World Economic Forum: Climate Tops List of Topics

January 21, 2020

The World Economic Forum takes place this week January 21 – January 24. From the fourth industrial revolution to the environment, WEF covers a global agenda to share with those who need the information the most – the people on Earth.

Across the world, the conversation has centered on environmental challenges, sustainability and technology surrounding energy consumption. The forum will address all of these topics, and there is sure to be more coverage of how global financiers and executives – a big part of the jet-set that makes up the Davos invitee list – are approaching environmental risk.

Environmental impacts on the globe will continue to be concerning as long as we continue to live on Planet Earth; and care about taking care of it so we don’t have to head to Mars. However, according to the Global Risks Report 2020, the topmost risks facing all of us right now are still geopolitical and societal ones.

The forum celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and we are looking forward to what conversations and new innovations come out of this year’s meeting. Until then – check out the live streams for each event.

Pennsylvania: Candidates, Mayor Should Adopt Commonsense Approach to Energy

January 21, 2020

Consumer Energy Alliance Mid-Atlantic Director, Mike Butler continues to work across Pennsylvania and party lines advocating for sensible energy policy.

“Unfortunately, this is trickling down to the Pittsburgh’s mayor’s office. While the mayor trashes investments in shale as putting money into “a 19th-century industry that costs us the opportunity to bring 21st-century industry to this region,” adults like Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan from the Youngstown, Ohio, area, lend commonsense and sanity to the current dialogue.

Unlike the mayor, Ryan defended thousands of union workers in the Mahoning Valley and western Pennsylvania who are making family-sustaining wages building the cracker plant — one so large it made Beaver County the leader in economic growth — more than 6 percent.”

Texas: Could the Oil and Gas Industry See a Slowdown This Year?

January 20, 2020

David Holt, CEA President says that nothing in life is a guarantee, including in the oil and gas industry. Yes, even in Texas. Despite the industry paying a record level of taxes due to the boom, the number of rigs dropped.

Holt says outside influences can have an impact. “We have tremendous opportunities provided that the economy continues to hum along at a robust level, and provided that we continue to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.”

Louisiana: Expanding Industry is Also Reducing Emissions, a Good Deal for Everyone

January 19, 2020

Louisiana’s emissions are on the heavy decline, in spite of the fact that the manufacturing sector is rising. They can now brag about owning 19.6% of the states GDP and employing 6.8% of the workforce.

Thanks to low-priced natural gas, and an expansive interstate and intrastate pipeline network, Louisiana has become a preeminent location for some of the world’s largest petrochemical manufacturers to break ground on new facilities, bringing with them thousands of high-paying jobs and funneling millions of dollars into the state’s economy.

U.S. Representative Tim Ryan Offers Strong Energy Solutions

January 19, 2020

United States Representative Tim Ryan may no longer be a presidential candidate, but with sensible energy policies like his, we sure wish he would be. Chris Ventura, Consumer Energy Alliance Midwest Director pleads that case.

“Energy should be non-partisan. We know a balanced energy policy is needed to secure our energy future, with traditional fuels working hand-in-hand with advanced energy resources over decades to accomplish this goal.

Every presidential candidate can benefit from considering and adopting the sensible, realistic approach to the energy solutions Ryan brings to the table for our future’s sake.”

Minnesota Should Avoid Germany’s Energy Mistakes

January 18, 2020

Minneapolis, Minnesota from Stone Arch Bridge

Chris Ventura, Midwest Director of Consumer Energy Alliance warns against Minnesota adopting a German energy policy. The German energy plan, “energywiende” has been dubbed as the “world’s dumbest energy policy,” yet is seen as inspiration for many state policymakers.

“[Germany] … tried to turn its back on natural gas in an effort to aggressively (and without regard to technology) ramp up renewable power output with sky-high subsidies. After all this, the country was then forced to increase coal imports when it couldn’t maintain the reliability of its electricity grid because of the lost nuclear generation.

The upshot: German electricity prices are 45% above the European average, with Germans paying the equivalent of about 33 cents a kilowatt hour for electricity. For comparison, Minnesota’s current residential electric rate is 10.37 cents, or a third of Germany’s.”

U.S. Renewable Energy Sector Hits Record $55.5B

January 17, 2020

While activists and critics decry the current administration’s renewable energy policies as inadequate or unsupportive, something great happened in 2019: The United States renewable energy sector attracted a record $55.5 billion in investment.

As renewable energy costs have plunged and onshore wind and solar developers rushed to qualify for tax credits before they are scaled back this year, investment surged 28% from a year earlier, a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) said.

Sometimes the best policy is letting the market work itself out, as it appears to have done in the renewable energy sector last year. And that’s great news for American families and businesses, because more energy options means more affordable and reliable energy for everyone.

Top 5 Energy Stories This Week

January 17, 2020

The Trump administration released aid efforts to Puerto Rico, champagne gate set Bachelor contestant Kelsey awash in bubbles and drama, and Ken Jennings is the official Jeopardy GOAT. Though it was a great week in other news, we want to share our favorite headlines … you guessed it – in the energy industry! If you weren’t able to read last week’s stories, check those out here.

5CEOs must listen to new trends, regardless of industry

Dominion Energy CEO Tom Farrell is changing his business model. In the energy industry, one thing is constant, and that is change. New technologies, trends and younger customer bases dictate how corporations change and grow. Tom is listening, and Forbes covers his story here.

4Energy will always remain a contentious issue in politics

As much as this issue should remain nonpartisan, the fact of the matter is that energy is being politicized to the max. The recent democratic debate proved that not all on the left feel the same about the energy industry. Natural gas seemed to be a significant point of discussion most notably presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar. Scientific American reports the details here.

3Rolls-Royce is not typically a name synonymous with electric vehicles

In the spring of 2020, Rolls-Royce’s Accelerating the Electrification of Flight (ACCEL) Initiative is set to release an all-electric plane that plans to break records, flying at top speeds of 300 miles per hour. The electric engines are expected to produce a constant 500 horsepower while also remaining quiet with zero emissions. Inhabitat relays the rest of the article here.

2Paper or plastic?

More and more policies are getting implemented across the globe on charging consumers for plastic bags. Is the alternative really better for the planet? According to Energy Live News, in this write-up, it would take 43 reuses of a paper bag to have a lower impact than the plastic bag. (We still suggest sticking with reusable – as long as you remember to grab them!)

1Avoiding technological advancements could hurt consumers

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) use is critical in energy efficiency but goes beyond that into saving serious dough for consumers. One outlet is reporting that utilities should get on board with smart metering now if they want to avoid denial of cost recovery, and potentially risk future investments. Read up as Utility Dive reports on the full story here.

Bipartisan Offshore Wind Bill Markup a Boost for America’s Workforce and Energy Future

January 15, 2020

Bipartisan Bill a Smart Move Toward More Renewable Energy, Jobs

Washington – Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt issued the following statement today about the markup of H.R. 3068, the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act:

“The bipartisan bill championed by Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) is exactly the kind of sensible energy policy the U.S must embrace as we introduce more renewable energy sources to our economy.The markup today by the House Natural Resources Committee is an important step forward for the bill, and a model for how we can put aside partisanship to find realistic, sound and smart sound solutions to our energy and environmental challenges.

“By looking to create a new generation of workers to support the rapidly growing offshore wind industry, this bill will generate new jobs and training opportunities for American families. At the same time, it will ensure America maximizes on the promise offshore wind holds in terms of emissions reductions, environmental stewardship and affordable energy for families and small businesses across the country.

“Consumer Energy Appliance applauds the work done by Rep. Keating and his co-sponsors to bring this important legislation forward.”

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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 meeting our energy needs.

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

IRS 990 Disclosure (2019)

January 14, 2020

US Income Tax Forms 990, 990 EZ and 990 PF

As a 501 (c) (4) exempt organization, Consumer Energy Alliance makes its Annual Report and 990 forms available to the public each year. You can find this document below:

2019 CEA 990

Consumer Energy Alliance

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