As one of the nation’s largest consumers of coal a source of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas (GHG) AEP has carefully considered various solutions to reducing GHG emissions, both voluntary and mandated, and the potential impact of each on the company and its stakeholders. We have made it clear that we support a reasonable approach to carbon controls in the U.S.

AEP has a comprehensive strategy in place to reduce, avoid, and offset future GHG emissions. The cornerstone of our plan draws upon AEP’s position as a technology leader; we plan to install carbon capture on two existing coal-fired power plants—the first commercial use of this technology. The plan also includes wind generation and other renewables and domestic GHG offsets through agriculture, forestry, and other projects, power plant efficiency improvements and energy efficiency programs with our customers.

Throughout our 100-year history, we have led our industry in advancing technology. We believe the time is right, with climate legislation on the horizon, to advance carbon capture technology to a commercial scale. In March 2007, we signed memorandums of understanding with world-renowned technology providers for carbon capture and storage. The first-of-its-kind commercial carbon capture project will begin operating at Northeastern Station in Oklahoma.

AEP is taking serious action on climate change.

AEP’s Climate Change Position

• AEP supports a reasonable approach to carbon controls in the US
• AEP has taken measurable, voluntary actions to reduce its GHG emissions and will support a well-thought out US mandate to achieve additional, economy-wide reductions
• Global warming is a global issue and AEP supports the US taking a leadership role in developing a new international approach that will address growing emissions from all nations, including developing countries such as India and China
• A certain and consistent national policy for reasonable carbon controls should include the following principles:
  • Comprehensiveness
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Realistic emission control objectives
  • Monitoring, verification and adjustment mechanisms
  • Technology development & deployment
• Regulatory or economic barriers must be addressed
• Recognition provided for early action/investment made for GHG mitigation
• Inclusion of adjustment provision if largest emitters in developing world do not take action

Other Actions AEP is taking

• Environmental Leadership initiative
• Green Building Initiative
• Focus on Supply Chain

To learn about AEP’s climate change actions in the news, click here.
To learn about LiveNeutral in the news, click here.