Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Testifies on SB 2031
Jason Bohrer testified this week before the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on SB 2031. This legislation would continue to provide important funding to the Lignite Research Fund. In 2007, the legislature authorized five percent of the general fund portion of the coal conversion tax to be allocated to the Lignite Research Fund to help address growing R&D needs. However, that allocation had a sunset of July 31, 2018. SB 2031 strikes the sunset to allow that funding to continue indefinitely.
He continued, “The next great challenge the industry faces is addressing carbon dioxide emissions. This is an enormous effort that will require the development of retrofit technology that can be applied to our existing power plants, as well as a next generation power facility that does not emit any carbon dioxide. As we work with the state to expand R&D solely dedicated towards advanced energy technology, it is also essential to continue the traditional role of the Lignite Research Fund.” “This funding plays a critical role in helping our state’s power industry continue to meet and exceed environmental standards, in addition to innovating and expanding the potential for this energy resource,” Bohrer said.
The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee gave the bill a unanimous “Do-Pass” recommendation, and it awaits consideration by the full Senate.