API calls for natural gas to be part of Clean Power Plan incentive program

American Petroleum Institute (API) Senior Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman recently argued for inclusion of natural gas in the Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP), within the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan.

“API will be reviewing the just-released proposal from EPA on its proposed Clean Energy Incentive Program under the Clean Power Plan,” Feldman said. “API strongly urges EPA to provide flexibility and a level playing field for all greenhouse-gas-reduction approaches, including the increased use of natural gas.”

 The Clean Power Plan includes measures to drastically reduce greenhouse-gas-emissions by 2030, but it has been criticized by some states and industry groups for its potential to increase energy bills and decrease energy reliability. API supports the use of natural gas to cut emissions while maintaining prices.

 “Ramping up the use of natural gas at existing power plants achieves emissions reductions quickly and at a low cost,” Feldman said. “Increased domestic oil and natural gas production lowers costs for families and businesses, adding $1,337 in disposable income per household last year and creating high-paying jobs nationwide. Additionally, increased use of natural gas has helped drive U.S. carbon dioxide emissions to near-20-year lows, while energy use and production have increased.”