SNL Energy presents the most read stories for the week ended Feb. 16.
1. FERC chair: Possible PURPA changes on agency to-do list
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is tackling a wide range of big policy issues, including possible changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, Chairman Kevin McIntyre said.
2. Investors push companies to tackle workforce transitions tied to climate change
Investors are pushing companies to have plans in place to protect workers and compensate communities when they move their businesses or shutter power plants to reduce emissions.
3. Owner of Kemper power plant terminates contract with sole supplier of coal
Mississippi Power Co. informed Liberty Fuels Co. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of North American Coal Corp., to permanently cease all mining and delivery of lignite as part of the utility's decision to suspend the coal gasification portion of its controversial generation project in Kemper County, Miss.
4. 'We're going through gas really quick,' manufacturing chief says on exports
The leaders of trade groups representing U.S. LNG exporters and U.S. manufacturers went head to head at a conference in Washington, D.C., with one saying LNG exports would have limited impact on domestic natural gas prices and the other saying gas consumers should be concerned.
5. Trump budget would offer more to fossil fuels, less to renewables, nukes
The Trump administration's latest budget request repeated calls to cut funding for many U.S. Department of Energy research programs but provide more money for certain other energy-related areas, including for fossil-fuel energy.