Mark Gudgel
Non-partisanQ32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?
“In the short term, the cost of power is far outpacing any wage increases that the fortunate may be seeing, while those on a fixed income suffer. In the long term, global climate change is an existential threat to the very existence of our species. I view it as good fortunate that clean, renewable sources of energy can help serve as a solution to both of these issues by providing lower cost, lower carbon sources of power.”
KEYWORDS: Economics, equity, long-term planning
Q33 Please discuss your professional views on different energy sources (ex. nuclear, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, coal, natural gas, oil/petroleum) and what policies you will support related to the potential use of these energy sources, if at all?
“The challenge at hand is twofold: we need to phase out the use of coal immediately and fossil fuels quickly while maintaining a balanced grid. To do this, the addition of more solar and wind must be bolstered with a readiness to add SMR’s (nuclear power) as quickly as possible. I would propose leaving natural gas plants operational for the foreseeable future while developing a plan for replacing “base load” power with nuclear in the next ten to fifteen years.”
KEYWORDS: Renewable energy, balance, sustainability
Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?
“Our district is woefully unprepared to address these changes. While many suggest OPPD “pass a moratorium” on data centers, that’s not within our ability. What we can do is regulate and increase oversight, determine rates and availability and, I hope, utilize the bully pulpit to increase the visibility of the conversation. My position on data centers is that they must be prohibited from passing any costs along to consumers, and that if they come with a plan to build renewable energy, lower the cost of power, and use recycled water then I’m all ears.”
KEYWORDS: Environmental sustainability, renewable energy, responsibility