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Biden and Utilities Split on Emissions Goals. Here’s How
Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group Senior Principal Frank Maisano discussed with E&E News the challenges that President-elect Joe Biden is likely to face in achieving his climate policy goals.
Economic and technological trends are far more favorable now and the cost of solar and wind have fallen dramatically, creating an economic opportunity for utilities to invest in renewables. That could make utilities amendable to working with Biden, though it might disappoint progressives, said Maisano. He likened the dynamic to a football game.
“The difference is that progressives are looking for that Hail Mary pass. They are looking to throw the deep ball all the time,” Maisano said. “Biden is a ground game type of guy, and he is going to be forced that way with an electorate that didn’t go all in on the blue wave.”
Maisano added, “Whether it is some sort of Clean Power Plan regulation or some version of a commitment to reduce emissions dramatically, the energy sector, especially in the utility space, is already moving in that direction.”