Question One: Proposed Rules
Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new standards of performance for the affected fossil fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units and stationary combustion turbines. The EPA proposes three main actions intended for the reduction of pollution and related negative effects. The proposals are as follows:
It is proposed that a separate standard of performance be implemented and adopted for fossil fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units and integrated gasification combined cycle units that burn coal, petroleum coke and other fossil fuels which in essence should be based on partial implementation of carbon capture and storage as the best system of emission reduction.
It is proposed that standards for natural gas-fired stationary combustion turbines based on modern, efficient natural gas combined cycle technology be implemented and adopted as the best system of emission reduction.
It is also proposed that related proposals concerning permitting fees under Clean Air Act Title V, the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, and the definition of the pollutant covered under the prevention of significant deterioration program be implemented and adopted.
Comments
The main objective of the proposals is to reduce emissions. It is anticipated and indeed well founded that the implementation of the three proposals would in overall lead to the reduction in the amounts of emissions in the environment. This is set to make the environment habitable and cleaner as the air is subjected to less pollution.
The implementation of the proposals is equally set to drive towards the achievement of clean air which is the main intention as captured in the objects of the Clean Air Act Title V. It is anticipated that the religious implementation and observation of the proposals would reduce the levels of emissions in turn occasioning a move towards clean air. It is appreciated that the American industry can only run with more tons of energy. However, the energy used in the economy need to be clean so as not to compromise the life of humanity and other living organisms. The proposals in particular are motivated by the need to have a clean environment without compromising the energy requirements.
It is equally the postulation of this paper that the standards are set in a clearer and precise manner so as to do away with loopholes which are constantly used by the players to abuse the system. It is the objective of the agency that the triple bottom line approach is embraced and applied to the letter. The triple bottom line approach gives due consideration to the planet, the people and the profits. It is this paper’s postulation that the proposals as they stand aim to maximize on the need for profits while giving due consideration to the other two elements of the triple bottom line approach. Indeed, such does not come as a surprise given the singular role of the agency remains that of protection of the environment.
Lastly, it needs to be appreciated that while fossil-fired energy has the limitation of being exhaustible; it remains one of the safer and renewable sources of energy. Indeed, its relation to solar energy remains one of the strongest reasons for its application. In that breadth, the agency does not recommend for total abandonment of the use of fossil-fired energy sources. Instead, the agency proposes stronger standards that would ensure the fossils are exploited with due consideration of their negative effects hence the need to reduce emissions.
Question two: Executive Order 13653- Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change
Order Issued by Barrack Obama on November 6th 2013
Summary:
The order is intended to prepare the United States for the impacts of climate change. This has been appreciated as a global phenomenal which requires strategic planning and organization. It was the incumbent’s view that climate changes had already taken their toll on the communities in the United States and that strategic action and planning was necessary to forestall worsening of the situation. However, it need be appreciated that climate changes have effects across board and as observed in the order, the effects cut across federal, state, local, tribal and other levels of governance.
In appreciation of the complicated and integrated nature of climate change effects, the president proposed for the formation of an interagency council named the Council on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, otherwise referred to as the Council. This is an interagency and interdepartmental council with members derived from among other departments, the departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Small Business Administration. The intention of convening all these players is to have all parties on board for the preparation of the United States for impacts of climate change. In addition, the presidency appreciates the wholesome nature of contributions necessary for the success of the council.
Other than the formation of the council, the president also recommended for the implementation of climate change policies in the United States. In particular the order stresses that the Council should build its foundation from the contributions of the Council on Environmental Quality which was formed courtesy of Executive Order 13514 of October 5th 2009.
It is in fact the recommendation of the order that the formulated council be chaired by the chair of the Council on Environmental Quality otherwise known as CEQ. It is anticipated that working on the policies formulated by CEQ, the Council so formed should be able to approach the issues from a wider context given the agencies involved. This perhaps indicates the seriousness with which the impacts of climate change are perceived even by the presidency. It is noteworthy that the president recognizes the fact that the effects are already on for some communities which are considered vulnerable to the climate changes.
In addition, the order recommended for the modernization of the federal programs so as to be able to support climate resilient investments in regions, states, local communities and tribes. Some of the objectives of the modernization as captured in the order include the identification and consequential removal of reform barriers, introduction of reforms and federal funding policies towards the creation and support of climate resilient investments, identification and support of opportunities that encourage climate resilient investments and continued reporting on the progress in achieving the requirements aforementioned.
Another recommendation worth mention in the order is the management of the lands and waters for climate preparedness and resilience within 9 months of the order.
Implementation and effects
In general, it may be noted that the order’s implementation is on progress. Indeed, the order is hardly three months old. However, it is imperative to appreciate the fact that the concerned agencies and departments have since taken action. The Council on Climate Preparedness and Resilience is already up and running. The membership cannot be fully captured in this paper for lack of sufficient space. However, it is composed of representatives from the concerned departments and agencies and headed by the chair of CEQ. In addition, it is noteworthy that progress has been reported in the other specific recommendations of the president. It is worth mention that climate change remains top of the agenda of the incumbency as the need for a sustainable environment and development gathers momentum.
Some of the effects of the order include the increased federal funding, research and activity towards climate resilient investments. In addition, the partnerships among the federal, state and local governments have increased in the area of environmental protection and climate change management.
It is the postulation of this paper that it is still too early to give a verdict on the success or otherwise of this order for the reason that the duration it has been in existence is too short. It has to be given some time. In fact, the shortest timeline it was given is nine months which is the deadline set for the implementation of the management of lands and waters for purposes of climate change preparedness and resilience.
In conclusion, it may be summed that the order suffices for purposes of protection of the environment of the United States and preparedness of the communities for changes in climatic conditions. This does not occur in isolation and need to be supported by other agencies’ activities that fall within the areas of concern. These include reduction in pollution activities, development of alternative forms of clean energy, reduction in the carbon gases, among others.
Reference
Federal Register. (2014, January 8). Proposed Rule:Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units. Retrieved January 9, 2014, from Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/01/08/2013-28668/standards-of-performance-for-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-new-stationary-sources-electric-utility
