USDA Tackles Western Wildfire Risk; Power Sector Braces for 2022 Changes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to reduce wildfire risk in the Western states by thinning vegetation. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden's pledge to support climate lawsuits against polluters remains unfulfilled. The power sector is gearing up for changes in 2022, with a focus on reliability, storage, and cybersecurity.
The USDA plans to thin vegetation in 11 Western states to decrease wildfire risk. This comes as the Biden administration aims to tackle climate change and protect communities from wildfires.
In the power sector, views are divided on MISO's proposal to ensure adequate power supply during the shift to renewable energy. While some states, utilities, and large power users support it, clean energy advocates have reservations.
The shift from coal to wind power has brought rate stability to Minnesota's largest generation and transmission cooperative, with similar trends seen at other rural co-ops. However, states are increasingly limiting competition by guaranteeing utilities the right of first refusal for building large transmission lines.
President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign promise to support climate lawsuits against polluters has not yet been fulfilled. Some Democrats are cautious about splitting climate provisions from the Build Back Better bill, fearing other provisions may not pass if kept separate.
The Biden administration has announced how states can apply for funding to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells, with $4.7 billion available. This is part of the administration's efforts to address environmental issues and create jobs.
Looking ahead to 2022, the power sector is expected to prioritize reliability and storage, bolster cybersecurity measures, and face increasing federal oversight for gas and transmission infrastructure. Experts have criticized Exxon Mobil's net-zero carbon emissions ambition by 2050, deeming it insufficient.
The USDA's vegetation thinning project and the power sector's 2022 priorities reflect the Biden administration's commitment to addressing climate change and ensuring energy reliability. However, President Joe Biden's unfulfilled campaign promise on climate lawsuits and the debate surrounding MISO's proposal highlight the complexities of transitioning to a cleaner energy future.
