The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is endorsing the “Clear Skies Act of 2005,” environmental legislation that will improve air quality and provide incentives for utilities to use cleaner technologies. As major customers of U.S. utilities, ACC members also support the legislation (SB 131) because it will slow electric utilities’ shift from coal to natural gas, which threaten the chemical industry’s ability to compete in global markets, the association announced.
“The price of natural gas has caused plant slowdowns, job losses and relocation overseas,” said Tom Reilly, ACC president and CEO. “Our industry is proof that to sustain U.S.-based manufacturing and jobs, we need a workable energy policy that promotes energy efficiency and conservation, increases supplies of natural gas, sustains a balanced fuel portfolio and improves infrastructure. We think Clear Skies is a good start on a nationwide approach to improving air quality while sustaining utilities and their customers over the long term.”
The Clear Skies Act requires utilities to develop and implement plans for installing pollution-control equipment to significantly reduce three major pollutants–sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury–in 15 years. It also offers incentives for manufacturers to voluntarily opt-in to emission reductions programs.
The Clear Skies initiative was first announced by EPA in 2002, and the new bill was introduced by Senators James Inhofe (R-OK) and George Voinovich (R-OH) on Jan. 24. In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush urged Congress to act swiftly to pass the legislation, saying, “My Clear Skies legislation will cut power-plant pollution and improve the health of our citizens. Four years of debate is enough,” the President said.