Air
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Voluntary Environmental Efforts
The U.S. electric industry is a world leader in implementing voluntary, flexible, and cost-effective initiatives to protect the environment. This is especially true regarding global climate change. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric utilities account for almost three-fourths of all voluntary actions taken to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
The electric utility industry incorporates responsible land management practices into all of its programs, including tree planting, vegetation control, timber management, fisheries and wildlife protection, transmission and facility line siting, and recreational land preservation.
Many electric companies also develop programs to help customers reduce their environmental impact. Below are examples of electric companies―and their customers―taking voluntary actions to protect our environment.
Protecting Our Air
Addressing the Climate Issue
- AEP Leads San Cristobal Wind Project
After an oil spill threatened the coast of the Galapagos Islands in 2001, American Electric Power (AEP) led an effort to preserve the biodiversity of this exceptionally rich ecosystem, and in doing so, also created a model for the global promotion of small-scale renewable energy power generation and distribution systems in remote areas. 03/16/2009
- Duke Energy: Taking Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Duke Energy, a leading energy company based in Charlotte, NC, has reported actions under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Section 1605(b) voluntary greenhouse gas reporting program that have avoided or biologically sequestered (captured CO2 in living plants) greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to approximately 175 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent between 1991 and 2005. 08/20/2007
- Progress Energy: Investing in Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Demand for electricity is growing as people continue to move to the South and existing residents build larger homes and use more electronics. However, even as demand for electricity is growing, so is the desire to address the challenges of global climate change and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. Progress Energy is pursuing a balanced energy strategy that includes investing in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). 03/16/2009
Preserving Our Land
- Dominion: Students Digging "Project Plant It!"
In 2008, nearly 20,000 elementary school students in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia learned about the value of trees in our ecosystem and how to recognize and care for trees through Project Plant It!. The program is part of a community effort to educate children, plant trees and improve the environment. 10/22/2008
- Duke Energy: Preserving Land and Wildlife
Duke Energy, a leading energy company based in Charlotte, NC, is working with state and federal agencies to preserve wildlife habitats and nesting grounds throughout its service areas. 08/20/2007
- Xcel Energy: The First Voluntary Avian Protection Program
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy is the first utility in the nation to voluntarily sign a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop protection plans for their service areas. 08/20/2007
- Kansas City Power & Light: Restoring Missouri River Wetlands
Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L), a subsidiary of Great Plains Energy, is working collaboratively with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Conservation Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore a 106-acre tract of wetlands to their original natural habitat along the Missouri River bottom. 09/22/2006
- Avista: Recognition for Outstanding Resource Stewardship
The efforts of Avista Utilities, an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA), to protect some of the west’s most spectacular wildlife habitat, has earned it the award for Outstanding Stewardship of America’s Rivers (OSAR) by the National Hydropower Association. This is the seventh consecutive year that Spokane-based Avista has earned the award. 07/31/2006
Protecting Our Water
Developing Environmental Programs That Empower Customers
- AEP Helps Suppliers Become More Competitive, Environmentally-Sensitive
Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power (AEP) has become the first electric utility to commit to the Green Suppliers Network (GSN) program as a corporate champion. Through GSN, the utility is helping its suppliers become more competitive and environmentally sensitive. 08/31/2007
- Duke Energy: Helping Customers Protect the Environment, Reduce Energy Use
Duke Energy, a leading energy company based in Charlotte, NC, is enabling its customers to protect the environment and lower their energy use through a number of innovative efforts and programs. 08/20/2007
- Xcel Energy: The Nation’s Leading Wind Power Provider
In 2006, Xcel Energy again led the nation in providing wind power for its customers – more than any other utility in the United States, according to the American Wind Energy Association. 08/20/2007
- Consumers Energy
Throught its Green Generation program, Consumers Energy is helping the environment, as well as local economies by allowing electricity customers to purchase "green" blocks of power. 03/28/2006
Post Your Story
- If you are an EEI member and would like to profile your company's voluntary efforts to protect the environment, please contact Keith Voight at kvoight@eei.org.