02Jul

Trillions with a “T”

According to new analysis from Wood Mackenzie, transitioning to an all renewables grid in the U.S. by 2030 would cost roughly $4.5 trillion. Remarkably, that cost – estimated at about $35,000 per household – does not account for the costs of prematurely closing hundreds of existing power plants, the inevitable supply chain bottlenecks that would […]
28Jun

Always Evolving Coal Technologies Key to Trump’s Climate Plan

Via Real Clear Energy: As the United States enters a long era of reducing carbon emissions, we are obliged to make the best possible use of all energy sources – it will not be confined to renewables — through an increased program of efficiency that will lead to greater economic strength. Electric utilities, for example, […]
26Jun

When Markets Undermine Reliability

Air conditioners are running at full throttle as summer descends in all its sticky, suffocating glory. As those ACs kick on, electricity demand is creeping up, potentially hitting record levels in some states. In Texas, as temperatures climb towards triple digits, customers are wondering if the AC – and a reliable flow of power – […]
25Jun

We Need Better Coal Plants

Via The Roanoke Times: Banks is retired and lives near Timberville after a career as a writer and communications executive, primarily for energy-related entities. When I was first introduced to the coal industry, it was still regarded by many as the lifeblood of America. Coal fueled the boilers that drove the turbines at power generating […]
19Jun

A Legal Approach to Emissions Reduction, An Eye Towards a Global Challenge

The EPA rolled out the final version of its long-anticipated Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule this morning. The rule is the replacement for the so-called Clean Power Plan (CPP), which the previous administration claimed as its crowning environmental achievement. Quite an achievement it was. Along with never being implemented due to an unprecedented stay from […]
19Jun

EPA Power Plant Rule Balances Environmental Protections with State Authority

The National Mining Association (NMA) today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, which offers a legal framework to advance the nation’s environmental protections while preserving the rightful authority of the states to manage their own unique energy infrastructure and electric grids. “In this rule, the EPA has accomplished what eluded […]
19Jun

Trump EPA Finalizes Rule to Gut Obama Coal Plant Regulations

Via The Washington Examiner: The Trump administration finalized Wednesday its much-anticipated rule gutting President Barack Obama’s signature plan for reducing carbon emissions from coal plants to combat climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency released its replacement of Obama’s Clean Power Plan with a modest rule intended to encourage efficiency upgrades at coal plants to help […]
17Jun

There is Still a Need for Coal in America’s Power Grid

Via The Southeast Missourian: When it comes to the global-warming debate, mischaracterizations abound. For example, the term “denier” is often used — suggesting someone doesn’t believe the Earth has warmed over the past century. In fact, the scientific community is split over the primary driver of contemporary warming — whether it’s rising carbon dioxide (CO2) […]
12Jun

A Roll of the Dice

Jerry Jones, the enigmatic, billionaire, oil-man owner of the Dallas Cowboys just made a big bet on the future of natural gas. His gamble is a timely reminder that low prices and cheap energy don’t tend to stay that way. Predicting just when natural gas prices rise is anyone’s guess, but Jerry is rolling the […]
11Jun

Ky. Coal Association Says Bloomberg Pledge To Close Power Plants Would Be ‘Devastating

Via WFPL: The Kentucky Coal Association says former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s $500 million pledge to close every coal-fired power plant in the U.S. would “essentially send us back into the Dark Ages.” Coal consumption in the U.S. is in decline, but Kentucky remains reliant on the fuel for jobs and energy. About 75 percent of […]