New Brunswick premier reveals pathway to coal-free grid
New Brunswick will leverage clean energy and energy efficiency in all sectors while phasing out coal to address the emerging threat of climate change, which Premier Brian Gallant called "the most important issue to face humankind in modern times."
Trump can fix some of coal's woes, energy experts say
The notion that President-elect Donald Trump will not be able to fix the problems faced by coal overlooks the problems incoming regulations have had on the industry, according to some energy advocates. Other speakers said the U.S. could be on the brink of entering a dynamic period for energy that turns it into an economic powerhouse.
Senate Democrats call for end to US fossil fuel use by 2050
President-elect Donald Trump wants to help the coal industry regain market share and unlock more fossil fuel resources in federal areas, but Democrats in Congress are putting up a fight. U.S. Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced on Dec. 7 a resolution that calls for the U.S. to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable energy resources by 2050.
Regulated generators could feel pinch from Pruitt pledge to ax Clean Power Plan
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, who was nominated to lead the U.S. EPA, is in lockstep with the incoming president's plans for an "energy revolution" that includes slashing Obama-era environmental regulations and promoting "responsible energy production."
Latest RGGI auction price drops more than 22% to $3.55/ton
In the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative's fourth and final quarterly CO2 allowance auction of the year, held Dec. 7, 100% of the more than 14.7 million allocation year 2016 allowances on offer sold at a clearing price of $3.55/ton.
Kentucky's new proposed rule on coal ash comes under scrutiny
A Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet spokesperson said the agency is committed to protecting the environment and health of Kentucky citizens following recent criticism over a proposed state rule that would loosen regulations on coal ash cleanup.
Md. coal plant remains offline during oil spill cleanup
NRG Energy Inc.'s Dickerson coal plant in Maryland remains offline as federal authorities work with the plant to clean up less than 150 gallons of lubricating oil found in the Potomac River. The sheen was first noticed upriver of the plant Nov. 27, but the originating source was not known at the time.
Mississippi Power delays commissioning of Kemper IGCC plant again
Mississippi Power Co. has again delayed the expected commissioning date for its integrated gasification combined-cycle project in Kemper County, Miss., to January 2017, from Dec. 31, 2016. In a Dec. 2 filing, the Southern Co. subsidiary said the delay will add about $25 million to $35 million per month to the cost of starting up the plant.
PG&E trying out solar-powered methane-detection laser device
PG&E Corp. is the first energy company to use a methane emissions detection device through an Environmental Defense Fund initiative to develop and test new, low-cost ways to measure methane leaks. The solar-powered laser device was installed in November at a natural gas storage facility in northern California.