Coal-fired electricity is a key element of our current and future energy mix. However, managing the greenhouse gas emissions generated by coal combustion remains a serious challenge in the face of global warming. According to an international panel of climate experts, rapid action is needed to stabilize and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases if the planet is to avoid the serious consequences of global warming. Congress is now considering several bills that would move in that direction.
As part of the Center for American Progress’ “Energy Opportunity” series, we are presenting this event to release the report “Global Warming and the Future of Coal: The Path to Carbon Capture and Storage.” The report describes a legislative path to begin the capture and storage of the carbon dioxide produced by coal combustion so that new coal plants do not worsen global warming. Berlin and Sussman describe the science and technology of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the current incentives and drivers for industry to invest in advanced coal technologies. They conclude that the current policy framework is inadequate to encourage these investments and then analyze an array of policy options to speed deployment of carbon capture and storage technology. The report recommends legislation requiring that new power plants be built CCS-ready with a rapid timetable for capturing and storing CO2. The authors also recommend a package of incentives to offset the potential economic impact of a capture and storage regime.
It is time to take serious, comprehensive action to achieve energy independence and cut global warming emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Berlin and Sussman propose policy tools essential to achieve this target in a timely fashion. Please join Robert M. Sussman, Kenneth Berlin, and an expert panel for a discussion of “Global Warming and the Future of Coal: The Path to Carbon Capture and Storage.”
Featured Speakers:
Kenneth Berlin, Report Author; Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Robert M. Sussman, Report Author; Partner, Latham & Watkins, Former Deputy Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Carol M. Browner, Principal, The Albright Group LLC; Former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
John Deutch, Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency
David Hawkins, Director, Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council