Coal Power
EIA estimates a two percent increase in 2013 energy-related emissions over 2012 due to increased coal-fired electricity generation. On January 13, 2014, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a report estimating that U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2013 were approximately two percent above 2012 levels mainly due to a slight increase in the use…...
President Obama has ordered a comprehensive energy strategy review to ensure federal policies continue to address changing energy requirements. On January 9, 2014, President Obama signed a memorandum establishing a Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) to enhance the federal government’s capability to provide a comprehensive and integrated energy strategy to meet challenges posed by rising energy…...
EPA has published its long-anticipated proposed carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions standards for new power plants, setting separate limits for new coal- and natural gas-fired plants. On January 8, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published proposed New Source Performance Standards to regulate CO2 emissions from new fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). EPA also published…...
Federal and State guidelines stemming from the Clean Air Act are positioned to change the electricity generation landscape, mainly for coal-fired plant operators in the U.S. Many power plants are finding that closure is more economical than retrofits. Overview The EPA is drafting standards and guidelines for states to implement action plans for regulating emissions…...
EPA has issued final Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations to conditionally exclude carbon dioxide (CO2) streams in geologic sequestration activities from the definition of hazardous waste. On January 3, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final revisions for hazardous waste management under RCRA to conditionally exclude CO2 streams from the definition of…...
EIA’s latest Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) projects a 56 percent increase in natural gas production by 2040, overtaking coal as the largest share of U.S. electric power generation. On December 16, 2013, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released the AEO 2014 Early Release Overview presenting updated projections for U.S. energy markets through 2040. The AEO…...
DOE has released an $8B loan guarantee solicitation to finance innovative and advanced fossil energy projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On December 12, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) launched its $8B loan guarantee program, soliciting applications to finance projects that employ innovative or significantly improved fossil energy technologies, such as advanced resource development,…...
A new study finds that U.S. methane emissions are highly underestimated by current studies. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on November 25, 2013 found that U.S. methane emissions could be 50 percent higher than current estimates. Specifically, nationwide anthropogenic methane emissions are likely to be 1.5 times…...
A new House Bill would repeal fossil fuel tax breaks and expand fossil fuel companies’ liability for spills and cleanup tasks. On November 21, 2013, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced the 2013 End Polluter Welfare Act (H.R. 3574) aimed to end fossil fuel subsidies. The bill would close tax loopholes…...
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has announced support for a draft bill aimed to scale back EPA’s proposed emissions rules for new power plants. On November 11, 2013, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote to Congress expressing support for a draft bill that would limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to set greenhouse gas…...
DOE has announced new research projects to facilitate efficient and cost-effective application of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in power plants. On November 7, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $84M in funding to advance CCS technologies. The funding, supplemented by cost-share from industry, university, and research organizations, will support 18 projects…...
The U.S. Treasury has announced plans to limit funding for new overseas coal projects as part of the nation’s international climate strategy. On October 29, 2013, the U.S. Department of Treasury revised its technical guidance for Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) funding for new overseas coal projects. The revisions, which replace the 2009 Guidance to MDBs…...