Shocking gap in U.S. energy bill
This entry was posted on Monday, June 29th, 2009 and is filed under Industry News.
No matter where one stands on the broader policy initiatives set out in the American Clean Energy and Security Act, there’s no debating that hydro-electricity is a renewable and clean energy source. All the more baffling is its omission from the House’s version of a renewable electricity mandate. The 1,200-page landmark bill called Waxman-Markey excludes both hydro power and nuclear power from standards set for utilities to bring down their carbon footprint.
The omission of nuclear is understandable since uranium, although plentiful now, will someday reach the end of its life cycle. Hydro power, though, uses turbines and the force of rushing water. This predominant source of electricity in Canada is a proven, nonpolluting renewable and effective source of electricity. It’s even recognized by environmentalists as a sustainable energy solution.
Hydro’s exclusion from the bill is both illogical and “astounding,” as Environment Minister Jim Prentice described it during a recent meeting with the Herald editorial board.
