Exelon Corporation on Thursday applauded the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruling that said this week that the state’s Zero Emissions Credit (ZEC) energy strategy did not run afoul of federal statutes.
The ZEC strategy allows the state to support energy sources that do not contribute to the global warming crisis. This list includes nuclear power, as well as renewable sources, such as wind, solar and hydro.
With the ruling, which echoed a ruling earlier in the month in Illinois, came praise from both sides of the cafbon-free energy sector. “We are pleased that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed dismissal of the complaint against New York’s ZEC program, which will allow the program to continue supporting the zero-carbon, resilient and affordable electricity that nuclear power provides to the state’s residents,” the company said in a statement.
The ZEC program was primarily focused on supporting nuclear power plants that have been hit hard by the recent glut of natural gas on the energy market. However, renewable advocates were also pleased with the court’s ruling.
“The decision … affirms the authority states have over decisions about electricity generation,” said a statement from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
“Although they specifically address credits for nuclear power plants, the implications are much broader,” the statement said.
“These court rulings clear the way for states to confidently pursue programs to advance clean energy technologies, such as wind and solar,” the group said.
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