TXU's Got All the Wrong Answers on Global Warming

(Austin – October 23, 2006) The good news is that TXU is finally addressing questions about the impact its 11 proposed coal-fired power plants will have on the fight against global warming.
 
The bad news is that its answers are insufficient and misleading.
 
As reported in Sunday’s Fort Worth Star-Telegram, TXU spokeswoman Lisa Singleton issued a statement long on TXU’s self-proclaimed environmental heroism, but very short on any admission that TXU, the state’s single largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most plentiful greenhouse gas, wants to more than double its CO2 emissions.
 
Review the Star-Telegram’s story here: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/business/15822231.htm.
Lisa Singleton’s contact information is available on TXU’s media relations website.
For the truth about TXU’s global warming impact, please visit www.stopTXU.com.
 
“Until recently, TXU completely dismissed the global warming issue,” said Environmental Defense regional director Jim Marston. “And now that the scientific reality about global warming is undeniable and TXU has to explain itself, its answers are falling terribly short.”
 
First, Singleton stated that TXU is the largest purchaser of wind energy in Texas. That is true. But the state’s legal requirement for the amount of renewable energy companies must purchase is based on the amount of power they sell. Since TXU is the biggest utility in Texas, law mandates that it must purchase the most renewable energy. 
 
“Complying with state law shouldn’t qualify TXU for environmental bragging rights,” Marston said.
 
Second, Singleton’s statement implied that TXU plans to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20%. That is false. TXU has made public no effort to reduce CO2 emissions at its proposed plants, much less a commitment to a 20% reduction. Its 11 proposed plants will add 78 million new tons of CO2 emissions per year. That amount is more than the total CO2 emissions of 21 different states, 41% higher than the company’s current emission levels, and roughly equivalent to the CO2 emissions of 10 million Cadillac Escalades (that’s four Escalades for each of TXU’s 2.4 million customers).
 
“TXU has expressed no interest in reducing its CO2 emissions,” Marston said. “In fact, the company has stated that it wants to increase its CO2 emissions now, before a pending federal cap, so that it will be allowed more allowances once the cap is set.”
 
Third, Singleton implied that TXU is committed to technology that will reduce CO2 emissions. However, the company has refused to even consider coal-gasification technology for its 11 plants, despite the fact that other utility companies are seeking permits for gasification plants. In addition to being cleaner and more efficient, gasification allows for the separation and sequestration of CO2 emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.
 
Lastly, Singleton implied that without TXU’s proposed coal-fired power plants, Texas will suffer an energy crisis. The state of Texas has not even analyzed alternatives to TXU’s coal bonanza. Texas should fully analyze the impact of efficiency and conservation before fast-tracking another generation of coal plants.
 
“Asking a coal power company whether we need more coal plants is like asking a Chevy dealer what brand of truck you should buy,” Marston said. “TXU is trying to mandate Texas energy policy for the next 50 years, and Governor Perry has been a willing accomplice.”
 
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