EPA's McCarthy Speaks on GHG Regulations, API Continues to Push Keystone XL, New Trackside Battery Can Save Power for Subway

Gina McCarthy went before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power this morning.  McCarthy, the Environmental Protection Agency’s top air pollution regulator, spoke about the agency’s greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations.  This hearing is three days after a federal appeals court cast aside industry and state challenges to EPA’s climate rules.  The court decision, a major win for the Obama administration, prompted GOP calls for Congress to end regulations that they say will harm the economy.  A GOP memo says it will explore issues including “regulatory burdens associated with implementation of GHG regulations” and “potential impacts on energy costs, and energy-intensive and trade exposed industries,”.   “Greenhouse gas pollution, through its contribution to global climate change, presents a significant threat to Americans’ health and to the environment upon which our economy and security depends,” McCarthy’s prepared testimony states.  “The history of the Clean Air Act since 1970 makes clear that clean air and a healthy economy have gone hand in hand,” she told  the panel. 

The American Petroleum Institute is trying a new tack following Keystone being left off the transportation bill by directly asking President Obama to approve it. "It's unfortunate that we missed another opportunity to expedite the building of Keystone XL," API President and CEO Jack Gerard said. "We appreciate the efforts of KXL supporters on the Hill for continuing to highlight this shovel-ready project. Congress has taken the lead on Keystone because the president continues to stand in the way. He should have approved this pipeline last year."

A battery used by the Southeast Pennsyvania Transit Authority's subway will operate to save power used by the system by turning train motors into generators upon slowing down. The energy created is then absorbed and later released during acceleration or when necessary to maintain efficient current levels. In essence, it regulates the supply and demand of electricity across the track system by absorbing or giving back energy based on signals received. The storage capabilities of the battery as well as the ability to regulate and balance the grid are what makes the project profitable and sustainable, according to the development company.