Dive Brief:
- Empire District Electric Co. and Kansas City Power and Light in western Missouri say Kansas’ ample wind resource could be key in helping them comply with the proposed EPA emissions reduction targets if the final rules of the Clean Power Plan allow interstate cooperation.
- The EPA proposal would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and includes an interim 2020 reductions goal, state specific emissions cuts and the possibility of multi-state approaches to emissions controls but is not expected to be finalized until at least mid-2015 and could be delayed by legal challenges.
- For Missouri to cooperate with Kansas, the two states would have to set up administrative procedures and work through political roadblocks to develop a way to avoid counting Kansas-produced wind used in Missouri twice.
Dive Insight:
Kansas Republican Governor Sam Brownback staunchly opposes the EPA plan while Missouri Democrat Governor Jay Nixon and the Missouri Public Service Commission have remained neutral and shown openness to suggestions from Missouri business and industry.
Multi-state approaches could significantly cut the overall cost of compliance, according to a spokesperson for grid operator Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), but it is not yet clear what the details of such approaches might be. The opportunities for Kansas wind developers and Missouri utilities could drive the process.
