Coal Power

President Obama Unveils Comprehensive Climate Agenda

President Obama’s second-term climate agenda includes sweeping measures to cut carbon emissions from power plants, boost renewable energy production, increase fuel economy standards, and advance international initiatives to combat climate change. On June 25, 2013, President Barack Obama outlined a comprehensive Climate Action Plan prioritizing measures to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to set a…...

Western Governors Outline 10-Year Energy Goals

WGA’s “10-Year Energy Vision” calls for collaborative interstate initiatives to achieve energy security by increasing energy production, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy distribution infrastructure, among other energy goals. On June 28, 2013, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released the “10-Year Energy Vision,” a regional plan articulating the energy goals of 19 member states, American…...

Senate Bill to Improve Energy Productivity

A newly proposed Senate bill would establish the State Energy Race to the Top program aimed at doubling the nation’s energy productivity by 2030. On June 20, 2013, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to establish a state grant program of federal incentives to boost energy productivity.  The bill…...

NYC’s Potential for Combined Heat and Power Development

A new report identifies NYC’s potential for combined heat and power deployment and suggests potential solutions to overcome regulatory and technical barriers.  On May 30, 2013, the Columbia Center for Climate Change Law and Modi Research Group released a report examining the potential for combined heat and power (CHP) development in New York City.  Based…...

Taxation Group Report Outlines Energy Tax Reform Proposals

Energy tax reform proposals released by the House Ways and Means Committee outline potential modifications to federal tax code for fossil fuel production, renewable energy tax credits, and energy efficiency provisions. On May 6, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released the Joint Committee on Taxation report detailing tax reform suggestions to 11 Tax…...

Bill to Expand Master Limited Partnerships to Renewable Energy Projects

The revised Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act would allow renewable energy projects to access financing and tax advantages that are currently available only to fossil fuel energy projects. On April 24, 2013, a group led by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced an expanded version of the Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act introduced in 2012 to…...

EPA Proposes Water Pollution Standards for Steam Electric Power Plants

EPA’s proposed standards to limit toxic waste disposal from steam electric power plants mainly target coal and other fossil fuel-fired plants. On April 19, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed water pollution regulations for steam-electric power plants, which currently account for more than 50% of pollutants discharged into American waterways from U.S. regulated industrial…...

U.S. and China Launch Joint Initiative to Fight Climate Change

U.S. and China have committed to take cooperative action to combat climate change using practical emissions reduction measures and low-carbon initiatives, setting a powerful example to the rest of the world. On April 13, 2013, the U.S. State Department announced the U.S. and China will launch a Climate Change Working Group, recognizing the need for…...

FY 2014 Budget Proposal: Significant Investment in Clean Energy Development

In his FY 2014 budget proposal, President Obama increases spending on clean energy development, seeking to expedite R&D and boost cost-competitiveness and deployment of clean energy technologies.   President Barack Obama’s FY2014 budget plan released on April 10, 2013, proposes increases in spending for clean energy production and deployment.  The budget aims to support cost-competitiveness…...

EPA Finalizes Emissions Standards for New Power Plants

The finalized MATS rule for new power plants sets certain emissions limits at slightly higher levels than the original 2011 rule.   On March 28, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for new power plants, revising emissions limits for mercury, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and particulate matter,…...

NRG CEO David Crane Offers Top Priorities to Incoming DOE Secretary

On Friday, March 1st, 2013, NRG Energy President & CEO David Crane took the stage at the MIT Energy Conference to offer the Friday Keynote Address to a packed theater.  MIT Energy Initiative Executive Director Melanie Kenderdine moderated the Friday Keynote in a one-on-one Davos-style conversational interview.  In it, she asked Crane to offer his…...