EPA not beholden to mining profits

The May 6 guest column, “U.S. power grid being sabotaged by EPA,” written by Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, suggested the Environmental Protection Agency is sabotaging power grids by not intentionally burning more fossil fuel to generate electricity. Most notably, his coal.

The core responsibility of the EPA is safeguarding the environment. In this context, it entails regulating the combustion of oil, coal and gas in electricity generation, and assessing its environmental impact.

Formerly employed as a Western Power Grid Operator for the Bonneville Power Administration, I managed the Western Interconnection encompassing regions across the Western U.S. and Canada. From my work station, I oversaw the operation of various power sources, including hydroelectric facilities along the Columbia River, nuclear plants, solar and wind farms, and coal-fired plants, as well as power transfers to and from Southern California and Canada.

The computer systems made real-time decisions on power generation and distribution, factoring in variables such as contractual agreements for water usage on the Columbia River, considerations for wildlife habitats and agricultural needs, power transmission agreements, and corrections for timekeeping.

Central to these decisions was the cost of power generation. Adjustments in power production are made based on the most economically viable option, considering both cost and environmental impact.

Nolan’s concern primarily revolved around increasing coal consumption, despite its status as the least environmentally friendly option. The EPA’S focus remains on environmental preservation. Jerry Sturdivant, Las Vegas