Energy and Climate Change


Analysis Links West Texas Ground Movement to Oil Drilling

Alarming movement is linked to prolonged oil production and is a danger to residents, roads, railroads, levees, dams, pipelines, and groundwater, the authors concluded.

Vestas Signs Agreement for Composite Blades Made in China

The V150-4.2 MW turbines' blades are 73.7 meters, or 242 feet, long, and they have the industry's tallest steel tower, according to Vestas.

CARB Awards Grant for Ultra-Low NOx Truck Demonstration Project

California's ultra-low NOx emissions standard is 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour. This program will demonstrate the first diesel engine to comply with this state standard.

Canadian Government Investing in Northwest Territories' Infrastructure

The investments will make a positive difference in communities, such as cleaner air and water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable water management, better transportation, and energy security and reduced reliance on diesel.

Proposal to Store Nuclear Waste in New Mexico Advances

The proposal comes from Holtec International, who is seeking an initial 40-year license for an underground storage facility that could accept and temporarily store used nuclear fuel accruing at reactors across the United States.

California became the first state to require solar panels to be installed on almost all new homes built after 2020.

Solarize NYC Expanded to Brooklyn Neighborhood

"New York City continues to lead the fight against climate change. We're lowering greenhouse gas emissions, preparing for rising seas and more intense storms, and taking the fight directly to the fossil fuel interests that have caused this problem," said Daniel Zarrilli, the city's senior director for Climate Policy and Programs and chief resilience officer.

Canada Working to Reduce Diesel Use in Rural Communities

The national government believes cutting reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities will decrease Canada’s carbon footprint, support climate change adaptation, and contribute to healthier communities.

Sunoco Pipeline Agrees to $12.6 Million Penalty, State's Hold on Permits Lifted

Construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline can resume. "DEP will continue to monitor and enforce the conditions of the permits and will take necessary enforcement actions for any future violations," said McDonnell. "If a resident should witness pollution from the pipeline affecting streams or other waterways, then please alert DEP at 1-800-541-2050."



CPUC Votes to Close Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

PHOTO: DOC SEARLS

Diablo Canyon to Close by 2025

In a unanimous vote Jan. 11, the California Public Utilities Commission approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company's request to retire the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant by 2025.

Most West Coast Governors Bash Leasing Plan

Alaska's governor supports the plan, which Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said would open more than 98 percent of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in federal offshore areas to exploration and development, a reversal from the current program, which he said puts 94 percent of the OCS off limits.

Westinghouse Electric Acquired for $4.6 Billion

"Brookfield's acquisition of Westinghouse reaffirms our position as the leader of the global nuclear industry," Westinghouse President & CEO José Emeterio Gutiérrez said.

Pennsylvania DEP Orders Pipeline Work Halted

The agency's order lists various violations and says Sunoco Pipeline's "unlawful conduct . . . demonstrates a lack of ability or intention on the part of Sunoco to comply with the Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, and permits issued thereunder."

Georgia Power Vows to Complete Vogtle 3 and 4

The Georgia Public Service Commission unanimously approved the company's recommendation Dec. 21 to complete the first new nuclear units in the United States in 30 years.

Devices placed on the sea floor can collect energy from passing waves; several designs have been tested, and wave power has touted as a key technology for helping the country achieve a low-carbon, secure UK energy future.

Report Calls for Better Strategy to Make Wave Power Work for the UK

Some $260 million in public money has been spent on R&D since 2000, but the technology hasn’t been commercialized or widely deployed yet.

Saudi Company Agrees to Use GE Solution in Solar and Desalination Plants

The First National Operations and Maintenance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power, will implement the APM solution at 26 thermal, wind, and solar power generation and water desalination sites in nine countries.

China Growing Fastest in Nuclear Power Production

China now has 38 nuclear power reactors in operation and 19 others under construction, IAEA reports.

New Law Permits Tanker Avoidance Zones on the Hudson

The bill signed into law this week provides flexibility for the state so it can evaluate each instance to ensure it would be feasible and not hinder the necessary travel of petroleum-bearing vessels on the Hudson River and on active ports, some of which have active major oil storage facilities.

Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Under Increased NRC Oversight

NRC said in April, an electrical component on a Catawba Unit 2 emergency diesel generator failed during a scheduled test. NRC said its inspectors reviewed the event and determined that the plant staff had failed to adequately develop and adjust preventive maintenance activities using operating experience, maintenance history, and performance records.

First Floating Wind Farm Starts Production in Scotland

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, officially opened the 30MW farm, which Statoil operates in partnership with Masdar. The farm is located 25 kilometers offshore Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Two Coal-Fired Power Plants Closing in Texas

"These two plants are economically challenged in the competitive ERCOT market. Sustained low wholesale power prices, an oversupplied renewable generation market, and low natural gas prices, along with other factors, have contributed to this decision," Luminant's announcement said.