The debate over building coal-fired power plants near Ely, Nevada, which I detail in Part 2 of my series "Energy Options: Coal," is playing out across the nation. There are hundreds of new coal-fired power plants at various stages of development. Companies have already scrapped many of those plans, citing environmental concerns and uncertainty over regulation of carbon emissions. Global warming concerns outweighed economic concerns for the Governors of Florida, California, and, most recently, Kansas. The Governors have each come out against building new coal-fired plants.
Now there are growing concerns that electricity demand may outstrip supply.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation last week warned large scale wind and solar projects still have to be integrated into the power system. This means building new transmission lines and also understanding how much power renewables can consistently produce during peak demand times.
My stepfather used to tell me, when I had a hard decision to make, not to worry so much about making the decision, but to spend my energy making the decision work. What do you think? Are our political leaders making the right decisions, and will they make them work?
Comments
Stephanie,
I particularly enjoyed the third part of your series. My family (and countless others here in southwestern Pennsylvania) relies on the local coal industry for our prosperity. I'm proud of coal. And, I'm proud of the electricity we provide all over the eastern USA with our coal. Please consider a follow up story focusing on: A. Improvements in polution over the past 20 years created by coal power plants; B. Positive Economic impact of mines and power plants including inability to export these jobs; and C. The real cost difference to consumers/tax payers that would be created by replacing coal fired power plants with alternatives. Any or all of these reports may be interesting. I would be happy to help with insights if you wish.
Thank you.
Stephanie:
There is no question that this is a tough national issue that has significant short-term and long-term implications. I just re-watched all three segments, and again appreciated your fairness in sharing the various political, environmental, business and community sides of this issue.
Mark Severts
Sierra Pacific Resources
Thanks for watching.
The Bristlecone Alliance has a web site www.ElyNV.info
You can reach Oskar Atkinson, the group's president at oskar@atk-it.com.
Stephanie
Stephanie,
That was a great story that ran last evening on NBR. Could you kindly send me additional information about the environemntal group that is oppossed to it - I want to run a follow-on article in our newsletter, Business and the Environment that fits well with a similar story from the NY Times about coal plants in Montana.
I could also use your help in forwarding thi smessage to Luck Kraft about her story on Kirin Brewery.
Thank you
Gabe Crognale
BATE columnist