California legislature passes bill to limit coal-fired power

MarketWatch ^ | Aug. 31, 2006 | Mark Golden

[FairOpinion]

As expected, the California Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would limit purchases of electricity from coal-fired power plants by the state's electric utilities and large companies.

The bill, passed previously by the state Assembly, now moves to the desk of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is expected to sign it. A separate measure to limit greenhouse gas emissions among all heavy industry is also expected to be passed Thursday.

Together, the two steps would make California by far the most active state in combating global warming. The electricity measure, Senate Bill 1368, would prohibit new long-term contracts for basic power supplies from coal-fired generating stations, at least until such power plants install equipment that would greatly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. California doesn't have any coal-fired plants, but its utilities get about 20% of their supplies from coal-fired plants in other western states.

[AmeriBrit]

Just what the h*ll is their object. This is absolute insanity.

If the state legislators want all businesses and citizens to move out of the state why don't they just be honest and come out and say it? The way they're going, the exodus from NOLA during Katrina will be nothing. They might just as well make all the freeways one-way heading east now.

[Amerigomag]

Another increase in taxes by our liberal governance if the legislation is booked.

[IonImplantGuru]

Wonder how long it will take them to realize that they're about to ruin their economy and lose businesses hand over fist.

Ain't gonna happen (realization, that is). They have been Californicating themselves for at least 15 years now, energy-policy-wise, and now they pull something like this.

Willful stupidity and liberal ignorance is nothing new to CA pols, unfortunately. That's why I left California, though I was born, raised and resided there for over 50 years.

I simply couldn't stand being associated with such idiocy anymore.

[sgtbono2002]

So: Let me ask what has changed their desperation? Is it just that they have been lucky this summer and it wasnt too hot? Where are they getting their electricity from now?

[Solitar]

California will thus leave more for the rest of us -- for 250 years. Coal keeps US economy burning

And since California likely will do the same regarding nuclear power, that too leaves more for the rest for us.

Let southern Californians cook to death in the dark.

Let northern Californians freeze to death in the dark.

[Enterprise]

The only place I can think of that they generate enough excess energy is from the politicians in Sacramento. I guess the energy supply has generally stabilized and they can get back on their high horses and save the world again.

[nitzy]

I'm sure they will make a killing until the people of California find out that the evil companies made a profit. Than the company will be sued and the gross injustice will be rectified.

[thackney]

They dont want power from coal powered plants? More for the rest of us!

BTTT

[Pontiac]

Don’t forget the bogus science that states that magnetic fields produced by high voltage transmission lines cause cancer.

The next bill out of the California assembly will prohibit transmission lines in populated areas.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Crickets tend to chirp loudly here in the Wisconsin Northwoods.

[goldstategop]

Higher prices and energy shortages... great deal, eh Arnold?

(No more Olmert! No more Kadima! No more Oslo! )

[thackney]

U.S. Electric Power Industry Net Generation, 2004

Net Generation from Coal by State by Sector

[FairOpinion]

Thanks for posting.

What will happen to CA when we have to drop our energy consumption by half?!

[goldstategop]

I didn't think Jimmy's Carter's MEOW could ever be topped. The Austrian just did it!

(No more Olmert! No more Kadima! No more Oslo! )

[Carry_Okie]

They dont want power from coal powered plants?

Even from out-of-state. This is a MASSIVE payoff to the sponsors of the power crisis.

[AmeriBrit]

Who the h*ll needs enemies when there's friends like you around to support us. <sarc/?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

We have 500 years of coal in the US but none for you, California.

[goldstategop]

Which sponsors? Clue me in as Enron went out of business.

(No more Olmert! No more Kadima! No more Oslo! )

[FairOpinion]

And how come you are not criticizing the Dem Legislature which passed this insanity and many others, in the first place?

[Carry_Okie]

What will happen to CA when we have to drop our energy consumption by half?!

Read the graph for what it says: that's NATIONAL power consumption by source. California gets most of its power from natural gas, far more than the national average.

Your hero's sponsors are about to cash in.