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Compliance

The basic technology of converting coal to electricity has not changed appreciably in 60 years. What has changed is the technology to remove combustion byproducts contained in the emissions. Developing and integrating these control technologies, however, requires significant capital investment. That is why Basin Electric has paid close attention as various proposals to decrease emissions have come before the United States Congress.

"One of the things we have always believed is that Basin Electric couldn't survive or succeed unless we did the best possible job on every aspect of our program."
~ James L. Grahl, General Manager, Basin Electric Power Cooperative (1961-1985)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated North Dakota among 11 states that meet all federal ambient air quality standards.

All Basin Electric and subsidiary facilities are 100 percent environmentally compliant, but future remediation efforts in response to more stringent emission control regulations may make compliance economically unfeasible. If Basin Electric and the nation’s other coal-based utilities are required to curtail or cease operation, half of the United States’ supply of electricity would be in jeopardy, so it is a crucial time for the future of energy in this country. We believe we can bring facts, discernment and balance to this debate.

Basin Electric is committed to producing clean, affordable energy for our members and communities in rural America.

Since 50 percent of our nation’s electricity is coal-based, legislative changes regarding these emissions will have a major impact on the utility industry and its millions of consumers. Emissions standards will also significantly affect cooperatives nationwide, because cooperatives rely on coal for 80 percent of their electricity. Basin Electric’s generation is 95 percent coal-based.

Basin Electric believes that conservation and sustainability of natural resources depends on supplying affordable, clean energy to as many people and industries as possible, and exploring new technologies for improving how energy is produced. Beginning in the 1960s, Basin Electric voluntarily began to install pollution controls at its facilities.

In 2008, our goal of becoming clean coal power producers continues with the installation of emissions controls at our oldest facility, Leland Olds Station.

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