PSC to retire several coal, natural gas plants Aug 4, 2023 The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) will provide several opportunities over the next month for the public to receive information and provide comments regarding Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities’ (LG&E/KU) request to retire four coal-fired electric generating…
Global temperatures are rising in 2023 and so is worldwide consumption of coal and oil
Global temperatures are rising in 2023 and so is worldwide consumption of coal and oil Energize Weekly, August 2, 2023 As the world sizzles, with July the hottest month on Earth since records have been kept, consumption of coal and oil – the two main sources of climate-warming greenhouse gases…
US to Spend $700 Million for Oil and Gas Sector to Cut Methane Emissions
US to Spend $700 Million for Oil and Gas Sector to Cut Methane Emissions 7/24/2023 The U.S. government will provide up to $700 million in funding to monitor and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, setting aside half of the amount for grants to states, two agencies…
NV Energy wants $1.8B to replace Nevada’s last coal plant
NV Energy wants $1.8B to replace Nevada’s last coal plant July 20, 2023 NV Energy is committing to shutting down its last coal plant by 2025, the utility announced Wednesday, and will spend nearly $2 billion to do it. The news comes after questions were raised early this year on…
Holtec gets NRC go-ahead for US used nuclear fuel store
Holtec gets NRC go-ahead for US used nuclear fuel store 13 July 2023 Holtec International has received the final licence from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for construction and operation of a waste storage facility in Lea County, southeast New Mexico. The site will temporarily store nuclear waste from…
Tap Water Study Detects PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Across The U.S.
Tap Water Study Detects PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Across The U.S. July 5, 2023 At least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have one or more types of the chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological…
Duke Energy Kentucky partners with Amazon for solar project
Duke Energy Kentucky partners with Amazon for solar project July 10, 2023 Duke Energy Kentucky recently completed a new utility-scale rooftop solar project on the Amazon Air Hub rooftop adjacent to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. This project is the largest rooftop solar array in the state, with over 5,600…
Biden administration announces $650 million to plug orphaned gas and oil wells
Biden administration announces $650 million to plug orphaned gas and oil wells 07/10/23 The Interior Department announced Monday more than $650 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. The $660 million in funding, available to 27 states, will go toward the plugging of so-called…
NS Power plans to produce electricity with fuel oil until 2050 instead of with coal
NS Power plans to produce electricity with fuel oil until 2050 instead of with coal July 4, 2023 Nova Scotia’s power utility plans to convert a coal-burning electricity station in Cape Breton to burn heavy fuel oil once federal regulations phase out coal entirely in 2030. The proposal has raised…
US government sets sight on Great Lakes for offshore wind
US government sets sight on Great Lakes for offshore wind 06/30/2023 While efforts to expand offshore wind in the U.S. are currently focused primarily on the coastal regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico, another body of water is once again coming into focus: the five Great Lakes…
Colorado and Wyoming, at odds over energy policy, find common ground on carbon capture
Colorado and Wyoming, at odds over energy policy, find common ground on carbon capture Energize Weekly, July 5, 2023 When it comes to energy policy, there isn’t a lot that Wyoming and Colorado see eye to eye on, but the two neighbors have common ground on capturing carbon dioxide from…
EnergySolutions sets its sights on nuclear new build
EnergySolutions sets its sights on nuclear new build Jun 22, 2023 Utah-based decommissioning company EnergySolutions has entered the early phases of exploring the possible use of former nuclear sites acquired by the company, such as the closed Kewaunee nuclear power plant in Wisconsin, as potential locations for future new nuclear…
West Virginia bets on hydrogen in gamble to save coal plant
West Virginia bets on hydrogen in gamble to save coal plant 06/25/2023 A little-known company that enjoys the backing of West Virginia’s top political leaders is in talks to turn one of the state’s largest coal plants into a clean energy behemoth. Omnis Global Technologies, a California-based firm, says it…
EPA seeks to address contamination before it harms Des Moines area drinking water
EPA seeks to address contamination before it harms Des Moines area drinking water June 19, 2023 A contaminated groundwater plume in Des Moines could soon receive federal resources to clean it up. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public meeting Tuesday at Weeks Middle School in Des Moines…
States Suing PFAS Manufacturers Over Contamination, ‘Campaign To Knowingly Deceive The Public’
States Suing PFAS Manufacturers Over Contamination, ‘Campaign To Knowingly Deceive The Public’ June 7, 2023 Attorneys general representing a range of states are now suing the manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) over the harm that these chemicals have caused their residents and environments, including the health effects that…
Nuclear storage talks could mean changes for San Onofre
Nuclear storage talks could mean changes for San Onofre June 9, 2023 U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says the process of moving spent nuclear fuel currently stored at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is moving forward. Granholm visited the decommissioned nuclear power plant on Camp Pendleton on Friday to…
Without access to water lines, Texas colonias residents are pulling water from the desert air
Without access to water lines, Texas colonias residents are pulling water from the desert air JUNE 5, 2023 Hueco Tanks, developed under the name Hueco Mountain Estates, is among the dozens of colonias — unincorporated communities mostly in border counties — in Texas where low-income, Latino residents still are not…
Xcel power plants in Texas, New Mexico could get solar power in 2026
Xcel power plants in Texas, New Mexico could get solar power in 2026 June 6, 2023 A plan to add solar generating facilities to two Xcel Energy natural gas power plants in Texas and New Mexico is going forward, according to an Xcel news release on Monday. The plan will…
Duke Energy working to clean up Gallagher coal ash site, will follow any new regulations
Duke Energy working to clean up Gallagher coal ash site, will follow any new regulations May 24, 2023 Stricter guidelines could be on the horizon for getting rid of hazardous waste at coal ash dumps in Indiana, including Gallagher Station in New Albany. The Indiana Capitol Chronicle reports the Environment…
Lawmakers eye compromise bill to bolster power lines in permitting negotiations
Lawmakers eye compromise bill to bolster power lines in permitting negotiations 05/25/23 Lawmakers appear to be considering a compromise bill to bolster the nation’s power lines as part of efforts to tie energy permitting reforms to legislation that would lift the debt ceiling. A source briefed on the issue told…
Supermajors are scrubbing their greenhouse gas emissions by offloading dirtier assets
Supermajors are scrubbing their greenhouse gas emissions by offloading dirtier assets Energize Weekly, May 31, 2023 Seven of the world’s “supermajor” oil companies are cleaning up their greenhouse gas emissions in large part by offloading some of the dirtiest assets to small companies who are often poor environmental performers, according…
Ocean Wind 1 project moves forward; BOEM completes environmental analysis
Ocean Wind 1 project moves forward; BOEM completes environmental analysis May 23, 2023 The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Monday said it completed its environmental analysis of the proposed Ocean Wind 1 wind project off the New Jersey Shore. BOEM said Ocean Wind could power up to a half-million…
Toxic PFAS can be broken down by bacteria found in wastewater
Toxic PFAS can be broken down by bacteria found in wastewater 15 May 2023 Bacteria that break down some types of “forever chemicals” can be found in sludge from wastewater treatment plants. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in coatings and foams that…
PG&E has a new way to store radioactive waste at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant
PG&E has a new way to store radioactive waste at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant MAY 12, 2023 PG&E will soon have an additional way it stores casks of new highly radioactive spent fuel from Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. Currently, the spent fuel — radioactive waste that remains dangerous…
Legal war brews over EPA power plant rule
Legal war brews over EPA power plant rule 05/12/2023 EPA has rolled out its strongest-ever proposal to slash planet-warming emissions from power plants — but before the agency can tackle one of the nation’s leading sources of climate pollution, the strategy must first survive the courts. Legal observers say that…
Hundreds of gas plants could escape EPA climate rules
Hundreds of gas plants could escape EPA climate rules 05/03/2023 About 1,000 natural gas-fired power plants that provide energy at periods of peak demand could be excluded from the toughest standards under EPA’s upcoming carbon rules. These plants are often located in urban areas, raising concern among some environmental advocates…
EPA Takes First-Ever Federal Clean Water Act Enforcement Action To Address PFAS Discharges At Washington Works Facility Near Parkersburg, W. Va.
EPA Takes First-Ever Federal Clean Water Act Enforcement Action To Address PFAS Discharges At Washington Works Facility Near Parkersburg, W. Va. April 26, 2023 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the Chemours Company to take corrective measures to address pollution from per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in stormwater and effluent…
Years past deadline, Georgia will submit plan to close loophole in pollution regulations
Years past deadline, Georgia will submit plan to close loophole in pollution regulations May 1, 2023 Under pressure from the federal government, Georgia is rewriting a rule governing industrial air pollution limits to end a loophole that currently exposes communities near coal plants and other facilities to harmful pollutants. Federal…
Duke Energy’s Impact Report details progress toward ESG, business goals
Duke Energy’s Impact Report details progress toward ESG, business goals May 01, 2023 Duke Energy released a report that outlines its approach to sustainability and its progress on strategic business priorities and goals. Among the key points in Duke’s Impact Report, the company said its planned investment of $145 billion…
EPA to propose strongest emission limits yet for coal- and gas-fired power plants
EPA to propose strongest emission limits yet for coal- and gas-fired power plants 4.24.2023 The Biden Administration is expected to propose stringent requirements on utilities to reduce carbon emissions from fossil-fired power plants, according to multiple published reports. The proposal would be a transformational approach from the U.S. Environmental Protection…
PPL Corp. advanced its commitment to ESG in 2022
PPL Corp. advanced its commitment to ESG in 2022 April 24, 2023 In its 2022 Sustainability Report, PPL Corp. gave an overview of its approach to a clean energy transition while outlining the company’s performance on the environment, social responsibility, and governance (ESG). “PPL is focused on excelling in safety,…
With 9 Million Lead-Based Pipelines In The U.S., EPA Requests $625 Billion
With 9 Million Lead-Based Pipelines In The U.S., EPA Requests $625 Billion April 11, 2023 As the U.S. EPA works to address one of the nation’s most pervasive drinking water contamination issues, it has released a new estimate for the number of lead-based pipelines and provided a price tag for…
World Leaders Agree to Boost Nuclear Power, While Germany Shuts Its Plants
World Leaders Agree to Boost Nuclear Power, While Germany Shuts Its Plants April 17, 2023 Some of the world’s largest most influential nations have formed an alliance to create new supply chains for nuclear energy—the same weekend that another country announced it had completely weaned itself off the energy source.…
Montana Judge Cancels Air Permit for Gas-Fired Power Plant
Montana Judge Cancels Air Permit for Gas-Fired Power Plant Apr 10, 2023 A judge in Montana has canceled the air quality permit for a natural gas-fired power plant under construction in the state, citing concerns about emissions of greenhouse gases from the facility. State District Judge Michael Moses on April…
Dominion Energy Utah starts hydrogen blending in Utah pipelines
Dominion Energy Utah starts hydrogen blending in Utah pipelines Apr 04, 2023 Dominion Energy Utah (DEU) has begun hydrogen blending in Delta, Utah, pipelines as part of the ThermH2 project. The project gas entered its first phase which is focused on blending hydrogen in the utility’s Training Academy to confirm…
Radioactive water leaks at Minn. nuclear plant for 2nd time
Radioactive water leaks at Minn. nuclear plant for 2nd time Mar 23, 2023 Water containing a radioactive material has leaked for a second time from a nuclear plant near Minneapolis and the plant will be shut down, but there is no danger to the public, the plant’s owner said Thursday.…
White House threatens veto for Republican energy package
White House threatens veto for Republican energy package 03/27/23 The White House on Monday threatened a veto of a House Republicans’ energy package, known as H.R. 1, if it makes it to President Biden’s desk. “H.R. 1 would take us backward. Therefore, if presented to the President in its current…
U.S. EV and battery investments reached $120 billion in 2023 spurred by federal legislation
U.S. EV and battery investments reached $120 billion in 2023 spurred by federal legislation Energize Weekly, March 29, 2023 Electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing investments in the U.S. surged by $120 billion in the last eight years with federal legislation spurring activity, according to a study by the Environmental…
U.S. pipeline regulator grants over $25 million in funding to improve safety
U.S. pipeline regulator grants over $25 million in funding to improve safety March 20, 2023 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on Monday announced more than $25 million in funding to improve safety nationwide after recent train derailments. These grants are targeted to train…
Xcel is cleaning up radioactive water spill at Monticello plant
Xcel is cleaning up radioactive water spill at Monticello plant MARCH 16, 2023 A broken pipe at Xcel Energy’s Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant leaked about 400,000 gallons of water containing radioactive tritium, and the utility is working to clean up the contaminated plume, state regulators said Thursday. Both Xcel and…
EPA proposes new rules for toxic pollutants discharged from coal-fired power plants
EPA proposes new rules for toxic pollutants discharged from coal-fired power plants March 13, 2023 The EPA has proposed new and stricter limits on toxic contaminants that utilities can discharge from their coal-fired power plants and coal ash landfills — but it’s still unclear how the rules would affect Duke…
Oil And Gas Firms Failed To Cut Back On Flaring In 2022
Oil And Gas Firms Failed To Cut Back On Flaring In 2022 March 3, 2023 Despite bold promises from several oil and gas firms, many failed to reduce their natural gas flaring in 2022. With increasing pressure from environmental organisations and governments to reduce carbon emissions, will 2023 be any…
Constellation starts up nuclear-powered clean hydrogen facility in New York
Constellation starts up nuclear-powered clean hydrogen facility in New York Mar 07, 2023 Constellation Energy Company has started up a 1MW demonstration-scale, nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility at its Nine Mile Point plant in Oswego, New York. Believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, the plant…
Interactive Colorado Water Supply Tool Illuminates Statewide Water Needs Through 2050
Interactive Colorado Water Supply Tool Illuminates Statewide Water Needs Through 2050 February 21, 2023 With more frequent, severe drought, many are looking for better ways to address water supply and storage as climate change alters life in Colorado and the West. The newly released Colorado Water Plan provides a framework…
Northern Virginia data centers could strain power grid
Northern Virginia data centers could strain power grid February 27, 2023 Data centers in Northern Virginia starting to draw new environmental concerns. Monday, The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will weigh whether the centers get a waiver on air pollution. Northern Virginia hosts the largest collection of data centers in…
United Airlines launches $100 million fund to develop sustainable aviation fuel
United Airlines launches $100 million fund to develop sustainable aviation fuel Energize Weekly, March 1, 2023 United Airlines, which has supported and invested in a string of projects to develop sustainable aviation fuel, last week announced its latest initiative – a $100 million venture capital fund. The new United Airlines…
CDC Planning Wastewater Testing For Polio In Select Communities
CDC Planning Wastewater Testing For Polio In Select Communities February 16, 2023 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will strategically expand wastewater testing for poliovirus in select jurisdictions across the country. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)…
EPA undoes Trump-era power plant rollback
EPA undoes Trump-era power plant rollback 02/17/2023 A quixotic and clamorous regulatory saga perhaps unmatched in Clean Air Act history has ended — at least for now. In a final rule unveiled Friday, EPA restored the legal underpinnings of a 2012 set of regulations for emissions of mercury, a neurotoxin…
‘New era’ for wind industry as Vestas makes blade recycling breakthrough
‘New era’ for wind industry as Vestas makes blade recycling breakthrough 2/8/23 Vestas has unveiled a crucial new technology that could put an end to decommissioned wind turbine blades being sent for scrap. The Danish manufacturing company says its solution “renders epoxy-based turbine blades as circular”, without the need for…
Duke Energy plans gas plants as it moves away from coal, but critics see higher cost and emissions
Duke Energy plans gas plants as it moves away from coal, but critics see higher cost and emissions February 14, 2023 Three years ago, Duke Energy opened its newest natural gas-fired power plant in Asheville, on the site of an old coal-fired plant. Duke wants to build more gas plants…
