Waltham, MA - June 2, 2014 - National Grid issued a statement today supporting the EPA’s proposed regulations aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from existing power plants. The regulations provide flexibility in compliance with the CO2 reductions, through energy efficiency, natural gas, renewable energy, and other energy management options. Additionally, the proposed rule credits ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions through market-based mechanisms like the successful Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
“I am strongly encouraged by EPA’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions through sensible and practical regulation,” said National Grid US president Tom King. “The Obama Administration, through the good work of EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and her staff, has worked in a transparent manner to craft regulation that promotes environmental and human health through a host of clean energy options. Rather than picking winners, this proposed rule supports market-based solutions.”
King added that National Grid has long supported federal legislation as a comprehensive means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “However, we support EPA moving forward with this effort in the absence of federal legislation.
“We look forward to working with the Administration, EPA, members of the energy industry, and other stakeholders to ensure the regulations reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector and advance America’s efficient and clean energy future.”
National Grid has long supported efforts to reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its footprint, and has established reduction goals of 45% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, from year 1990 baseline levels. Due in large part to investments in our electricity generation operations, natural gas and electricity distribution networks, National Grid’s total emissions in the US have decreased by 65% from 1990 to 2013.
About National Grid
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. The company is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society - to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and developing an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the 21st century. National Grid holds a vital position at the center of the energy system and it ‘joins everything up’.
In the northeast US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles. In Great Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.
National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.