SNL Energy presents the most read stories for the week ended Dec. 15.
1. Vogtle is 'damned if we do and damned if we don't,' regulatory staffer says
Georgia Power Co. attorneys and regulatory staffers clashed Dec. 11 at a contentious seven-hour hearing on the future of the Vogtle nuclear plant expansion, a decision on which could now come before Christmas.
2. Democrats: Tax bill uncertainty putting $20B in clean energy projects on hold
A group of U.S. Senate Democrats is urging a bicameral conference committee to protect existing wind and solar tax credits and not include provisions in the GOP tax reform legislation that would "cripple" financing for renewable energy projects.
3. Upton: No easy fixes to power markets, little money for infrastructure
Fred Upton is leading the U.S. House of Representatives' review of U.S. power markets at a pivotal time for the industry, but the Michigan lawmaker is being careful not to rush legislative action on the sector's complex set of challenges.
4. Coal industry urged to mimic enviros' social media tactics in messaging war
The coal industry needs to use environmental groups' own tactics against them in order to defeat their organizational powers, according to a social media review by the American Coal Council.
5. Eversource threatens legal action over 'false narratives' of blocking pipeline
Eversource Energy is fighting back against claims that the utility intentionally contributed to New England natural gas pipeline constraints. Eversource, in a Dec. 11 cease and desist letter to Environmental Defense Fund leadership, attacked the group's claims. The company said it would take legal action.
