In the news today…
Coal:
- Argus reports the Indiana House of Representatives approved a bill that would require the state’s utility commission to review any proposed coal-fired power plant retirements.
- Utility Dive carries an op-ed in which the author argues that Indiana’s new law, which requires review before a coal-fired power plant can be retired, benefits no one.
- Utility Dive reports Xcel Energy is changing the operations of its coal fleet, with a goal of reaching 100 percent carbon-free power by 2050.
- Argus reports a U.S. court order to review the protection status of a bat species could affect surface coal mining projects in the eastern part of the country.
- E&E Energywire reports the closure of a North Carolina coal plant last week is fueling a debate about the benefits of natural gas as a replacement.
Emissions:
- Wisconsin State Journal reports lawmakers have introduced a state bill that would require utility regulators to consider the social costs of carbon emissions when evaluating new power plants and transmission lines.
- Inside EPA reports industry groups are warning EPA that provisions in its proposed Clean Air Act new source review rule are unclear and could have unintended harmful consequences.