Associations representing the fossil fuel and nuclear energy industries are pleased with a new government report about the U.S. electric grid, but renewable energy supporters largely struck a more conciliatory tone in their responses.

The 187-page report released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Energy called for regulatory changes that would benefit coal and nuclear power plants, The Washington Post reported. However, the authors also said cheap natural gas was largely to blame for the recent closures of many coal and nuclear plants. Republican leaders had instead blamed regulations and renewable energy sources. http://wapo.st/2w13LfJ

Advocates for both traditional and renewable energy found things to like in the report. The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity praised the study but didn't point to any specific findings in its response.

"We commend Secretary (Rick) Perry and the Department of Energy for studying the challenges facing the electricity grid," ACCCE CEO Paul Bailey said. "One of the biggest challenges is how to preserve the nation's coal fleet so it can continue supporting a reliable and resilient electricity grid."

The National Mining Association focused on the report's finding that "regulations and mandates" had contributed to plant closures, although the group acknowledged both factors were "in addition to market forces."

"As the report notes, many states and regions bear an increased risk from the destruction of traditional base load power and the resulting diminution of grid resilience. … Unless adjustments are made, the report warns that potential harm to the grid may impact its resilience in the face of disruptive events," NMA CEO Hal Quinn said.

Nuclear Energy Institute CEO Maria Korsnick praised the report's conclusions that more could be done to bolster nuclear power.

"Electricity markets and energy policies must value diversity of generation, resilience and environmental protection in our electricity system—or we will lose these valuable attributes," she said.

The American Petroleum Institute pointed to findings that natural gas has played a significant role in powering the U.S. in recent years.

"Clean and abundant natural gas, which today produces more electricity in the United States than any other fuel, is a reliable and resilient energy resource that generates the power needed by millions of homes and businesses across the country," API Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Marty Durbin said.

While the report helped bolster the nuclear and fossil fuel industries, the authors also didn't deemphasize the role of renewable energy, as some critics of the Trump administration feared. Renewable energy groups released statements praising the report while stressing the need for a grid that draws energy from a variety of sources.

"We agree with DOE that it makes sense to determine how a portfolio of domestic energy resources can ensure grid reliability and resilience," American Wind Energy Association CEO Tom Kiernan said. "Wind energy contributes to the grid services that incumbent baseload also provides, and will continue to be a growing part of a reliable, resilient U.S. electric grid."

"While we are still reviewing the specifics of this study, it's been proven time and again that a diversified electricity mix is good for the overall system and poses no threat to the reliability of our nation's grid," Solar Energy Industries Association CEO Abigail Ross Hopper said. "On the contrary, solar and other renewables provide significant cost savings, relieve pressure on our nation's infrastructure and improve the grid's overall performance."

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