In the news today…
Coal:
- Utility Dive reports future construction of coal-fired power plants in the U.S. is “quite possible,” Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steve Winberg told Utility Dive, and largely depends on the price of natural gas.
- The New York Times reports China, the world’s coal juggernaut, has continued to produce more methane emissions from its coal mines despite its pledge to curb the planet-warming pollutant, according to new research.
- Metro News (WV) reports the 46th West Virginia Mining Symposium is being held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in the capital city today and is being hosted by the West Virginia Coal Association (WVCA).
- The Wall Street Journal carries an op-ed from their editorial board, in which they write that Berlin is promising to kill the one reliable power source Germany has left if they abandon coal for good.
Politics:
- E&E Daily reports Democrats are split when it comes to taking money tied to fossil fuels. In 2017, the Democratic Party created a pledge that requires lawmakers to not take contributions of more than $200 from fossil fuel executives or political action committees associated with such companies.
- E&E Daily takes a look at 17 members and their new assignments, men and women who are likely to play key roles shaping the energy and environmental direction of the 116th Congress.
Power Grid:
- E&E Energywire reports regional grid operators and power plant owners are bracing for a polar vortex driving severe subfreezing temperatures not seen for a generation across one-third of the nation today and tomorrow.
- Bloomberg reports with the cold in Chicago forecast to rival Antarctica’s on Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service, demand for electricity to keep heaters running is expected to surge.
- Real Clear Energy carries an op-ed from William Murray, Federal Energy Manager with the R Street Institute, in which he writes that recent price swings in natural gas — and reduced availability — argue for the continued use of both coal and nuclear power to keep meeting baseload electricity needs.
Emissions:
- E&E Energywire reports a commission convened by Boston’s mayor yesterday produced the fruit of a multiyear analysis of measures the city will need to undertake if it is to achieve its 2050 goal of carbon neutrality.