Choosing a Replacement Renewable Portfolio Standard Program for Ohio

The economy of Texas is currently ranked as the second largest in the United States. A trend of upward economic growth has been recorded in the years following the collapse of the market in 2008. In addition to an overall economic expansion, the population growth rate in Texas is among the highest in the nation. It has been projected that Texas will be home to roughly 50 million people by 2050, an increase of 20 million from 2017 (Hoque et. al, 2014). Closely mimicking the economic and population growth, is the consumption of electricity. On a national level, Texans used more power per capita than any other state. Regulations regarding the environment, in addition to other market pressures, have forced

Last summer the Obama Administration finalized climate regulations for new and existing power plants under the clean air act. Those regulations targeted coal-fired power plants, the cost of energy went up significantly for all Americans but especially Utahns. The increase expense of energy has put more strain on the family, individuals, and businesses will destroy jobs and strain economic growth. All these consequences have been for nothing. No matter what you believe on the subject of man-made greenhouse emissions, the regulations will have a negligible impact—if any—on global temperatures. If the states would have more power over the regulation of emissions, it would lead to an economic growth not only in the nation but especially in Utah. Having more power on the state level is sometimes not even enough. For example Salt Lake County has a very high concentration of emission. Utah county has significantly less emission being released into the atmosphere. But we are taxed the same amount as they are. Sometimes putting power in the states can not adequately solve problems, but putting more power on the local level can lead to a more democratic

In the absence of federal legislation, states have the liberty to address climate change and formulate policies that mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Texas and California have similar deregulated energy markets and economic goals, yet have pursued different policies, providing a fitting opportunity for Texas to analyze, compare and consider California’s comprehensive law and regulations designed to mitigate GHG emissions. Key focus areas include electricity generation and use , transportation, and industry . Given the comprehensive focus of energy policies, this report specifically emphasizes electricity generation and use. ,

Conference Focus: Implement a new policy within five years to move into renewable energy, with a focus on solar power, while decreasing the use of fossil fuels. This policy will examine the barriers to implement new renewable energy technologies that will decrease the carbon dioxide emissions and identify ways to overcome these barriers through incentives, tax breaks, and attitudinal changes.

Escalating costs played a major role in the diminishing number of power plants in the United States. (Cohen, 1990). Plants completed in the 1970’s carried an average price tag of $170

For instance, based on the United States, there could be an abundantly large number of new jobs. In Offshore Energy by the Numbers it states that “offshore wind could create about 91,000 additional jobs along the Atlantic coast, which is 71 percent more than could be created by offshore oil and gas drilling”. Creating more jobs has always been a top priority in the states and this is a simple solution. Just in Rhode Island roughly 100 more jobs have been created from wind energy construction. Block Island has recently become home to the United States’ first offshore wind farm and in starting a new industry of jobs for America. Deep Water Wind, which describes itself as America's leading offshore wind developer, quotes the Rhode Island governor, Gina Raimondo, “‘Projects like the Block Island Wind Farm are the future not only of Rhode Island’s economy, but the whole country’s economy, with this project, Rhode Island continues to position itself as a leader and an innovator in the industries of the future.’” This quote is the perfect instance of how wind energy can affect such a small state, and such a large nation. The Block Island Wind Farm was an exciting start for a tremendous push into the wind

Environmental concerns have been of great concern, when deciding the sources of energy. Environmental and health impacts have led to countries developing energy plans that concentrate on clean sources of energy. I tend to go along with the statement that the only choice for electricity in Ontario is clean generation. In determining the future of Ontario’s electricity, different stakeholders have considered the environmental impact of using other sources of energy other than the clean sources. The environmental impact of using energy sources such as coal has been indicated to be great compared to that of using clean sources such as wind and solar. This has made Ontario province to consider using clean sources. Ontario can be

Energy production has always been a hot topic in the United States. More specifically, Oklahoma has been on the forefront of energy production. Oklahoma is viewed as a front runner in the energy industry, and the United States is always turning to Oklahoma when in need of creating new sources of energy; an example being compressed natural gas. The United States hopes to influence the nation to climb aboard the train that leads to reliable sources of energy by generating new public policies. Many public policies have been set into motion by both governmental parties and are currently trying to authorize programs that will engender economical energy efficiency by agreeably relying on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. There are many advantages and disadvantages to converting to fossil fuels but whether you agree or not, renewable energy is the future of the United States.

When looking at the map of states that voted against this we should devide them into those which are vulnerable to climate effects and voted against to convince them on increasing economic pressures derived from inaction in their own states and neighboring states (peer pressure). Then, with those that depend primarily in fossil fuel exploitation (coal mines, oil fields) we should work on the benefits of increase research and development of low carbon technologies within the fossil fuel industry, investment in research and development of cleaner fuels and more efficient processes can be accompanied by technology transfer tax breaks. Emphasis should be made on the fact that this newer industry will create an increasing amount of green jobs the young population could benefit from. It means shifting maintenance investment in the oil and gas industry to the development of a whole new industry that will yield high paying specialized jobs.

With the growth of population in Colorado there is a higher demand to produce and use energy. Unfortunately producing energy is quite bad for our environment as it is creates about 37% of CO2 that humans produce (Overview of Greenhouse Gases). This is causing our environment to change for the worse. Colorado is ranked 6th in the United States in solar energy production, and there is enough empty roof space that Colorado could become the first self-sustaining state (2015 Solar Power Rankings). Though the conversion from non-renewables to solar will be a long process, Coloradans can see a large payoff down the road.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cap and trade initiative set to regulate and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from power generating facilities with an electrical capacity equal or greater than 25 electrical megawatts (RGGI, 2015). The drafting of this initiative started in 2003 when Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Maine (ME), Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), Rhode Island (RI), and Vermont (VT) showed interest in reviewing greenhouse gas emissions and a cap-trade coalition to address the emission from power plants in their territory. In 2005, the above mentioned states with the exception of RI and MA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlined the model rules for the program. Some of the topics outlined in RGGI Model Rule include: the responsibilities of the account representatives, permitting recommendations, monitoring requirements, compliance certification reports, control periods and others. The Model Rules were also the building blocks used to develop state-specific regulations supporting the goals and actions necessary to succeed as a member. In 2007 MA, RI and MD also signed the MOU (RGGI, 2015a; RGGI, 2015b). On January 1, 2012, RGGI lost one of its founding members after the governor of NJ; Chris Christie withdrew NJ’s support to the initiative. Throughout its participation, NJ received over $100 million in revenues directly from the RGGI markets. (Christie, 2011) The

Specific Speech Goal: Show the importance on why we should change our ways and convert to renewable energy.

Virginia Beach, Virginia is making strides toward cleaner energy production, despite the threat of a coal-fired power plant. Coal-fired power plants, such as the Cypress Creek Power Station intended to be built in Surry County, Virginia, are environmentally harmful yet most cities are continuing to depend on them for a reliable and steady output of energy. This local environmental issue is a dilemma that many cities throughout the world are also experiencing. My study demonstrates how cities faced with these predicaments can find practical solutions for providing energy while being environmentally friendly. Scientific research along with the analysis of two scholarly articles explain the threats of coal-fired power plants on humans’ health and the environment as well as the advantages and disadvantages of practical solutions. Based upon proven facts and research, I have provided my opinion that Virginia Beach’s offshore wind farm solution is a suitable choice for that specific geographic region. What is not a suitable solution is the natural gas-fueled power plant that is currently in the process of being constructed. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to providing energy.

In Illinois, three large nuclear power facilities, belonging to the energy giant Exelon, are under threat of premature closure. They have lost the ability to be economically competitive in Illinois’ energy market. Illinois’ nuclear energy sector and Exelon have set extremely high standards for efficiency, safety, and reliability and the closure of these plants will result in the loss of thousands of jobs, a weaker state economy, the opening of the gates for more environmentally harmful sources of power, and would make it harder for Illinois to comply with new federal standards. The Illinois House of Representatives devised a bill called The Nuclear Power Plant Closure Resolution Act, which sought out to establish committees to study the effects of the closure of these facilities and to provide possible market-based solutions. As you have requested, I have analyzed policy alternatives for Nuclear Power Plant Closure Resolution based on robustness, feasibility, effectiveness, and equity. I have concluded that a state-wide production tax credit would be a fair, robust, and effective policy to keep Illinois’

A solution to India’s issues with federal structure is to ensure that states place a high priority on climate change policy. Requiring states to draft their own state action plan allows each state to focus on climate change as it affects them. For example, states with cities located on the coast may wish to implement policies that target improved infrastructure that protects against future flooding caused by global warming. Other states that receive a great deal of sunlight like Karnataka may choose to focus on solar power. In addition to making climate change a priority at the state level, the states must not rely on central funds. States must take