US states face uneven paths in movement for 100% clean energy
A push from some U.S. lawmakers and presidential candidates to transition the U.S. entirely to renewable or zero-emission electric power poses a bigger challenge for some states than others. But proposals in Congress for utilities to gradually raise sales from renewable or carbon-free sources may offer a more measured path for states to boost clean generation, supporters said. Concerns over climate change's risks to public health, food supply, infrastructure and the creditworthiness of cities have prompted some policymakers to promote 100% nationwide clean power targets.
NC energy plan recommends up to 70% reduction in emissions by 2030
North Carolina's environmental agency suggested the power sector could reduce emissions by between 60% and 70% below 2005 baseline levels by 2030, according to the state's draft plan to transition to a clean energy economy. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality said the state could pursue more programs to replace fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources, a carbon policy that includes emission reductions or a hybrid approach of those two options.
NM town pursues carbon capture at 847-MW coal-fired plant despite warnings
The city of Farmington, N.M., is doubling down on a long-shot bid to keep the 847-MW San Juan coal-fired power plant running past its planned retirement date in 2022. Farmington officials signed an agreement with Enchant Energy on Aug. 16 that effectively transfers the city's right to receive exiting parties' ownership stakes for the 46-year-old facility.
Calls to nix US Senate filibuster offer mixed opportunities for climate bills
A growing number of policymakers are pushing to eliminate the U.S. Senate filibuster, a change that could make enacting aggressive climate change legislation easier but imperil the long-term viability of those policies by enabling future Congresses and administrations to undo them more readily.
Federal audit of US mine safety data questions potency of health, safety fines
U.S. mine safety officials are not adequately evaluating whether monetary penalties are effective at reducing fatal or permanent accidents across the nation's mines, according to an audit the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General released Aug. 20.
Interior to hold federal coal lease sale on estimated 1.4 million tons in Ohio
The company that purchased former coal producer Westmoreland Coal Co.'s Ohio assets during its bankruptcy process is seeking a federal lease on about 432 acres in Ohio containing an estimated 1.4 million tons of subsurface coal reserves, according to an Aug. 19 notice in the Federal Register. CCU Coal and Construction LLC, a company owned by Charles Ungurean, the founder of Oxford Resource Partners LP, submitted a lease by application for the area, which includes seven tracts in Morgan and Perry counties.
Appeals court denies MSHA rehearing on vacated changes to workplace exam rules
The U.S. Court of Appeals denied the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration's petition for a panel rehearing of a case involving attempted changes to rules around requirements for workplace examinations in metal and nonmetal mines. Under the Obama administration in 2017, MSHA issued a safety standard that requires mine operators to examine all areas before miners begin work and to record all conditions that could adversely affect safety or health.
