Rick Perry’s Obama Imitation: His intrusion to save coal and nuclear plants is as bad as renewable subsidies

WSJ editorial. Excerpts:

"According to DOE, natural gas is prone to supply disruptions and the country needs a stored fuel supply to ensure the lights stay on during extreme weather or cyber-attacks.

FERC in January unanimously rejected Mr. Perry’s proposal, noting that it was already improving grid reliability and cybersecurity. The commission initiated a rule-making to consider if additional actions are warranted. It also launched an investigation into whether grid operators were fairly compensating “fast-start resources” that can respond “quickly to unforeseen system needs.”"

"the President could use his authority under the 1950 Defense Production Act to “construct or maintain energy facilities” to protect national defense. None of this is necessary. Energy companies are already working with regulators to fortify their cyber firewalls. PJM, which manages wholesale power markets across 13 states in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, says “there is no immediate threat to system reliability” and the region currently has a 25% energy capacity surplus. The Energy Information Administration projects that coal-fired electric generation will “stay relatively flat” over several decades despite plant retirements since “utilization of the remaining coal fleet” will increase.”"

"the New Hampshire Supreme Court last month issued a ruling that will ease the way for a major gas pipeline expansion."
 
"Mandating that grid operators buy more expensive coal and nuclear power would raise consumer prices and could reduce natural gas production that has been a boon to many states. And note to Mr. Trump: Energy is one of the biggest costs for steel and aluminum manufacturers."