“Five good minutes with…” Grant Grothen, Burns & McDonnell

Grant Grothen, is Greenhouse Gas Programs Director for Burns & McDonnell-Energy Division, and is Chair of ELECTRIC POWER’s Environmental Strategy and Compliance Technologies track. He spoke with EP about several key environmental issues as well as what attendees can expect to learn at the annual environmental round table plenary session on April 1.

EP. What will it take for carbon capture and sequestration technology to be economically viable?

A. It will take a combination of much higher energy pricing in the markets and placing a high and predictable price on carbon.  Economics is only a portion of the issue of viability – the other is establishing the legal framework, risk mitigation, and public support for permitting extensive sequestration facilities.

EP. What are your expectations for carbon emission rules for existing power plants?

A. We expect this to be an Obama Administration legacy issue. The EPA has a history under the Obama Administration of proposing very aggressive initial rules and then allowing the public debate and outcry from industry to shape the form of the final rule with years of litigation after the rule is final.

EP. Has the EPA’s tone changed any now that Gina McCarthy is at the helm?

A. As with a change in leadership in any organization, the EPA has attempted to be lower profile in the past several months.  We expect this to continue until confirmation hearings are complete for Janet McCabe, who took Gina’s place as Acting Assistant Administrator in the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) at the EPA.

EP. What can attendees expect to learn by attending your mega session at ELECTRIC POWER?

A. Attendees will gain insight into the likely outcome of the greenhouse gas rulemaking process for existing plants; the likely regulatory timeframes and legal issues related to upcoming water, waste, and air rules; and the likely response strategies being implemented by the utility industry for surviving in the current regulatory environment.

For complete conference details and registration information, visit www.electricpowerexpo.com.