.

The second is a lingering result of the COVID-19 pandemic where chicken prices also took a hit. The price per pound for a whole chicken averaged $2.80 in April 2020, the lowest price since at least 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. After hovering around $3.30 for the rest of 2020, prices began to spike again earlier this year.

The daily price went from $3.99 per pound in January to $5.22 in May, an increase of 87% since April 2020.

Right now popular wing restaurants like Wingstop are trying to counter the demand by rebranding to Thighstop and opting for more readily available chicken options.

Fireworks

The fireworks industry warns that supply ahead of Independence Day will be down about 30 percent this year due to supply chain issues. To give some context, last year the United States imported about 255 million pounds of fireworks, mostly from China, according to data from the research firm IHS Markit. Many companies increased their orders after record-breaking sales last year neared $2 billion. This means that because of the high demand, there could be a shortfall of over 76 million pounds of fireworks this year. If you also factor in the ongoing labor shortage which is further slowing down fireworks delivery, consumers can expect anywhere from a 5 to 30 percent increase in prices depending on where they live.

Lifeguards

Looking to take your kids to the community pool or beach you may have to serve double duty as parent and lifeguard since there’s a shortage of lifeguards.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, many public pools were closed and certification classes were either canceled or hard to come by. Other factors like a chlorine shortage, cost of training and more diverse job opportunities play a role but the ripple effect of having fewer lifeguards on staff is being felt nationwide. Here are a few examples among many more:

In Philadelphia fewer than 70 percent of its public pools will open due to a lack of certified lifeguards.
In Massachusetts, especially amid an uptick in drownings, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is scrambling to hire approximately 600 lifeguards across the Commonwealth for ocean and inland beaches, swimming pools, and wading pools.
Many Portland pools are still operating under the COVID-restricted 50 percent capacity rule since Portland Parks and Recreation haven’t been able to hire enough lifeguards for the season and only have half the amount of people needed to operate safely at full capacity.
In Wisconsin, only four out of twelve public pools opened in Milwaukee County when it could only find 75 out of 200 lifeguards needed to fully operate all the county’s locations and in Green Bay only one of three pools could open on schedule due to staffing shortages.

Gas Prices

It feels like we’ve been on a rollercoaster when it comes to gas prices and now it’s time to brace going up another hill. The current demand for fuel is rising and pushing prices to levels not seen since 2014. The U.S. average price for a gallon of gasoline rose 2.5 cents from last week to $3.09 per gallon on Monday. This now makes the national average almost 5 cents higher than May and 92 cents higher compared to this time last year. As we approach July 4th, Americans should expect to pay even more at the pump if they plan on taking a road trip.

The Energy Information Administration predicted gasoline would average $2.92 a gallon for the April-September summer driving season, up from $2.07 a gallon for the same period last year. For the full year, the EIA estimates regular gasoline will average $2.77 a gallon and U.S. households will spend $570 more on fuel than they did a year ago.

For consumers, higher gasoline prices are one of many inflationary side effects as the economy recovers from the pandemic. The plus side? The Federal Reserve is expecting many of these increases to be temporary. In an appearance before a House subcommittee last week, Fed Chair Jerome Powell cited “the pass-through of past increases in oil prices to consumer energy prices” as one factor behind the increase in inflation.

Energy Explorer: The Science Behind Fireworks

July 1, 2021

One of the biggest traditions for celebrating Fourth of July is a fireworks display. Some of these displays may take place in your own backyard and others may be part of a huge community event. Regardless of how you experience them, all of the fireworks you enjoy have an incredible amount of science – and energy – behind them.

What are fireworks made of?

The short answer is A LOT of chemistry and physics.

An exploding firework is essentially a number of chemical reactions happening simultaneously. When you add heat, you provide enough activated energy (the energy that kick-starts a chemical reaction) to make solid chemical compounds that will combust when combined with the oxygen in the air.

One of the best part of a fireworks show is seeing the different shapes and colors that happen when they explode. The different colors you see are caused from separate chemical reactions. In general, different elements from the periodic table give off the different shades that you see in the sky. For example, Strontium creates a red color. Barium produces a green color. Copper makes a blue color and sodium generates an orange/yellow color.

https://www.compoundchem.com/2013/12/30/the-chemistry-of-fireworks/

Fireworks and the Environment

While fireworks on Fourth of July is a long held tradition that you can witness just about anywhere in America. Sadly, one of the downsides is that traditional fireworks aren’t very environmentally friendly. That’s because when they’re set off, fireworks release smoke and exhaust gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen – emissions produced from things like roadside pollution. On the Fourth of July, it is estimated that air particulates increase by 370%, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Even as the pandemic halted professional fireworks shows in 2020, Americans still purchased over 404.5 million pounds of fireworks, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA). More than a 48% increase from 2019 – which the industry noted was a ‘banner year.’ This means fireworks shows across the country produce roughly 84,270 metric tons of carbon dioxide. That’s the equivalent of a 4,555-acre wildfire burning in a single day. Picture 3,450 football fields ablaze all at once.

Can fireworks be eco-friendly?

Normally, traditional fireworks are made using a fuel of charcoal and Sulphur, what science refers to as a perchlorate oxidizer that helps with burning. When ignited, the displays are spectacular, but they also emit large amounts of smoke, or unused perchlorates and metal by-products, all of which are pollutants.

Slowly, modern technology has worked to create environmentally friendly fireworks to reduce the amount of atmospheric pollution produced by traditionally made fireworks. Now, eco-friendly fireworks use a cleaner-burning, nitrogen-based fuel. This means a perchlorate oxidizer is not needed and because there is little smoke, only small amounts of metal salts are needed to produce the amazing colors we see.

What will emissions look like this year compared to 2020?

As people throughout the U.S. come out of the pandemic and prepare for in-person celebrations, the common thought is that we can expect huge celebrations. This is a tossup. While the U.S. could see a reduction in emissions due a shortage of fireworks, one of the many victims of the current supply chain shortage, since many shows were cancelled during the pandemic, many organizations, governments and individuals have them saved from the prior year.

This year, consumers who want to host their own backyard celebration can expect anywhere from a 5 to 30 percent increase in prices depending on where they live. This means that either people will have to shell out extra money for half the amount of fireworks they’re used to getting compared to years past, dig them out of storage or simply go without them.

Fireworks are beautiful, nostalgic and celebratory. They’re also fun. So why are we talking about their environmental impact? Well, this is all to say that there is not a single fix to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change – everything we do is inexorably tied to energy and it all adds up. It isn’t just cars, or the fuels that heat and cool your home. Everything we choose to do has consequences and we have to bear in mind all of the things that contribute to our environmental footprints – even fireworks.

Small Business Groups, Consumer Advocates and Labor Applaud Gov. DeWine, Ohio Legislature for Ensuring Energy Access and Environmental Protection

July 1, 2021

Columbus, OH – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, along with the Utility Workers Union of America Local G-555; the Midwest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association; the Ohio Chamber of Commerce; the Ohio Homebuilders Association; the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and the Ohio Propane Gas Association applaud Governor DeWine and the members of the Ohio Legislature who supported House Bill 201, which prevents municipal bans on the delivery of natural gas to existing homes and businesses across Ohio.

Ohio becomes at least the 17^th state to pass similar pro-consumer and pro-energy legislation.

“CEA applauds Governor DeWine for signing this proactive piece of legislation into law and Representative Stephens for introducing this bill. Natural gas is a critical energy resource in Ohio, a state which ranks in the top 10 for natural gas consumption,” CEA Midwest Director Chris Ventura said. “Preserving the choice for Ohio’s families, local businesses and manufacturers to have access to affordable, reliable natural gas to power lives and livelihoods across the state is essential.”

Ventura added: “The U.S. is leading the world in environmental progress and has reduced the most emissions of any nation year after year for nearly 20 years, largely due to the use of natural gas and ongoing progress in renewable energy. This legislation preserves Ohio’s ability to have a balanced mix of energy sources, including renewables, while keeping prices affordable and services reliable for everyone.”

Commenting on the importance of natural gas to laborers, Gas Workers Union Local G-555 Executive Treasurer Paul Talboo said: “Utility Workers Union of America Local G-555 commends the Ohio House and Senate, and Governor DeWine for signing House Bill 201 into law. We believe this legislation will protect residential and business customers in Ohio from severe increases in energy costs that would be caused by the elimination of clean, safe and affordable natural gas, as well as from exorbitant costs related to retrofitting homes and businesses with all electric appliances.

“It will allow for a balanced and uniform approach to be taken on decarbonization, rather than a chaotic replacement of one industry with another, one municipality at a time. HB 201 will also protect the livelihoods of thousands of gas workers, who are some of the safest and highest-skilled workers in the energy industry.”

“Furthermore, this legislation will allow responsible natural gas companies and unions, like the Utility Workers Union of America, to show that we can be a part of a balanced energy future for Ohio through innovation, increased efficiency, carbon capture and sequestration, infrastructure improvements, and investment in clean and renewable energy generation,” he said.

Discussing how this legislation will ensure small businesses, families and consumers maintain choice in how they cook and heat, Midwest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association MidStates Executive Director Erica Geil said: “Hearth, Patio and Barbecue would like to thank Governor DeWine for signing House Bill 201 sponsored by Representative Stephens. This bill will protect the gas fireplace and barbecue industry and consumers by ensuring consistent regulations throughout the state, giving consumers a choice in the fuels they use to cook and heat, and keeping hearth and barbecue companies in business.”

Ohio Chamber of Commerce Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Stephanie Kromer added: “The Ohio Chamber of Commerce applauds the passage of House Bill 201. Energy policy is of statewide concern since all Ohioans depend on reliable, affordable energy.

“Local-level go-it-alone policies could undermine the entire state’s competitive standing and hinder our state’s diverse portfolio of energy sources because we constantly compete against other states, many of which are in the process of passing legislation to HB 201. By prohibiting local governments from interfering in consumer choice, HB 201 will protect retail establishments, manufacturers, consumers and, ultimately our state’s overall economic competitiveness by allowing Ohioans to decide what fuel sources best suit their needs.”

Commenting on the importance of natural gas access to home owners, Ohio Homebuilders Association Executive Vice President Vincent Squillace said: “HB 201 will assure home owners and buyers the right to select a home with appliances powered by the power source of their choice. Prospective buyers overwhelmingly select homes heated by natural gas as the wisest choice. Homeowners need not fear that local government will force costly removal of water heaters, furnaces, gas logs and outdoor grills imposed by municipal bans on certain fuel choices.”

Discussing how this legislation will help businesses have certainty in the energy they need to operate, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants President and CEO Gordon Gough added, “We applaud the passage of HB 201 as it provides businesses and consumers with greater certainty in their energy choices. We commend the efforts of the bill sponsors and the strong support from the General Assembly. Additionally, we thank Governor DeWine for signing this crucial piece of legislation into law.”

Focusing on how this bill will benefit consumers through continued access to propane, Ohio Propane Gas Association Executive Director Derek Dalling said: “The Ohio Propane Gas Association is grateful for all of the support for this important legislation that allows Ohio consumers to continue to have the ability to choose the energy source that best meets their needs. We all want to improve the environment for future generations, and we can do that through a responsible combination of energy choices, which includes propane – a clean, affordable, and reliable energy source for rural Ohioans.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

New Jersey Offshore Wind Approvals a Major Victory for Consumers, Labor and Affordable Energy

June 30, 2021

Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Applauds NJBPU Decision

WASHINGTON – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approval of two offshore wind projects that will eventually power almost 1.2 million homes is a victory for a nascent industry that can contribute to the availability of affordable energy for consumers and small businesses, while generating jobs and billions in economic activity, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) said today.

NJBPU approved Ørsted’s Ocean Wind II and EDF/Shell’s Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind projects, which will build a combined 2.7 gigawatts of generation capacity off of New Jersey’s shores. Under the agreements reached with the state, the project sponsors have committed to building new manufacturing facilities in the state at the New Jersey Wind Port, which is under construction, as well as at the Port of Paulsboro, where Ørsted and another company are investing $250 million in an offshore wind manufacturing facility.

“This is a great step forward for offshore wind and demonstrates its tremendous potential to create good-paying jobs for our skilled tradespeople and contribute to America’s manufacturing sector as this multi-billion dollar industry emerges here. CEA supports expanded use of all of our offshore resources to ensue affordable, reliable power for families, farmers and small businesses,” CEA Federal Affairs Adviser Michael Zehr said.

“A faster, more certain permitting process will allow this industry to achieve scale rapidly, which in turn benefits domestic manufacturing as supply chains to support offshore wind’s growth are built throughout the country. That greater assurance will also accelerate the dramatic cost reductions that are already happening.”

The two projects are expected to create 7,000 jobs during the development, construction and operational phases of the wind farms, for an expected contribution of $3.5 billion in economic benefits. The project sponsors are also contributing $26 million to fund research and fish and wildlife monitoring that will benefit environmental and conservation efforts.

“These two projects are creating family-sustaining wages for our skilled union laborers and tradespeople, while bringing us closer to the inclusive, all of the above energy mix New Jersey’s families and small businesses need to thrive,” CEA Mid-Atlantic Director Mike Butler said.

“The public-private collaboration that brought these projects forward is a model that can be successfully replicated in other states where offshore wind is a possibility. Development like this boosts American manufacturing, labor opportunities and local economies while ensuring that consumers, families and small businesses will have greater access to reliable and affordable and environmentally sound energy.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Infrastructure Victory in Supreme Court a Win for Consumers, Families and Federal Authority Over Interstate Energy Projects

June 29, 2021

Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Applauds Ruling

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in favor the PennEast pipeline, which reversed a lower-court decision that placed the political and ideological motivations of the State of New Jersey over the needs of consumers there and in neighboring states, is a massive victory for families and small businesses and affirms the need for consistent, transparent rules in regulating interstate commerce, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt said.

“This decision is monumental because it is about something far more important than a single pipeline. The Supreme Court has affirmed the federal government’s power to regulate interstate commerce, one of the few explicit authorities it is given in the Constitution.”

“The framers, early in our history, understood that it would be very easy for individual states to place their needs and political motivations above those of neighboring states and the greater national good if left unchecked. That’s exactly what would have happened had the State of New Jersey’s spurious and legally unsound attempt to block PennEast if it had been left unchallenged.”

“CEA believed strongly that New Jersey’s actions would harm consumers, families and senior citizens across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and filed a friend of the court amicus brief in March 2020 urging the Supreme Court to reverse the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in favor of New Jersey.”

“Along with the Supreme Court ruling, we are equally pleased that the Biden Administration placed national concerns above partisan ones in asking the Court to overturn the Third Circuit decision. For far too long, consumers in the region have been saddled with high energy prices, largely because of state-level obstruction and activism that disregards common sense, science and concern for costs for ordinary people and businesses.”

“This case is equally a vindication of a pipeline project that has already met and exceeded America’s stringent environmental regulations. We hope this decision will create more opportunities for environmentally responsible infrastructure projects like PennEast to move forward, putting our skilled union tradespeople to work, and reducing costs for communities who face high energy bills.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – June 25

June 25, 2021

Headlines were made yesterday as President Biden announced that a bipartisan deal had been negotiated on the long-awaited infrastructure package. However, today, GOP negotiators were less than pleased to learn that Biden’s signature is contingent upon it passing in tandem with a bigger bill which was put together without GOP input.

Earlier this week, a U.S. District Judge dismissed the case against the Dakota Access Pipeline, due to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe failure to demonstrate a “likelihood of irreparable injury” from the line’s continued operation, to the court.

Meanwhile, crude prices are expected to continue rising and could possibly go as high as $100 a barrel.

Catch up on more of this week’s news below!

5Bacteria that can help to fight climate change

Washington University scientists are examining a type of bacteria known as photoferrotrophs, which steal electricity from iron that could help to counteract climate change. St. Louis Public Radio reports on how new research suggests these microbes could be common in areas across the U.S., already helping to absorb carbon dioxide.

4Solar-powered umbrellas can help to cool you down

While everyone thinks about using a sun umbrella on the beach to provide shade from the sun, now solar-powered umbrellas can collect the sun’s energy to help cool you down as well. Inhabitat breaks down how the “origami-style umbrella” has foldable panels that when power is generated, can be used for refrigeration and cooling through mini fridges and more.

3Giant magnets that can unlock zero-carbon electricity

While scientists have been looking at how nuclear fusion could provide zero-carbon electricity, a new giant magnet is the focus of a new attempt to make it a reality. World Economic Forum explains how a project is using a powerful magnetic field to control the plasma created by the fusion reaction, to heat water to produce steam to drive a turbine generator.

2Inflatable sails that can power boats without fuel

A new project debuted that highlights an inflatable sail that can help to power boats without using fuel. Mashable floats the idea of how an inflatable sail can help to reduce emissions for ships.

1Nuclear batteries offer a new approach to clean energy

Nuclear specialists are examining small power plants or “nuclear batteries” and the power they could supply for industrial processes, electricity for a neighborhood and more. MIT News shares how the simplicity of their operation make them a good option for helping to produce clean energy and lower emissions globally.