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Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Urges Gov. DeWine to Ensure Natural Gas Access for Ohio Families, Businesses

Father Playing with Kids

Columbus, OH – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauds the Ohio Legislature for passing House Bill 201, which will prevent municipal bans on the delivery of affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible natural gas to existing and new homes and businesses.

“CEA thanks Representative Stephens for introducing this proactive piece of legislation and all members of the Ohio Legislature who voted to protect our families, local businesses, and manufacturers by ensuring access to affordable, reliable natural gas,” CEA Midwest Executive Director Chris Ventura said.

“With Ohio ranking in the top 10 states for natural gas consumption, energy service bans on consumers and businesses could lead to serious, significant service interruptions and surprisingly large increases in energy bills. An energy ban could also require the replacement of major appliances, which could cost Ohio households roughly $20,000 and businesses even more – a cost burden that would be ruinous for those living at or below the poverty level.”

“Not only is natural gas a critical to affordably heat our homes and fuel our businesses, but it has played a significant role in lowering energy costs while reducing our environmental footprint.”

“In fact, the United States is leading the world in environmental stewardship and emission reductions, largely due to the use of natural gas and ongoing progress in renewable energy. It’s encouraging to see Ohio Legislators support sensible, environmentally-positive solutions to our energy challenges. A balanced mix of energy sources, including natural gas and renewables, will keep prices affordable and services reliable for everyone.”

“We encourage Governor DeWine to sign HB 201 into law to protect our environment and ensure affordable and reliable energy for all Ohioans. More than a dozen states across the country, including our neighbors in West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, have embraced this kind of consumer protection and we hope Ohio joins them.”

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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

Rural and Low-Income Communities Benefit from All-of-the-Above Energy Policy, Leading Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Says

Tractor mowing green field

Washington, D.C. – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, released the following statement as the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing to examine existing programs and future opportunities to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for rural and low-income communities:

“As the Senate Energy Subcommittee meets to discuss the future of American energy accessibility, affordability and reliability for rural and low-income communities, CEA encourages legislators to remember that utilizing all of our domestic energy resources, including renewable and traditional sources, is the most efficient, affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible way to meet our nation’s energy needs, and ensure that rural and low-income communities are able to get the low-cost energy they need,” CEA Federal Affairs Adviser Michael Zehr said.

“High energy prices disproportionately harm those on low and fixed incomes, as well as individuals and families who are living paycheck-to-paycheck and small businesses. The cost of energy has enormous ripple effects through every part of Americans’ lives – especially for rural communities and farmers that have a harder time affording the watering of crops, fertilizers, and agro-chemicals when the price of energy increases.  Policies that unnecessarily increase energy prices – harming those who can least afford it, who have longer commutes and who have little or no options – should be avoided.”

“Natural gas access and pipeline infrastructure has been instrumental in saving Americans billions of dollars in the last decade. And utilizing natural gas, coupled with renewable sources, is leading us to a cleaner energy future with lower emissions.”

“CEA has long supported all forms of energy from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear power – and Congress should too. Consumers, especially those in rural areas and low-income households, benefit from a diverse and competitive energy mix – one that they can afford and rely on no matter where they live or the size of their paycheck.”

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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

National Park Funding is Supported by Responsible Energy Production on Federal Lands and Waters

Trees in Forest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) released the following statement as the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks held a legislative hearing on various bills that would impact the nation’s parks and federal lands.

“As the Committee considers various bills today, CEA asks Congress to remember that America’s national parks are mostly funded by revenue earned from renewable and traditional energy production on federal lands and waters,” CEA Federal Affairs Adviser Michael Zehr said. “Thankfully, investments into America’s national parks, coastal conservation and environment are made possible by the use of funds from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).”

“There is a direct connection between responsible energy development in places like the Gulf of Mexico and our parks, rivers, coastal waterways and other environmental habitats and conservation projects. Energy production and the environment always complement each other when our policies are balanced among equally important priorities,” Zehr said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to emphasize the critical role Gulf energy plays in meeting our energy needs and advancing our economy, while protecting and broadening revenues for the U.S. Treasury and the Gulf States,” he said. “Responsible offshore energy development, carried out with the world’s strictest environmental regulations and in a basin with one of the world’s lowest environmental impacts from production, is a continued commitment to environmental stewardship that protects our coasts.”

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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 18

Discussions continued this week on the security of U.S. infrastructure following the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack. President Biden met with Russian President Putin this week where he outlined critical infrastructure that should be “off-limits” to cyberattacks.

Meanwhile, the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economics and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act was introduced in Congress this week. If passed, this legislation will help to establish additional investments in Gulf States to help implement and fund coastal protection and restoration projects, hurricane protection programs, and support coastal, marine, and conservation management plans.

In other news from the Gulf, a federal judge in Louisiana this week issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Biden administration from pausing new oil and gas leases on federal land.

Oil futures rose today for a fourth week of gains, as OPEC expects U.S. oil growth to remain limited this year despite rising prices.

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

Rail transportation tanker car

5Companies to develop hydrogen-powered locomotives

General Motors Co. signed a deal to develop railroad locomotives powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and battery system. E&E News via the Associated Press breaks down how batteries and hydrogen technology will be used in locomotives to help railroads decrease carbon emissions.

Renewables with Battery Storage

4Solar + storage can boost reliability

Researchers have discovered that when a power system combines energy storage and solar power generation, it can be relied upon to provide up to 40% more power during peak demand than if you just added the output from each source. Futurity explains how solar power and energy storage systems can unlock reliability value that neither technology would provide on its own.

Little Rock skyline with Broadway Bridge and the Arkansas River

3Old wind turbines are now being used as bridges

With many wind turbine blades now reaching the end of their lifespan, the industry is looking at how to turn decommissioned turbine blades into something new. Euronews shares how bridge building is one innovative solution being put forward as a way of dealing with a major recycling problem facing the industry.

Tidal Power Generation

2News ways to unlock the ocean’s energy potential

Researchers are examining how tidal turbines harness the power of underwater currents to turn turbine blades and produce electricity. Slate reports on how new technologies may offer the potential of harvesting low-carbon renewable energy from the ocean with minimal impact to the surrounding environment.

Computer programming

1DOE awards millions to small businesses to help develop clean energy solutions

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced 235 small businesses, across 42 states, will receive $54 million in “critical seed funding for 266 projects that are developing and deploying proof-of-concept prototypes for a wide range of technological solutions needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.” Energy.gov details how these effort will help to create novel solutions for advanced grid technologies, solar and hydrogen power, carbon capture and storage, artificial intelligence, electric vehicle batteries and more.

Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse Applauded for Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Offshore Energy Revenue Sharing

Offshore energy production in the Gulf of Mexico

Washington, D.C. – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) released the following statement of support for the bipartisan Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, legislation introduced by Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse that would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency by creating a revenue sharing model for offshore wind revenues and expanding revenue sharing for coastal states under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).

“Thank you to Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse for introducing legislation that will help to establish additional investments in Gulf States to help implement and fund coastal protection and restoration projects, hurricane protection programs, and support coastal, marine, and conservation management plans,” CEA Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr said.

“Amid the uncertainty our states, businesses and communities have endured in the past year, CEA remains concerned about restrictive policies that unnecessarily limit U.S. oil, gas and wind opportunities and look forward to discussing how we can work together to add mandatory leasing provisions to the legislation.”

“The RISEE Act will help to restore certainty for the future funding of these important restoration and conservation efforts and help to support the businesses and organizations investing in these important coastal protection and restoration projects for our communities and the workers that rely on these much-needed infrastructure jobs. We urge its swift passage this Congress.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on reminding lawmakers about the critical role Gulf energy plays in meeting our energy needs and advancing our economy, and the need to protect and broaden revenue for the U.S. Treasury and the Gulf States. Responsible offshore energy development, carried out with the strictest environmental regulations and in a basin with one of the world’s lowest environmental impacts from production, is a continued commitment to environmental stewardship that protects our coasts.”

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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

Energy and Environment Group Testifies in Support of Mariner East Pipeline Project Permit Modifications

Pennsylvania farm near Gettysburg

Harrisburg, PA – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, today urged the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to quickly approve the permits needed for the Mariner East pipeline project, which will deliver environmentally responsible and affordable energy to consumers across Pennsylvania.

“The Mariner East pipeline project has undergone years of rigorous federal and state reviews to ensure its operational safety. The approval of these permitting modifications is the final piece to connect the pipeline statewide and allow this critical and responsible energy infrastructure to fulfill its full value to consumers, families, farmers and businesses, who will benefit from affordable, reliable energy while also seeing remarkable improvement in air quality and reduced carbon emissions,” CEA Mid-Atlantic Director Mike Butler said during a public hearing held by the DEP.

“CEA urges the Department of Environmental Protection to approve and grant the permit modifications for the Mariner East project so that construction can be completed and Pennsylvanians and the environment can begin to reap the benefits of this critical piece of energy infrastructure.”

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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

Maxie McGuire – Positioning the Gulf Coast for Energy Development

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Maxie McGuire – Funding That Sustains Businesses and Keeps a City Thriving

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CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – June 11

The Department of Interior today announced the first offshore lease for wind energy development off the coast of New York and New Jersey. The proposed lease has the potential to unlock over 7 GW of offshore wind energy.

Earlier this week, the Biden Administration announced it will explore the potential of offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Mexico.

On the natural gas front, Western States and Tribal Nations Natural Gas Initiative this week released a report showing the potential for North American LNG to reduce net life cycle emissions by 42%-55% if exported to Asia.

Meanwhile, oil prices hit a multi-year high today after three consecutive weeks of gains, as worldwide demand increases and people across the globe begin to resume travel. Catch up on more of this week’s energy news below!

Solar Thermal Power Station

5Global supply chain challenges and high costs may threaten solar energy boom

Global solar power developers are slowing down projects because of a sharp increase in costs for components, labor and freight. Reuters reports on how the solar energy industry has been shaken up by supply chain bottlenecks that have developed in the recovery as the world economy bounces back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Windmills in farm field with row crops

4A turbine that puts wind power in your backpack

A technology company announced a new foldable 3-pound, 40-watt wind turbine that can charge handheld electronics, is the first of a series of renewable power devices designed by the startup to provide freedom from the electrical grid. Interesting Engineering breaks down how this new technology can harvest three phones worth of power in as little as an hour.

Hydrogen Storage Tanks

3US Department of Energy launches hydrogen initiative

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a request for information (RFI) for viable hydrogen demonstrations that would help lower the cost of hydrogen. ICIS explains how this announcement is part of a federal initiative to lower the cost of hydrogen down to $1/kilogram within a decade.

Wind Farm

2Wind turbine recycling news

The wind energy industry has been grappling with the issue of what to do with wind turbine blades when they’re no longer needed. CNBC details why companies are looking into new ways of recycling wind blades, including as a construction material to build new wind farms.

Electric transmission lines at dusk

1How to use electricity generated from volcanoes to mine Bitcoin

Bitcoin mining requires large amounts of electricity to power the computers that generate the currency. NPR tells the story about why the president of El Salvador announced that the country’s state-run geothermal energy utility would begin using power derived from volcanoes for Bitcoin mining.

Whitmer Threatens Profit Seizure If Pipeline Keeps Operating

With the threatened shutdown of Line 5, Consumer Energy Alliance commissioned an independent report to review the impact it would have on employment and economic opportunities across the Midwest.

The Consumer Energy Alliance, a business coalition, said a shutdown would imperil 33,000 jobs and cause at least $20.8 billion in economic losses in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Environmentalists said a spill in the straits would be far more costly.

Read more – Associated Press

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