Energy Webinar to Discuss Topics of Federal/State Climate Change Legislation and the Economic Impact of New Coal Plant Construction

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A free Webinar program to discuss meeting energy demand in a changing environmental landscape.

Focusing on the three "Es" for an effective energy policy - secure energy, a growing economy and clean environment - the program will delve into topics such as resolving conflicts between state and federal climate change policies and the impact new coal plant construction has on meeting future U.S. energy demand and its role in a state economy.

With more than 50 percent of the country's electricity produced by coal, some want to put an end to new coal plant construction and still attempt to meet future energy demand which is expected to double in the next several years.

Unsubstantiated arguments have been made including:

-- Reducing future energy supply means more energy efficiency measures versus building additional generation capacity

-- An increase in generation from renewable energy sources is enough displace new coal generation

-- Climate change regulation will increase the carbon penalties on coal-fired generation so that it will no longer be the lowest cost generation alternative

This event illustrates the impacts on consumers and energy development of potential dual state/federal climate change programs. The analysis concludes that prospective federal climate change legislation should provide incentives for states to focus their climate strategies on emission sources that will not be directly affected by federal legislation, while avoiding duplicative measures that could raise consumer energy costs with no measurable environmental benefit.

To bring clarity to the debate, this event is designed to educate participants on these topics, respond to questions on economic impacts, and cost/benefit analysis of proposed national legislation.

PRESENTERS: Tom Hewson, principal, Energy Ventures Analysis, Inc., an expert on climate change and environmental regulation.

Gene Trisko, attorney at law, who has extensive experience in representing labor and industry clients related to energy and the environment.

WHEN: Thursday, April 10 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., EST

REGISTRATION: Please visit http://www.americaspower.org/Email/ABEC-Webinar for more information and to register prior to the event.