The following materials provide information about and analysis of recent regulatory and legislative initiatives related to air quality and traditional air pollutants.

Clean Energy Group Comments on the Utility Toxics Rule

On August 4, 2011, the Clean Energy Group submitted formal comments to EPA on the Utility Toxics Rule.

Comments available here

Ensuring a Clean, Modern Electric Generating Fleet while Maintaining Electric System Reliability

MJB&A and Sue Tierney and Paul Hibbard from the Analysis Group completed a report reviewing the impact on power plant operations of proposed EPA rules to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury, and other hazardous air pollutants. The report finds the industry is well-positioned to respond to more stringent EPA clean air regulations, and that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can move forward in a timely way on new air quality rules for power plant emissions to improve public health while maintaining the reliability of the nation's power system. A "Summer 2011 Update" supplements the analysis published in August 2010, and reaffirms the major conclusion that the electric industry can comply with EPA's air pollution rules without threatening electric system reliability provided that EPA, the industry and other agencies take practical steps to plan for the implementation of these rules and adopt appropriate regulatory approaches.

Report available here
Summer Update available here

Michael J. Bradley Testifies Before Congress in Support of EPA's Proposed Toxics Rule

In April 2011, Michael J. Bradley, executive director of the Clean Energy Group and founder of M.J. Bradley & Associates, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Power on behalf of the Clean Energy Group's Clean Air Policy Initiative in support of EPA's proposed Toxics Rule (aka Utility MACT).

CEG statement available here
Michael's testimony available here

The following materials provide information about and analysis of recent regulatory and legislative initiatives related to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

EPA Issues Greenhouse Gas Permitting Guidance
On November 10, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance to assist permit writers and industry in complying with the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) and title V permitting requirements of the Clean Air Act for greenhouse gas emissions.

Summary with CEG statement available here

M.J. Bradley & Associates LLC Evaluates Kerry-Lieberman American Power Act
On May 12, 2010, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) released the American Power Act. The bill would establish a comprehensive program to limit greenhouse gas emissions and spur the development of alternate technologies.

MJB&A analysis available here - includes allowance allocations and projected effects on residential electricity bills

M.J. Bradley & Associates LLC Evaluates American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
On June 26, 2009, the U.S. House Representatives passed HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, sponsored by Representatives Waxman (D-CA) and Markey (D-MA). The final vote tally was 219-212, with 211 Democrats and 8 Republicans voting for the bill.

Summary available here
Analysis of effects on residential electricity bills available here