Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON-- The recently released National Climate Assessment shows that swift action is critical to protecting communities from the heavy financial and environmental costs of climate change. However, with all the warnings in plain sight, energy utilities across the country still plan to build out a slew of new fossil fuel projects across the United States.
Right now, 163 gas plants (and counting) are currently planned, which will likely emit 256 million metric tons of carbon dioxide -- the equivalent of adding over 55.6 million cars to the road. Over 100 fracked gas pipelines are currently proposed, many to feed power plants, which emit dangerous methane pollution -- and methane pollution is 86 times more immediately potent than carbon dioxide in driving climate disruption. Just five of the largest proposed fracked gas pipelines would contribute over 300 million metric tons of CO2e, the equivalent of adding 75 new coal plants. And while over half the nation’s coal plants are slated for retirement, 249 coal plants still operating across the country have no plans to retire.
While the report outlines the ways climate change threatens our nation’s economy, health and safety, the report does not detail how the glut of fossil fuel plants and pipelines currently proposed by energy utilities will harm the climate or economy over ensuing decades.
The cost of building new gas-fired power plants is in the billions and will be either largely or entirely be paid for by customers. Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) predicts that these gas plants present a massive risk for customers as reliable and cheap clean energy -- like solar, wind and batteries -- turns these power plants into stranded assets. According to RMI’s recent report, $1 trillion could be left stranded if all of these gas plants are built, leaving customers holding the bag.
A list of where gas plants are being proposed can be found HERE.
Mary Anne Hitt, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, released the following statement:
“It’s never been more clear that fossil fuel pollution is the key driver of the climate crisis, yet utilities and developers are pushing to build nearly 200 gas-fired power plants across the US. These power plants will emit millions of tons of pollution that threatens our economy, health, and climate. We can’t afford to let utilities keep us dependent on fossil fuel power, and we don’t have to, now that renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels across the nation. The safety of our families is on the line. It’s time to commit to clean energy in our communities, in our schools, and in our homes.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.