Blog

09Dec

Coal’s Time Remains Now

The Economist has decided that it’s time for the world to stop using coal. The magazine argues that based on falling coal demand in Europe and the U.S., it’s not only possible for the world to turn its back on the leading fuel for electricity generation but it’s what responsible nations must do. Perhaps it’s […]
03Dec

Double Down on Carbon Capture Incentives

There is obvious momentum building behind carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). There’s widespread international recognition of the necessity of the technology, the president-elect has made it a centerpiece of his climate and energy approach, and it’s a rare place of bipartisan agreement in a divided Washington. And thanks to IRS guidance issued this May […]
25Nov

Consol Energy Wants to Build an Advanced, Carbon Capture-Equipped Coal Plant. It’s Exactly What U.S. Energy Leadership Demands.

A recent presidential candidate confidently declared that American ingenuity, directed at advanced coal technology, could produce essential breakthroughs. He said, “This is America. We figured out how to put a man on the moon in 10 years. You can’t tell me we can’t figure out how to burn coal that we mine right here in […]
18Nov

Pennsylvania is Flirting with Self-Imposed Energy Disaster

Americans can’t afford to pay more for electricity, especially with millions out of work in the midst of pandemic-induced economic upheaval. Yet, higher electricity costs and economic turmoil are coming if lawmakers continue to pursue policies that mandate an aggressive pivot away from existing baseload power to intermittent, more expensive alternatives. Pennsylvania is now on […]
10Nov

Stumbling Over Transmission

The cost of wind and solar power may be falling but building the transmission infrastructure to send power across the country – perhaps the key piece of the renewable puzzle – has only gotten more difficult and more expensive. A reality now playing out in both the U.S. and Europe. Germany’s attempt to pivot to […]
28Oct

The Issue Remains Affordability

With less than a week to the election, it’s worth reminding the candidates – and ourselves – what voters really think about energy issues. Despite the rhetoric about energy mixes of the future or what will and will not be banned, the issue that matters most to voters is affordability. Time and again, in poll […]
21Oct

An Energy and Emissions Reality Check from Candidate Biden

In a townhall last week, Joe Biden sought to distance himself and his energy plan from the Green New Deal. “The difference between me and the new green deal is they say, automatically, by 2030 we’re going to be carbon free. Not possible,” Biden said. He continued, making a case for investment into carbon capture, […]
14Oct

Policy Crippled California’s Grid. Is Yours Next?

The rolling blackouts that stunned California this August were caused by extreme heat and poor planning according to a new report from the three organizations in charge of the state’s supply of power. The “root-cause” report, which outlines a range of failures, should be setting off alarms with regulators, lawmakers and consumers across the country. […]
08Oct

Missing the Mark, Again

This column has often highlighted The New York Times’ aggressive attempts to deify the prior administration, overlook facts and vilify coal. And The Times’ latest piece on the industry, the challenges it’s facing and the administration’s response, is no exception. The Times was hardly the first outlet this election cycle to cover the subject, but […]
01Oct

Preparing for an Electrified Future

The electrification of America is not only happening, it’s picking up speed. Just last week, Tesla announced its ambition to slash the cost of lithium-ion batteries and produce a $25,000 mass-market electric vehicle (EV). Two days later Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California will mandate a shift to EVs and the phase out of internal […]