Monthly Archives: July 2010
Public Hearing in Salina Scheduled for Sunflower Coal Plant
A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Wednesday at the Kansas Highway Patrol training center. The hearing will begin at 2 p.m., with a break from 5 to 6:30, then resume until everyone has an opportunity to speak. Continue reading
Public Comment Period Restructured for Sunflower Electric Draft Air Quality Permit
This week, it was determined by federal and state officials that the meteorological data Sunflower Electric used were not adjusted for differences in time zones prior to input into the dispersion model. Modeling results simulate how the plant will impact ambient air in surrounding areas. Sunflower has been advised this portion of the permit application will need to be revised and resubmitted. It is estimated it will take approximately 30 days to receive the revised information. Continue reading
GPACE Lauds Added Coal Plant Comment Period
TOPEKA, Kan. – Scott Allegrucci, executive director of the Great Plains Alliance for Clean Energy (www.gpace.org), issued the following statement today in response to the decision of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to schedule a second comment period on Sunflower Electric Power Corp.’s draft air quality permit to construct a new 895-megawatt coal-burning power plant in Holcomb, Kan.: Continue reading
The Natural Gas Bridge
Don’t confuse the BP oil spill with the future of natural gas. The fuel is expected to be a global contender when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants through 2050. That’s the conclusion of an MIT study group, which says that natural gas will erode coal’s market share over time and particularly after domestic and international carbon controls are put in place. After 2050, however, the study — managed by the MIT Energy Initiative — says that carbon-free fuel sources that include both renewables and nuclear power will assume the central leadership roles. Continue reading
The Future of Natural Gas
This report provides a large overview of natural gas production and its outlook for future use and development.
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Mercury Emissions from Coal Plants
This report is specific to the Northeastern United States, but provides a good overview of the impacts related to mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. It also suggests the kind of problems and costs Kansas can expect in the future, if we bring additional coal-fired power plants online. Continue reading
Kansas, Water Shortages, and Agriculture
An accompaniment to the NRDC Water Risk study, this report breaks down the impact of climate change upon the agricultural sector specific to Kansas. Continue reading
Climate Change in Kansas
Dr. Johannes Feddema is a Professor of Geology at the University of Kansas, and a panelist (one of only two from Kanas) for the United Nations Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change. Much of the information we see about climate change reports upon large-scale impacts at the national or global level Continue reading
Climate Change, Water, and Risk
A startling look at the impacts already-occurring climate change will have upon the nation especially in the agricultural sector and in regions already affected by water scarcity. Continue reading
Burning Coal, Burning Cash
This is a terrific report focusing on the economic liabilities created by our dependence upon coal imported almost entirely from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming. The report is national in scope, but includes a state-by-state analysis – Kansas is on page 31. Continue reading
