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Climate Legislation
- "Does Integrys Energy Group believe the Earth's climate is changing?"
- Yes, we do.
- "Does Integrys Energy Group support climate legislation?"
- Yes, we do.
Background
Across the globe, weather patterns, storms and other climate-related events are triggering intense discussion about climate change. Questions remain about the degree to which human activity is affecting the climate. But the unarguable fact is that changes are occurring. The question of whether the world needs to act has changed to a debate over what needs to be done.
The Integrys Viewpoint
Integrys Energy Group recognizes climate change is a serious, long-term global issue. One fundamental step in addressing climate change is to develop climate policy for the entire country. This must be done while keeping a close eye on costs for consumers.
We believe:
- Federal climate legislation is needed. Reasonable, responsible federal policy is needed to ensure climate-related action occurs, and is carried out consistently across the United States. State or regional legislation cannot bring about widespread change. Further, the United States and other developed nations must push developing countries to comply with international climate policy.
- Balanced, market-based policy is key. Climate policy will affect the U.S. economy. Legislation that aims to reduce carbon emissions must drive incremental technology improvements over time — so technology solutions can be discovered, and those solutions can be made available at a cost the economy can bear.
- Balanced fuel use is important. To move toward carbon reduction, energy companies need a portfolio of clean energy technologies to choose from, and a broad range of domestic and international offset programs. If the industry is forced to make a massive shift to using natural gas, consumers' costs will increase dramatically, and our energy security will decrease. All carbon-neutral sources of energy, such as nuclear and hydroelectricity should be explored; no restrictions on the types of fuels should be made.
Our Actions
Integrys Energy Group is addressing climate change by helping to get effective policy in place. We are:
- Participating in industry organizations that have a voice at the federal
level. Integrys Energy Group is a long-standing member of Edison
Electric Institute (EEI) and the American Gas Association (AGA). These groups
are encouraging reasonable, responsible federal action to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. This means legislation that:
- addresses all sources of greenhouse gas emissions
- allows adequate timelines for developing and deploying technology
solutions
- minimizes economic disruptions
- incorporates solutions like energy conservation and energy efficiency in addition to new technology and an increasing use of renewable energy
- addresses all sources of greenhouse gas emissions
- Joining climate discussions at the local and state levels.
Integrys and its utilities are engaged in
initiatives to study climate issues and ways to counter climate change.
- In Wisconsin, the president and CEO of Integrys Energy Group,
serves on Wisconsin Governor Doyle's Task Force on Global Warming. The task
force brings together diverse Wisconsin business, industry, government,
energy and environmental leaders to examine ways to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in Wisconsin. The task force was directed to develop recommendations
that will reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020
and to 60% to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Representatives from Wisconsin
Public Service served on working groups to generate the final recommendations
of the task force. These include, for example, enhanced energy efficiency,
energy-efficient and green building codes, energy-efficient lighting for
rental properties, a voluntary Initiative to support long-term greenhouse gas
emissions reductions, a study to examine the feasibility of wind generation
on the lakes, reform for siting of wind turbines and a geologic carbon
sequestration study. For more information about the Wisconsin Governor's Task
Force on Global Warming, visit
http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/.
- In Illinois, Peoples Gas is among a core group of utility and industry leaders helping to shape the climate change agenda of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. The mayor has set challenging goals for the city and has charged the Chicago Department on Environment with researching and implementing a sweeping plan to reduce greenhouse emissions. The priorities include reducing energy use through stringent building code enhancements, promoting green infrastructure such as green roofs, reducing travel emissions and moving to a clean, efficient energy supply. The city of Chicago Climate Change Agenda is expected to be introduced by the end of 2008.
- In Wisconsin, the president and CEO of Integrys Energy Group,
serves on Wisconsin Governor Doyle's Task Force on Global Warming. The task
force brings together diverse Wisconsin business, industry, government,
energy and environmental leaders to examine ways to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in Wisconsin. The task force was directed to develop recommendations
that will reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020
and to 60% to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Representatives from Wisconsin
Public Service served on working groups to generate the final recommendations
of the task force. These include, for example, enhanced energy efficiency,
energy-efficient and green building codes, energy-efficient lighting for
rental properties, a voluntary Initiative to support long-term greenhouse gas
emissions reductions, a study to examine the feasibility of wind generation
on the lakes, reform for siting of wind turbines and a geologic carbon
sequestration study. For more information about the Wisconsin Governor's Task
Force on Global Warming, visit
http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/.
- Using renewable resources for a portion of the energy we deliver. Integrys companies providing electricity to customers — Wisconsin Public Service, Upper Peninsula Power Company and Integrys Energy Services — are actively using renewable resources such as wind and water to serve their customers.
- Demonstrating sustainable energy options in our own operations. Two of Integrys' utilities — Wisconsin Public Service and Minnesota Energy Resources — are building new operations centers. These buildings will be certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a program of the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED program seeks human and environmental health, sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
- Contributing to technology research. Integrys Energy Group contributes to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the utility industry's primary research organization. EPRI conducts a wide portfolio of studies aimed at developing and demonstrating technology to reduce CO2 emissions. This includes advanced coal generation, carbon capture and disposal, a range of renewable energy technologies, nuclear generation, electric transmission and distribution improvements, and electric end-use technologies. EPRI's research provides valuable insights into technology solutions that can be a part of a balanced, market-based climate change policy.