1166627 - Electric Power Industry – Industry Transition and Regulatory Issues

The U.S. electric industry is leading a major clean energy transition through investments in the energy grid, renewable energy, energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, switching to cleaner fuels, and use of traditional air pollution controls. Nearly 40 percent of the energy mix in 2020 was carbon-free, compared to 27 percent in 2005. Most electric energy companies have greenhouse gas reduction goals of 50 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050 (compared to 2005) and many have more aggressive targets. National electric power emissions of sulfur dioxide and mercury have been reduced by about 95 percent since 1990 and nitrogen oxides almost 90 percent. The cleaner electric fleet provides the opportunity for electric transportation to improve air quality and reduce emissions related to climate change. The industry is working toward cleaner use of natural gas, renewable natural gas, zero-carbon fuels, such as hydrogen or ammonia, and advanced technologies such as advanced renewables, nuclear energy (both fission and fusion), carbon capture, demand efficiency and long-duration storage. The industry continues modernizing the grid to make it more dynamic, resilient, and secure. The Biden Administration is working on the issues of greenhouse gases, national ambient air quality standards, interstate air pollution transport, hazardous air pollutants, reasonable haze, waste issues, and environmental justice. This panel will address the clean energy transition, uncertainties and the Biden Administration agenda.