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# (n\LocalUnion613 

# \W) InternationalBrotherhoodofHectricalWorkers

**"--~--~/** Suite 250 • IBEW Building , 501 Pulliam Street, S.W.

**~** Atlanta, Georgia 30312

**~** 404 523-8107 

### Testimony ofBen Myers Before the Environmental Protection Agency Regarding the Clean PowerPlan Atlanta, Georgia

July 30, 2014 Good afternoon. My name is BenMyers. I am Director ofGovernmental and Political Affairs for the International Brotherhood ofElectrical Workers (IBEW) Local 613 in Atlanta, Georgia. Onbehalfofthe approximately 4300 active members and retirees ofLocal613, Ithank you for the opportunityto testify regarding the EPA's Clean Power Plan. Please know the majority ofLocal613 members are construction electricians, linemen, and apprentices who are employed by electrical contractors throughout the Atlantametropolitan area and northern Georgia. Local 613 also represents voice, data, and video technicians who work in the construction industry as welL Coal has been good to the members ofLocal613. Many ofour members have been involved in the construction and maintenance ofnumerous coal-fired powerhouses in Georgia. Much like the operation ofa coal-tired plant, the construction and maintenance ofcoal generation is labor-intensive as well. Unfortunately, the Clean PowerPlan imperils a good source ofwork for Loca1613 members and threatens the reliability ofour nation's electrical grid. Nationally, EPA has stated the Clean Power Plan will lead to the closure of41 to 49 gigawatts ofcoal-fired generating capacity by 2020. This will lead to the loss of52,000 permanent, directjobs and an additional I00,000 indirectjobs. In Georgia, the Clean PowerPlan will close six plants that combined, currentlyproduce 5,200 megawatts ofelectricity. The state will lose approximately 1300 direct and 2,500 indirectjobs. ForLocal613 members the pain will be ongoing, for when these plants close any future maintenance and/or repair work will be lost forever. In addition to lost employment, the Clean Power Plan will threaten the reliability ofour nation's electric grid. One need only look up north at the effects oflast winter's polar vortex. At its peak, during one ofthe coldest, snowiest winters on record PJM, a Regional Transmission Authority whosejurisdiction includes parts ofthe mid-Atlantic and eastern Midwestern states, had as little as 700 megawatts ofreserve power. We know that compliance with the Mercury and Air Toxic Standard will close approximately 56 gigawatts ofcoal-fired generation. Addto that an additional49 gigawatts from the Clean PowerPlan and its clear the U.S. electric utility

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# ) InternationalBrotherhoodofHectricalWorkers Suite 250 • IBEW Building • 501 Pulliam Street, S.W. • Atlanta, Georgia 30312 • 404 523-8107 sector may have a difficult time meeting the nation's needs during a winter cold snap or summerheat wave. Forthe loss of3800jobs in Georgia alone, Local613 members have a reasonable expectation there will be a worthwhile drop in C02 emissions. Unfortunately, that is not the case. For all the painthe Clean Power Plan will cause there will be almost no reduction in C02 emissions. The problem is not with the United States. U.S. C02 emissions have been flat for 24 years. Theproblem is with the rest ofthe world, where C02 emissions have risen approximately 44 percent since 1990. Please see the graph included with my testimony. It is impossible for the United States to solve the world's global warming problem on its own. Any meaningful attempt to address global greenhouse gas emissions must incorporate American's trading partners, particularly China and India. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify. Irespectfully suggestEPA reconsider the Clean PowerPlan taking into account its significant negative impact to the economy and grid reliability.U.S. and Global Carbon Emissions Projections (million metric tons) -!5.000 .;.o.oc.o '"(}) . .. _

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