Energy efficiency, solar and wind generation, and moderate improvements to existing coal plants could be all the coal state of West Virginia needs to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan.
That’s the conclusion of a report this week by the state’s Center for Energy and Sustainable Development, consultants Downstream Strategies, and the Appalachian Stewardship Foundation.
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“West Virginia is fortunate in that it has tremendous energy resources in addition to coal, and these other resource—including natural gas, renewable energy (wind, solar, hydropower), and energy efficiency—are relatively untapped,” the report states. “To minimize the impact of the proposed rule on the state, policymakers will need to take advantage of the flexibility provided by [the] EPA to shape a strategy for West Virginia that reflects its unique circumstances and leverages its strengths.” (h/t to Politico Morning Energy for pointing us to this story)
