OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Debate over greenhouse gas regs heats up

ON TAP FRIDAY: The debate surrounding greenhouse gas policy is heating up in Washington, D.C., as the Supreme Court will hear a case early next week on the Environmental Protection Agency’s rules to cut soot-and-smog-forming power plant emissions that cross state lines.

The Bipartisan Policy Center will host a discussion on the policy designs and impacts of the EPA regulations on existing power plants.

{mosads}Industry stakeholders will weigh in on whether the carbon emissions reductions are possible drivers of the power sector.

Speakers will include Kathleen Barron of Exelon, Daniel Lashof of the Natural Resources Defense Council and former EPA chief William Reilly.

Speaking of greenhouse gases…

A top physicist from the University of California, Berkeley will publish a new report on Friday about the urgent need to curb deadly greenhouse gases and dust particulates from burning fossil-fuels.

Richard Muller, author of the study, makes a case for why environmentalists should favor hydraulic fracturing.

NEWS BITES: “War on coal” rhetoric continued during a House Energy and Commerce hearing on Thursday.

Chairman of the Energy and Power subcommittee Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) blasted the administration for its new carbon emissions regulations, which he claimed are harming a vulnerable electric grid.

“This shift also is being driven in large part by the EPA’s new and proposed regulations aimed at prohibiting the use of coal to produce electricity,” Whitfield said.

“So I have serious concerns regarding how the president’s policies directly aimed at trying to bankrupt the coal industry will impact grid reliability, fuel diversity, and electricity prices for families and businesses.”

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Check out what ran on E2-Wire on Thursday…

– Sen. Wyden: Whistle-blowers targeted for retaliation at Ore. power agency
– Dem lawmaker Welch ride anti-ethanol bike
– Groups worry about future of parks after shutdown
– Eagle-killing rule almost done
– Ad hits big oil on fuel mandate
– Obama to feds: Bulk up on green power
– EPA fuel mandate imperils biofuel industry, producers warn

Please send tips and comments to Laura Barron-Lopez, laurab@digital-staging.thehill.com.