Sustainability - - A Focus On Carbon

That's a very good question.  We need to look closely. Q1: Has any existing fossil-fuel generation facility reduced its production in MWh as a direct result of  the utility, say PGE, purchasing RECs? If it can be shown that an existing fossil fuel generator has reduced its production such that it's clear that it  isn't (1) a scheduled outage, or (2) an unscheduled outage, or (3) due to any issue with the power system, then and only then can it be claimed that carbon emissions has declined as a direct result of replacing the output of a fossil fuel electricity generator with that of a renewable (wind, water, sum, etc) production.  Then and only then can it be claimed that carbon emissions have actually declined. Q2: Could the purchase of RECs replace a new fossil fuel generator? Yes, it could.  However, the electricity from the renewable generator must be bundled with the REC in order to claim the carbon reductions.  If the electricity from the renew...

Contrary to what the 2017 Update states, SB1547 does not require that coal plants be phased out by 2035.   It also does not require any phasing out of coal-fired electricity from helping to serve our demand for electricity.   While it does increase the Renewable Performance Standards (RPS) in the out years, reaching 50% by 2050, this applies only to two utilities: PGE and PacifiCorp.   Even then, the requirement may be met through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from across the United States.   As a result, the electricity entering homes and businesses in Portland will continue to include carbon-based generation, including coal.   There is a second reason why carbon-based fuels, including coal, will continue to be delivered to Portland’s homes and businesses since coal will remain a significant component of the West Coast power system of which PGE and PacifiCorp are a part. If you are interested in this issue, here are seve...

Image courtesy of Portland ClipArt Festival The City of Portland and Multnomah County will soon jointly adtop a resolution to use 100% renewables by 2050.  A draft of that Resolution l apply to both city and county facilities and operations.  A version of the motion did appear on the City Council Agenda for thursday, April, 27th, but was removed prior to the Council meeting. In light of the limits on City authority, what the City can control is the use of carbon emitting fuels in CIty operations - trucks, cars, mowers and other gardening tools, any fossil fuel based generators under control of the City. Beyond the CIty's limited range of authority, the only tool available is promotion, promoting, and encouraging homeowners, landlords and business owners to shift out of the use of fossil fuels. Here is something you can do: As you go about your day examine what items you use that 1. Require fossil fuels to manufacture; 2. Contain fossil fuels; 3. Require fossil fue...