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Natural Gas Ban Could Cost NY Consumers More Than $35,000 per Household, New CEA Analysis Finds

New York City

Albany, NY – Banning natural gas service could cost New York households more than $35,000 each, a Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) analysis released today found. The study updates data from a report entitled “Wealth Inequality: The Hidden Cost of New York City’s Natural Gas Ban,” which examined the startling ramifications for families and businesses the ban on natural gas hookups in new buildings in New York City by 2030 proposed by Mayor Bill de Blasio would cause.

The updated statewide report examined what forcing an energy ban onto families and New Yorkers would cost, depending on household appliance models, home configuration, labor, and reliance on natural gas. Using open-source consumer data, CEA developed a cost calculator to estimate of what a typical household in New York State could expect to pay as a result of such short-sighted policies.

These findings dovetail with recent CEA research which found that the cost to replace just major gas appliances in homes nationwide would be more than $258 billion.

“We hope New York policymakers take the time to examine the real and staggering costs irresponsible bans on natural gas service will have on regular people just trying to get by, put their kids back in school and make a living,” CEA New York Director Wendy Hijos said. “People are just starting to see a ray of light in the recovery. Making things harder on them by sticking our small businesses and restaurants with surprise bills and jeopardizing the essential energy services that power our lives is a terrible idea.”

“As New York’s ambitious climate and emissions requirements are being implemented, we have to recognize that natural gas and its infrastructure are not going anywhere soon, according to a Columbia University study released in April. Natural gas will help us evolve toward the cleaner future we all want, with emerging technologies like renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen blending. As that future unfolds, we hope officials take a pause and consider the real-world implications that consumers and families are facing and make balanced choices to keep costs down while improving environmental stewardship.”

“We need more practical solutions and less unrealistic hyperbole that excludes certain types of energy to the benefit of others if we ever want to meet these shared goals,” Hijos said.

Please Click Here to Read the Report.

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

 

Opinion: Misguided Ordinance Will Hurt Memphians, Create More Problems

Memphis Tennessee Beale Street Blues Clubs

Brydon Ross looks at the consequences of an ordinance being considered by the Memphis City Council that could harm economic development by making it difficult to approve any new construction of infrastructure like pipelines within Memphis.

This proposal could unnecessarily hamper jet fuel deliveries to Memphis International Airport and FedEx’s global hub. The airport brings Memphis $19.1 billion a year and more than 83,000 jobs, according to a University of

Memphis study.

 

“The City Council knows the proposal runs counter to state and federal law, but seems intent on risking needless lawsuits when budgets are tight.”

 

Read more – Daily Memphian

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Texas Legislature Votes to Protect Families, Small Business With Bipartisan Consumer Service and Infrastructure Legislation, Leading Consumer and Environmental Advocate Says

Texas State Capitol building in downtown Austin USA

Austin, TX – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauds the Texas Legislature for overwhelmingly passing HB 17, bipartisan legislation to protect the rights of consumers by prohibiting municipalities from adopting energy service bans.

“Thank you, members of the Texas Legislature, for supporting this common-sense, bipartisan legislation that will protect our families and small businesses from prohibitions on the use of reliable, safe and clean fuels like natural gas in homes or communities,” CEA Gulf Coast Director Kaitlin Schmidtke said.

“With more than one-third of Texas households depending on natural gas to heat their homes, energy service bans on consumers or businesses could lead to serious and significant service interruptions and surprisingly large increases in Texas’ energy bills. They could also require the replacement of major appliances, which could cost Texas’ families and businesses billions of dollars – a burden that would be ruinous for those living at or below the poverty level.”

“Texas joins 10 other states that have either passed or are pursuing similar common-sense, pro-consumer, pro-energy legislation this year. CEA commends the legislature for working together to ensure energy access and protect consumers and the environment. We urge Governor Abbott to sign this legislation to ensure affordable and reliable energy access for families, consumers and businesses across the state. ”

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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) 429-4362
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Governor Ivey and Alabama Legislature Applauded for Protecting Access to Affordable, Reliable Energy

Household Chores Doing Laundry

Montgomery, AL – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauds Governor Kay Ivey for signing HB 446, bipartisan legislation to protect the rights of consumers by prohibiting municipalities from adopting energy service bans.

“CEA thanks the members of the Alabama Legislature and Governor Ivey for passing this commonsense legislation that will protect the services consumers prefer in Alabama. Alabama’s families and small businesses need access to the energy services they want to heat their homes, cook their food and power their lives, and the state legislature has preserved that choice with strong bipartisan support,” CEA Gulf Coast Director Kaitlin Schmidtke said.

“With three out of every ten Alabama households using natural gas for home heating, energy service bans could lead to significant service interruptions and increases in Alabamian’s energy bills. They could also require the replacement of major appliances, which could cost Alabama’s families and businesses billions of dollars – a burden that would be devastating for those living at or below the poverty level.”

“CEA commends members of the Alabama Legislature and Governor Ivey for ensuring energy access and protecting consumers and the environment.”

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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) 429-4362
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for the Moms in Your Life

Mothers Day Gifts

We love our moms and work to celebrate them every day. Yet, whenever May rolls around, we find ourselves scrambling to find the perfect gift. So if you’re the person who found yourself on autopilot tuning out every type of Mother’s Day advertisement and need help finding something special, we’ve got you covered with a variety of eco- and environmentally friendly gift ideas.

For the Mom Who Loves Gardening. Thankfully having a green thumb can translate into giving great green gifts. Head to your local nursery over the weekend and pick up a gift for her that will thrive in the long run. Now, we know what you’re thinking and yes, plants and flowers can get VERY expensive. But a great alternative to that? Seeds. We’ve talked before about the benefits of planting trees and the good news is that planting is not just for Earth Day. A bouquet of flowers ready to go and seeds for plants, trees, bushes or vegetables, or whatever else she likes ensures that she’ll have beautiful garden for years to come.

Bonus Points: An additional complement is to add in some sustainable and eco-friendly gardening gloves for a stylish touch.

For the Chef or Foodie Mom. After roughly a year in quarantine without access to bars, restaurants and other nightlife, many of us were forced to tap into our inner-chef by making meals at home. If your mom happens to fall into one of those categories, celebrate that love of cooking with dinnerware that combines the feel of dining in a restaurant with the comfort of your own home. Eco-friendly dinnerware comes in an array of trendy patterns and colors and even better, is a sustainable way to serve up a dish to the whole family.

Bonus Points: Add a set of cloth napkins for a sophisticated feel and to further reduce waste.

For the Mom Who Loves Happy Hour. We know all the jokes about moms and their love of wine but let’s be honest – who doesn’t look forward to happy hour? A nice bottle of wine can go a long way in terms of a quick last minute gift that also serves as a way to unwind. And of course, we’re all about environmentally friendly choices. Check out these wines as a Mother’s Day present. With these selections ranging from less than $20 to upwards of $100, you’re sure to find an eco-friendly gift that’s not only thoughtful to mom but also to the environment.

Bonus Points: Throw in a reusable travel wine mug help her get a head start on summer and keep her drink chilled.

For the Mom Who Loves to Pamper Herself. Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, trying out new skincare products or putting on a nice face mask, there are plenty of ways to treat yourself at home with a mini spa experience. With more brands embracing eco-friendly and sustainable production practices, it’s easy to find something for the mom who’s committed relaxation and wellness. Click here for a great list of natural, organic and eco-friendly products that are sure to help your mom look and feel her best.

Bonus Points: Throw in a few natural, organic bath bombs to give mom a full spa-day experience.

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – April 30

Everyone’s talking this week about President Biden’s speech to Congress Wednesday night, including a focus on two big themes – energy and climate. Biden also discussed energy jobs and competing with China.

Meanwhile, oil prices fell from six-week highs today after weak Japanese crude import data was released there were worries about fuel demand in India, where COVID-19 infections have risen. Fuel demand worldwide lately has been mixed, with consumption rising in the United States and China, while other nations are still grappling with pandemic lockdowns.

Speaking of climate issues, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is leading 19 states seeking U.S. Supreme Court review of the scope of EPA’s authority over greenhouse gases. This follows a recent ruling that struck down a Trump-era rule on power plant CO2 emissions.

Also, at the Supreme Court, this week the high court heard oral arguments on PennEast Pipeline’s right-of-way case, which is an important case for ensuring consumers have access to affordable, environmentally sound energy in the future.

With so much energy news happening this week, be sure to check out our five favorite stories as you kick off your weekend!

Downtown Phoenix Aerial View

5Spain installs first solar energy pavement

Barcelona just installed Spain’s first photovoltaic pavement, which will generate 7,560kWh a year. The Guardian reports the installation comes as the city strives to meet their goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Solar

4“Solar mountain” art installation is here to stay

Burning Man, the annual festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, just gained a new permanent art installation: Solar Mountain. According to My Modern Met, the structure is made of 182 solar panels of 300-watt capacity and will produce an estimated 318,645 kWh every year.

Hydrogen Storage Tanks

3New venture seeks to convert solid waste into green hydrogen to fuel vehicles

A new joint venture will convert mixed and multiple organic wastes, including solid waste, food waste, medical and paper into renewable hydrogen to fuel zero-emission commercial vehicles. Waste 360 explains that this new patented process is one of the only combustion-free methods of waste-to-hydrogen processes in the world.

Researchers in a medical laboratory

2Scientists recreate energy of the sun in California lab

Scientists in California have reached a new milestone in their quest to re-create nuclear fusion on Earth. CNBC reports that they were able to produce stable plasma at more than 50 million degrees Celsius with their Field Reversed Configuration machine, also known as Norman.

1Underwater manta kites harvest energy from moving water

Developers have created a manta-inspired underwater kite generator that can harvest energy from moving water. IEEE Spectrum explains that the system is targeting an average output of around 20kW per kite, which is enough to power a dozen homes.

Indiana Legislature Protects Consumers, Small Businesses by Ensuring Natural Gas Access, Leading Consumer and Environmental Advocate Says

Man Working at Home

Indianapolis, Indiana – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauds the Indiana Legislature and Governor Holcomb for supporting Indiana House Bill 1191, which will prevent municipal bans on the delivery of natural gas to existing and new homes and businesses.

“Thank you to Indiana Representative Jim Pressel for introducing, and Governor Holcomb for signing this proactive piece of legislation that will protect Indiana’s families, local businesses and manufacturers by ensuring access to affordable, reliable natural gas,” CEA Midwest Director Chris Ventura said.

“With Indiana ranking in the top 10 states for natural gas consumption, energy service bans on consumers and businesses could lead to serious and significant service interruptions and surprisingly large increases in Hoosier’s energy bills. An energy ban could also require the replacement of major appliances, which could cost thousands of dollars for Indiana’s families and businesses – a cost burden that would be ruinous for those living at or below the poverty level.”

“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. Governments and the private sector working together to offer sensible, environmentally-positive solutions to our energy challenges are proving that we can have a balanced mix of energy sources including renewables while still keeping prices affordable and services reliable for everyone.”

“We applaud the Indiana Legislature and Governor Holcomb for supporting legislation to protect our environment and ensuring affordable and reliable energy for all Hoosiers.”

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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

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