Using existing infrastructure and new clean energy strategies, Natural State poised to meet forthcoming EPA emissions standards

WASHINGTON (May 27, 2014)—对阿肯色州电力部门的新分析发现，该州有机会减少大量排放，这可以使其步入正轨，以达到预期的未来排放标准。The analysis, conducted by the World Resources Institute, shows that by increasing utilization of the state’s existing infrastructure and implementing new clean energy strategies, Arkansas can reduce its emissions 39 percent by 2020 (below 2011 emissions levels).

By achieving these reductions, Arkansas could be well-positioned to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) expected carbon pollution standards for the power sector. The EPA proposed standards for new power plants in September 2013 and is expected to propose standards for existing power plants next month. These are important actions that are part of the national Climate Action Plan announced by President Obama last June.

“Arkansas has already implemented energy efficiency policies that reduce emissions and save money for consumers,” saidMichael Obeiter, a senior associate at WRI who led the analysis. “Our analysis shows the potential for even greater reductions that can spur innovation and create new opportunities for businesses.”

Following are ways that Arkansas can use existing infrastructure and new clean energy policies to help meet these reductions:

  • Increasing the state’s utilization of existing natural gas power plants to 75 percent of capacity would reduce emissions by 30 percent in 2020 compared to 2011 levels;
  • Increasing efficiency of existing coal-fired power plants would reduce emissions by 1 percent in 2020 compared to 2011 levels;
  • 与2011年的水平相比，到2030年，商业和工业设施中联合热量（CHP）的使用（CHP）在2020年的使用率上升了33％。
  • Increasing the use of renewable energy to deliver 15 percent of the state’s electricity generation by 2020 would reduce emissions 9 percent in 2020 compared to 2011 levels; and
  • Meeting the state’s 2015 energy efficiency savings goal (0.9 percent of 2013 electricity sales) each year going forward would reduce emissions by 7 percent in 2020 compared to 2011 levels.

一种rkansas already has efficiency standards and the Arkansas Public Service Commission is currentlyconsidering更雄心勃勃的标准。一种studyby Georgia Tech and the Nicholas Institute found that an 8 percent reduction in energy consumption in Arkansas in 2020 would lead to $1.8 billion in total energy savings in 2020, with the average household saving $303 on their annual energy bill.

“Improving energy efficiency programs and expanding renewable energy production in Arkansas would be a win-win,”敬意said. “Measures that reduce emissions can lower consumers’ annual electric bills in the future and help prevent the worst impacts of climate change.”

WRI’s Arkansas fact sheet is available here://www.365bettiyuzaixian.net/publication/power-sector-opportunities-reducing-carbon-dioxide-emissions-arkansas

Photo credit: Ken Lund, Flickr