Regulatory Impacts on the US Electricity Sector: A Modeling Workshop

Over the past decade, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed and finalized several regulations affecting the electricity sector—and, in particular, coal-fired power plants. These regulations are poised to have a profound influence on the portfolio of domestic electricity generation over the coming years. The rules, including the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), Section 316 (b) of the Clean Water Act, and the Coal Combustion Residuals Rule, will help shape future investments in the nation’s power generation infrastructure.

Numerous economic models have been used to investigated how the electricity sector might respond to new EPA regulations and how those changes will affect the country’s electricity supply. To highlight important understanding about the impacts of EPA regulation on the electricity sector as well as facilitate a dialogue between researchers, industry, and government officials, Resources for the Future (RFF) hosted a one-day workshop in July 2012 to discuss existing and ongoing research into the potential effects of CSAPR, MATS, and other prominent rules. The workshop brought together some of the most experienced modeling teams in the country to present their findings on the possible effects of impending regulation to the nation’s electricity landscape. The presentations from the event can be viewed below.

Overview of Major Rules
Blair Beasley, Resources for the Future
Download Presentation (PDF)

Importance of modeling assumptions
Chris MacCracken, ICF International
Download Presentation (PDF)

Session 1 – Modeling Results of Regulations
Panelists presented major research findings and discussed important assumptions and conclusions on a suite of EPA regulations.

Presenters:
Mike Leff, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Download Presentation (PDF)

David Montgomery, NERA Economic Consulting
Download Presentation (PDF)

Matt Woerman, Resources for the Future
Download Presentation (PDF)

Respondent:
Dan Chartier, Edison Electric Institute
Download Presentation (PDF)

Session 2 – Modeling Results of Regulations
Panelists presented major research findings and discussed important assumptions and conclusions on a suite of EPA regulations.

Presenters:
Vic Niemeyer, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Download Presentation (PDF)

Ira Shavel, Charles River Associates
Download Presentation (PDF)

Evelyn Wright, KanORS/DecisionWare
Download Presentation (PDF)

Respondent:
Ben Hobbs, John Hopkins University

Session 3 – Continued Discussion: Impending Air Regulations
Panelists discussed specific aspects and challenges for compliance with CSAPR and MATS.

Presenters:
Jennifer Macedonia, Bipartisan Policy Center
Download Presentation (PDF)

David Hoppock, Duke University
Download Presentation (PDF)
Brian Toth, Southern Company
Download Presentation (PDF)

Session 4 – Continued Discussion: Impending Non-Air Regulations
Conversation topics in this session included relevant data for analysis and options for compliance for CWA 316(b) and CCR.

Presenters:
David Bailey, EPRI
Download Presentation (PDF)

David Harrison, NERA Economic Consulting​