In October 2007: crude oil traded above $90 a barrel for the first time. In its 2007 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation presented a fairly grim picture of the reliability and adequacy of the bulk power system in North America for the next ten years. For the first time, an air quality permit necessary for a rural electric cooperative to build new generation was denied based on the conclusion that carbon dioxide meets the broad definition of an air pollutant under the Clean Air Act. The Kansas Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment said “it would be irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the potential harm to our environment and health if we do nothing.”
Natural gas prices remain volatile as FERC takes more groundbreaking enforcement actions against speculators. The tally from the California energy crisis continues to grow years later. Elected officials, policy makers, and industry specialists continue to debate solutions. The attorneys at Miller, Balis & O'Neil, P.C. are at the forefront of those activities, working to find solutions for their clients.
