“Coal keeps the lights on” is a popular refrain in Wyoming, and historically, it’s been true. But the Director of the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources says going forward, that may not be the case.
The Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan calls for cutting carbon emissions from the power sector 30 percent by 2030.
Mark Northam says he believes it is technically feasible for Wyoming to achieve its required cuts, using a combination of natural gas and renewables.
“It’s doable. Whether it’s economically doable or not is another question,” he said.
The administration projects minimal changes to electricity prices but several industry-funded studies show huge increases.
Wyoming, along with many other states and the coal industry, is preparing to fight the regulations, but most utilities are already making plans to comply.