Resolution on Federal Multi-Emission Reduction Legislation Exposed

The Resolution on Federal Multi-Emission Reduction Legislation was adopted by ALEC's Natural Resources Task Force at the Annual Meeting on August 1, 2003, approved by the full ALEC Board of Directors in August, 2003. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.

ALEC Resolution Text

WHEREAS, the federal government, state and local governments and communities, and electric power providers have a common interest in assuring compliance with our Nation’s air quality goals; and

WHEREAS, electric power providers have significantly reduced air emissions, but additional reductions are needed to help address these air quality goals; and

WHEREAS, the Clean Air Act provides for continued reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and mercury from electric power facilities with numerous regulatory decisions mandated over the next two decades that will have unpredictable outcomes; and

WHEREAS, implementation of the Clean Air Act's multiple, overlapping requirements could be streamlined to facilitate greater, more efficient and more certain emission reductions, that would reduce litigation that often causes significant delays in achieving air quality goals; and

WHEREAS, a new federal emission reduction program could help to resolve regional and national air quality challenges, interstate environmental conflicts and reduce inconsistencies between state programs; and

WHEREAS, the implications of any emission reduction programs on consumer energy prices and electric power reliability must be factored into policy decisions.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that _______ calls for the U.S. Congress to pass multi-emission legislation in 2003 that significantly reduces emissions of SO2, NOx and mercury from electric power generators and helps the Nation toward attainment of federal air quality standards without exacerbating imbalances in the natural gas market; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final multi-emission reduction program should maintain and encourage a diverse fuel supply that will benefit states and local communities, consumers and manufacturers, as well as maintain and promote electric power reliability, availability and affordability; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that reductions under such a program should be achieved using an emissions cap-and-trade approach patterned after the successful Clean Air Act acid rain program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ongoing development of combined heat and power units be encouraged by exempting energy efficient and low-emitting units from multi- emission legislation and allowing them to opt-in to the program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such a program should streamline Clean Air Act

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such a program should streamline Clean Air Act provisions given that SO2, NOx and mercury emissions caps will substantially reduce the amount of emissions from electric power facilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such a program should require strict enforcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and strict fines for violations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the Clear Skies Initiative provided that the final version does not contain carbon dioxide emission or carbon sequestration regulations or standards. We urge the President to veto any legislation that contains carbon dioxide emission standards.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this Resolution be dispatched to the President, Members of Congress, Governors and other local officials, as is appropriate.

Adopted by ALEC's Natural Resources Task Force at the Annual Meeting August 1, 2003.

Approved by full ALEC Board of Directors August, 2003.