Feature Stories
EPA Proposes Easing Carbon Dioxide Emission Standards for Coal Power Plants
February 14, 2019
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed significantly loosening the standards governing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fueled power plants, issuing regulations to allow quicker, less-expensive upgrades and the building of new facilities without as yet unproven carbon capture and
W. Va. Senator Manchin Releases Agenda as Energy Committee Ranking Member
February 12, 2019
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., put forward his agenda as the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during the body’s first hearing last week on Capitol Hill. Manchin, who previously served as the ranking member of
Fuel Diversity is Key Because Coal and Gas Both Have Vulnerabilities
February 11, 2019
Both gas-fired and coal-fired power plants have weaknesses when it comes to fuel security, an official from PJM Interconnection told state energy officials Wednesday, highlighting the importance of fuel diversity in the broader conversation of grid resilience. The issue is
Australia’s Rolling Blackouts May Provide Lessons for Texas Grid Operator
February 5, 2019
Troubles in an Australian power grid facing record summer heat may provide a cautionary tale for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas as it faces a high probability of a blistering summer with a 7.4 percent reserve margin, which has
Energy Secretary Should Use Discretionary Authority to Support Clean Coal Technologies
February 4, 2019
The threat to power grid resilience and reliability due to the continued retirement of coal-fired power plants has generated calls for immediate action. A severe weather event such as the “bomb cyclone” or “polar vortex” may stretch power capacity to
Germany Shows How Shifting to Renewable Energy Can Backfire
January 31, 2019
Christmas Eve in Germany brought an extra bit of joy to some — utilities paid customers to use electricity rather than the other way around. When there is too much supply, those producing the power will pay others to use
Aquatic Consultants in Canada Bring Mine Sites Back to Life
January 29, 2019
As more environmental regulations and stipulations surface, mineral exploration and mining industries in B.C. are just as concerned about cleaning up after themselves as they are about finding pay dirt. “The BC Mines Act has required mine reclamation since 1969,”
Craig Richardson: The ‘Green New Deal’ is a Prescription for Poverty
January 29, 2019
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and her allies have made a big splash in advancing the so-called “Green New Deal,” which is supposedly intended to help the environment and address poverty. Ironically, this measure will most certainly only harm those already
How Technology Has Changed the Mining Industry
January 28, 2019
With traditional thoughts about the mining industry being old-fashioned and labor intensive, recent advancements in technology have certainly changed the face of mining. It has opened the door for new job opportunities and has transformed operations, increasing demand for efficient
Peru’s Natural Resource Industry Set to Benefit from Uranium Demand
January 28, 2019
The Andean country’s national government is working on regulating transport and exports for uranium mining in Peru as the industry prepares to reap an energy-focused windfall in the country. From the days of the Inca Empire when what would become
