Power plants to reduce CO2 emissions by 20%—Locke

OLYMPIA—The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and the Department of Ecology (DOE) may soon require new power-generating facilities to offset 20 percent of the carbon dioxide that would be emitted during its 30 years of operation, according to Gov. Gary Locke.

Locke said the new requirement is one of the regulations that would reduce the state’s carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. It is part of the regulations that would establish new siting standards for power-generating facilities, which are major contributors to CO2 emissions.

The new siting standards are intended to establish clear requirements for new power plants, which will help assure abundant power at reasonable cost while still protecting the environment.

Besides CO2 emissions, the new siting standards included in EFSEC's initial draft rules cover water and air quality, wetlands, fish and wildlife, and noise and site restoration. The changes represent a total package of siting standards and revisions to existing rules, providing balance to the siting process.

Currently, Oregon is the only other state that requires CO2 mitigation for energy facilities.

"Global warming will have a profound impact on Washington's economy unless we take immediate action," Locke said. "Last week I joined the governors of Oregon and California in announcing a package of steps aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Today we are moving forward to address power plants, the fastest-growing source of carbon dioxide emissions in our own state."

United States power plants alone account for 10 percent of carbon dioxide pollution worldwide. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major component of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

Climate changes attributed to global warming are reducing snow pack in the Cascade Mountains, threatening cropland, salmon habitat and drinking water supplies. Global warming also has the potential to erode Washington's coastline, increase forest fires, and lead to devastating insect infestations.

"These draft rules respond to governor's directive to develop quantifiable standards, streamline the permitting process, expedite decision-making and make it easier for new developers and the public to participate in the EFSEC process," said Jim Luce, chair of EFSEC.

"We look forward to working closely with Jim and his team to assure that our rules pick up where theirs leave off," said Mary Burg, manager of the state Department of Ecology's air quality program. Ecology is responsible for regulating power plants that generate fewer than 350 megawatts per hour, and is currently developing rules to require CO2 offsets for these facilities.

Later this month EFSEC will hold public meetings in Seattle and Spokane to hear comments on the initial rules. Ecology will hold hearings on its rules next spring.

Office of the Governor release, October 1

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