Tag Archives: energy policy
Let’s Unplug Dirty, Old Coal Plants
Across the nation, old coal-fired power plants are gasping for their last breath, having survived long past their prime because of political favors and weak government regulations. The nation is at an energy crossroads. One path cuts old ties and moves on to a clean energy future powered by a mix of next generation power sources. The other path prolongs our dependence on an energy source that is cooking the planet and making us sick. Continue reading
Governor Sam Brownback: Wind Offers Clean Path to Growth
The moment is approaching when our nation must decide how it’s going to power the future. Experience has taught us that investment in the renewable-energy economy is creating jobs across all employment sectors. The price of Kansas wind is now competitive with the traditional sources of energy, and you can get guaranteed rates for the next 20 years. Continue reading
Nebraska Lawmakers Plead with Secy. Clinton to Delay Keystone XL Decision
The Nebraskans say that extending the deadline to May 2012 would give the Legislature another session to beef up its oil pipeline safeguards Continue reading
What’s your plan, Governor?
Gov. Sam Brownback has received praise for declaring Kansas’ Flint Hills totally off limits to wind energy development. There is no question that this pristine prairie environment must not be spoiled or endangered, but we have some concerns about what happens next. We do not doubt Brownback’s sincerity in guarding those hills, but he now must demonstrate that he is equally committed to capitalizing on his state’s vast wind energy development potential. It is much easier to declare where wind turbines cannot go than it is to open opportunities for their development. Continue reading
Christian Coalition Visits Hill for Energy Discussion
By Sarah Abruzzese of Greenwire (from The New York Times) The Christian Coalition of America came to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, not to proselytize or discuss issues like abortion or gay marriage, but to talk about the United States’ energy … Continue reading
Coal Industry Continues its Shady Practices
If you ever wanted evidence that the coal industry is corrupting our politics, look no further than the state of Kansas and the decision Tuesday by Governor Mark Parkinson to fire his chief environmental official Rod Bremby. Continue reading
Elections Alter Climate and Energy Landscape
At the state level, regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions could lose steam.
Roderick Bremby, the top environment official in Kansas, resigned Tuesday as Sen. Sam Brownback (R) cruised to victory in the gubernatorial race. Three years ago, Bremby was the nation’s first official to reject an air permit application for a power plant because of carbon dioxide emissions. The outgoing governor, Mark Parkinson – a former Republican who took over in 2009 when Kathleen Sebelius joined the Obama Cabinet – gave Bremby a choice of leaving immediately or overseeing the transition to the conservative Brownback. Bremby left. Continue reading
House OKs Loans for Rural Energy Efficiency
Rural homeowners could get loans of about $3,000 to $7,500 to make their homes more energy-efficient under legislation the House passed Thursday. Continue reading
New Wind Turbine Test Center in Colby to Show How Wind Can Power Savings
From the Kansas City InfoZine A partnership involving Colby Community College, Midwest Energy, Wind Energy Consulting and Contracting, and Kansas State University has received a subcontract award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to establish the … Continue reading
Coal-Fired Units to Retire Earlier than Planned
Exelon Power will retire Unit 2 at both the Cromby and Eddystone cosl-fired power plants in Pennsylvania sooner than previously announced because of a revised analysis from the PJM Interconnection. Continue reading
