Proceedings - Biomass South 2008
Jeff Deyette, Energy Analyst, Union of Concerned Scientists
As the Energy Analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Clean Energy program—where he has been since 1999—Jeff conducts analysis on the economic and environmental costs and benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency policies. Jeff has co-authored numerous reports for UCS which use economic models to examine the consumer, employment, and environmental benefits of increasing our use of renewable energy. Jeff has also written several articles for various renewable energy industry publications. Jeff has a Masters Degree from Boston University in Energy Resource and Environmental Management & International Relations, and a Bachelors Degree from St. Lawrence University in Environmental Science and Government.
Cashing in on Clean Energy: A National Renewable Electricity Standard will Benefit the Environment and Economy
At the national level, the Union of Concerned Scientists and other researchers have repeatedly found that a renewable electricity standard is achievable, affordable, and will provide important benefits to consumers and the environment. This presentation will (1) make the case for why a national renewable standard is needed, and (2) present some of the economic and environmental benefits from a UCS analysis of a 20% by 2020 national standard, including specific results on how such a policy can benefit the biomass industry and the southeast United States.
Notes:
- Why federal policy is needed
- Soon to be 27 states (and DC) with Renewable Energy Standard; North Carolina is the only state in southeast (VA has voluntary, FL considering)
- 16 stats with 20% or higher standard
- EIA case more biomass than UCS case
- National Renewable Energy Standard reduces fossil fuels
- Southeast imports coal from Indonesia, Columbia, and Poland - could use biomass at home instead
- Keep energy dollar at home
- Save consumers money on energy bills
- New jobs & local economic benefits (185,000 new jobs in renewable industry)
- UCS national RES analysis: more coal fired built, less capital investment
Key Quote:
You can image two ships passing in the night, one with coal coming from Columbia, the other with wood pellets heading to Europe.
Summary:
- National Renewable Energy Standard needed to decrease emissions and make energy supply more reliable and secure
- Keep $ in local pocket
Thanks to Sarah Ashton, Rachel Cook, Lindsey Hannum, James Jeuck, Liwei Lin, James McCarter, Susan McIntyre, and Mark Megalos for providing notes and summaries for presentations.
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