Impact of New Epa Regulations on Electric Utilities

The U.S. EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) is temporarily on hold.   

However EPA plans to re-hear arguments regarding approval in April.  EPA's current timeline now suggests an early 2013 target for implementation. 

This discussion should help articulate implications for and provide some insight on next steps for Wisconsin.  

January 26, 2012

7:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Fluno Center

On Site attendees are eligible for 4.5 CLEs

Sponsored by the Energy & Telecommunications Law and Environmental Law Sections, State Bar of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute (WPUI), UW-Madison

Registration Link

Registration Fees:

• $65 for webcast version (note, CLE's cannot be awarded for webcast option)

Draft Agenda

Thursday, January 26th, 7:30 - 12:45

(Includes Lunch)

7:30 - 8:00     Continental Breakfast

8:00 - 8:10     Introductions and Overview of the Program

Keynote Speakers

8:10 - 8:40     Susan Hedman, Administrator, EPA Region V

• General discussion of EPA's proposed rules

8:40- 9:15     Ellen Nowak, Commissioner, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

• Potential implications for Wisconsin's electric utilities and their ratepayers

Background and Summary of Proposed Rules

9:15 - 10:00     Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)

-- Todd Palmer, Michael Best & Friedrich

10:00 - 10:15     Break

10:15 - 10:45     Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for Power Plants (aka "Utility MACT")

-- Marney Hoefer, Stafford Rosenbaum

10:45 - 11:15     Other EPA Rules and Regulatory Issues Affecting Utilities

-- Holly Bressett, Sierra Club

• New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gases (GHG NSPS)
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
• Other proposals, including CWA 316(b) regulations on Cooling Water Intake Structures, and regulatory changes regarding Coal Combustion Residues

Panel Discussion

11:15 - 11:45     Stakeholder Perspectives: Panelist Presentations

• Industrial Ratepayers -- Todd Palmer, Michael Best and Friedrich 
• Municipal Utilities -- Dan Ebert, WPPI Energy
• Environmental Interests -- Dave Bender, McGillivray Westerberg & Bender
• Investor-owned Utilities -- Brian Potts, Foley & Lardner
• Residential Ratepayers -- Kira Loehr, Citizens Utility Board

11:45 - Noon    Pick up lunch and return to room for panel discussion

12:00 - 12:45     Panel Discussion: Implications, Problems, Rule Challenges and Responses

12:45     Adjourn