Wayne Elrod, an EPB electric dispatcher, works in EPB’s all-new, state-of-the-art distribution center designed to complement the citywide Smart Grid and fiber-optic network.As the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to conduct hearings today on controversial new carbon limits for power plants, Chattanooga business leaders Monday voiced support for such pollution controls and energy limits.
During a session with EPA’s regional administrator Monday organized by the White House Business Council, local restaurateurs, utility leaders and tourism representatives said Chattanooga’s history of cutting pollution and growing its economy demonstrates the business case for a cleaner environment.
“We know from our experience that going green makes good business sense and doing the right thing helps our bottom line,” said Elizabeth Hammit, administrator of environmental policy for EPB, the city-owned electric utility in Chattanooga.
EPB’s smart grid has helped limit the amount of miles driven by maintenance trucks along EPB transmissions lines by 360,145 miles in the past year, or the equivalent of taking 75,000 vehicles off the road. Carbon emissions and other pollutants also have been cut along with reduced fuel consumption through biofuel-powered vehicles used by EPB and free home energy audits done for the utility’s customers.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke said Chattanooga can be a leader in addressing climate change and the threats it poses for global warming.