In the news today…
Coal:
- Washington Examiner reports North Carolina-based Duke Energy, said Monday that it is firmly on the path to becoming the largest renewable energy producer in the country. Duke Energy pointed out that its efforts to transition to renewable energy have made North Carolina second for solar energy in the nation (after California).
- S&P Global Platts reports Central Appalachian coal producer American Resources plans in 2020 to resume production of mid-vol metallurgical coal from two idled underground mines in Wyoming County, West Virginia, it acquired Monday from Synergy Coal LLC as part of an approximately $16 million all-stock transaction, according to a company official.
- WFPL News Louisville reports Henderson, Kentucky, will close its coal-fired power plant, known as Station Two, next February after nearly five decades in operation.
- U.S. Energy News reports rollbacks of air pollution rules for power plants could have the harshest health impacts on people in Ohio and Pennsylvania who supported Trump over Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, reports a new study. Other eastern states would suffer significant impacts as well.
Power Grid:
- Washington Examiner reports carbon emissions from the U.S. power sector have fallen 28 percent since 2005, the EIA said in a report Monday morning, mainly due to a transition away from coal to natural gas and renewables, and also slower electricity demand growth.
EPA:
- Inside EPA reports EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) is set to hear oral argument Oct. 30 in a Clean Water Act (CWA) permit appeal that could set a new precedent on the agency’s authority to loosen pollution restrictions in permits based on waterbody cleanup plans — potentially boosting or putting new limits on its ability to roll back Obama-era permit terms.
Campaign 2018:
- The Hill reports voters in various states will be weighing in next month on high-stakes ballot initiatives that seek to implement major changes to environment and energy policies. This piece outlines five of the most consequential initiatives facing voters on Election Day.
- Richmond Times-Dispatch reports Virginia regulators vote to create new regulations to limit carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants as a move toward the state’s participation in a regional emissions trading system.