Coal Power

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Evaluates Impact of EPA Regulations on Employment

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a new study challenging EPA’s optimistic projections regarding air regulations and job creation. The data revealed EPA’s flawed analysis methods and emphasized the need for regulatory reform, showing evidence of potential negative economic impacts from regulations. On February 27, 2013, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a study evaluating the employment impacts of EPA’s regulations….

February 28, 2013

Bipartisan Policy Center Releases Energy Policy Recommendations Report

A recent report from the Bipartisan Policy Center outlines common ground energy policy recommendations that build on energy abundance and efficiency accomplishments of the U.S. On February 27, 2013, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) released a report proposing a set of recommendations intended to serve as a blueprint for establishing strong and diverse energy resource portfolios….

February 28, 2013

SOTU 2013: President Obama Pushes For Climate Change Action

President Obama outlined bold actions to combat climate change, elaborating on his inaugural vow to address the issue. Obama further pledged to use his executive power to tackle climate change challenges if Congress denied action. At his State of the Union (SOTU) speech on February 12, 2013, President Obama cast a bold vision on climate change…

February 13, 2013

Climate Change Debate Intensifies

Divided opinions over climate change issues delayed approval of the draft oversight plan in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Democrats called to amend the draft plan to hold hearings on climate change science, an issue that Republicans have long opposed. On February 6, 2013, democrats in the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a…

February 7, 2013

Cuomo’s Plans to Overhaul New York’s Energy Infrastructure

Recognizing the need to upgrade New York’s energy infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Governor Cuomo’s plans would fundamentally redesign the state’s power system. In his 2013 State of the State report, the Governor highlighted increased grid resiliency, renewable power integration, and reduced dependence on centralized power systems. Governor Cuomo’s proposals follow an interim report…

January 19, 2013

Shape of the President’s Energy Agenda in the Second Term

With the election over, President Obama’s energy priorities will emerge as new rules and regulations are finalized under existing law. The balance of power in Washington is the same as it was prior to the elections– President Barack Obama will serve another four years and Congress will continue to be divided with a Democrat-controlled Senate…

November 11, 2012

Energy Industry Anticipations in the Wake of Obama’s Re-election

Under President Obama’s second term, energy industry officials and analysts are keen on the Administration’s priorities for the energy sector, envisioning regulatory reforms and policies to advance the nation’s energy and economic security. Key areas to watch include Keystone XL Pipeline talks, recognizing the primacy of states in regulating oil and natural gas development, and…

November 7, 2012

Look Ahead at Congress: Effects of Sequestration on the Energy Industry

Sequestration refers to a package of automatic $1.2 trillion across-the-board spending cuts that is a part of the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA), passed in August 2011. The spending cuts would affect some 1200 government programs, including those that fund energy research and development initiatives. The cuts are scheduled to begin on January 2, 2013…

October 31, 2012

Coal Plant Closures More Sensitive to Natural Gas Prices than Regulations

A new report from Brattle Group released on October 1, 2012 projects that as much as 77 GW of coal power could retire in the next five years, driven mainly by lower natural gas prices, despite a less restrictive regulatory atmosphere than previously envisioned. The report, which is an update on Brattle Group’s 2010 study,…

October 2, 2012

Congress Considers Energy Legislation before November Election

On September 21, the House approved H.R. 3409, the Coal Miner Employment and Domestic Energy Infrastructure Protection Act by a 233-175 vote. The “Stop the War on Coal Act,” sponsored by Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), is a package of five proposals that had either already been approved by the Republican-controlled House or reported out of…

September 21, 2012

COMMENTARY: DOE Announces Research Funding for Methane Hydrates

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced funding for 14 new projects to widen its research in methane hydrates, a potential source of natural gas. The announcement, which came on August 31, 2012, aims at advancing the study of methane hydrates in deepwater and arctic formations and develop production technologies that are economically viable and…

September 3, 2012

MIT Study: Applying Carbon Tax Can Relieve US Budget Deficit

According to a report released by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on August 27, 2012, applying a carbon tax at the rate of $20 per ton in 2013 and increasing it by four percent per year can raise $1.5 trillion over a span of 10 years. The report, which comes at a time when Congress…

August 28, 2012

Fossil Fuels