State lawmakers were once again briefed Friday about the effects of proposed federal regulations on carbon dioxide emissions from Kentucky’s coal-fired power plants.
Kentucky Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters told an energy subcommittee in Frankfort that if the changes cause utility companies to increase their rates high enough, the state’s economy could suffer.
“I think the rate increases that are being talked about right now probably on the side it’s five percent," said Peters. "It could be as much as 25 percent. And if it gets into the 25 percent range, we have done some separate studies that clearly show that has a major impact on our manufacturing industry.”
Under the proposed guidelines, Kentucky will have to reduce its CO2 emissions by about 18 percent by the year 2030.
