Entergy and the Environment

Letter from the CEO

Are we as a society fundamentally changing our climate through the emission of greenhouse gases? Is global climate change slowly destroying our planet? Will our great-grandchildren be able to enjoy the rich, diverse environment that we take for granted today or will they face a vastly different world? If the answer to any of these alarming questions is yes, then it raises an even more profound question – can anything be done?

At Entergy, we view the issue of climate change from a somewhat unique perspective. Our product – power – is considered vital to the public good. It’s a necessity in some countries, a requirement for development in others. Yet power generation today accounts for about 40 percent of global CO2 emissions. We sit at the very center of the debate that posits economic development against environmental preservation.

Given our position, we have spent a great deal of time and resources analyzing the issue of climate change. We have worked with environmental, societal and economic experts from academia, industry and government. We have reviewed and analyzed the data. Based on the results of our analyses, we hold a clear point of view and well-defined beliefs on climate change.

• We believe that the science is overwhelming. Man-made greenhouse gas emissions are the predominate cause of global climate change. We are already seeing the consequences of this climate change on our environment. The data is clear. It’s happening now.

• We believe the federal government should implement a national mandatory program that will make decisive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades. The current approach of state regulations is well-intended, but not the ultimate answer. Mandatory greenhouse gas regulations at the federal level will trigger technology innovation throughout our economy and change the way we manage our resources.

• We believe the United States government must step up to the challenge and lead the world forward on the issue of climate change. The U.S. generates more greenhouse gas emissions on a total and per capita basis than any other major country. As the leader of the free world, we have a moral responsibility to set the example by establishing policies founded in intellectual honesty and reasoning.

Denying the need to address the problem because some uncertainties remain, not only sets an impossible standard for climate change action, but also diminishes the nation’s ability to lead on other global issues that also involve lingering uncertainties. The solution will require new policies, technologies, behaviors and a long-term commitment. It will no doubt impact the U.S. economy. It will be difficult, but we firmly believe doing nothing ultimately will cost multiples of any short-term impacts.

We can muster the will and courage to work together and find a solution to global climate change or we can turn our back on the facts, and do nothing. The choice is ours to make; the time to make it is now.