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Biden administration seeks to boost carbon capture in power plants

May 11, 2023
The goal is to remove 90% of industry emissions by 2035.
Biden's plan calls for power plants that burn coal and natural gas to be outfitted with systems that capture carbon. If released into the atmosphere, the carbon would contribute to climate change.
George Frey/AFP via Getty Images

Texas lawmakers want state-funded power plants to improve grid reliability

Apr 13, 2023
Blackouts and brownouts are becoming more common thanks to climate change. Grid managers say backup electricity options are essential — but at what cost?
Texas lawmakers are debating a bill that would fund new natural gas plants to act as a sort of fleet of emergency generators. Above, transmission towers near Houston.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Should utilities rethink the power transmission model?

May 9, 2022
Some say lawmakers are trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th century solutions.
Electricity providers in some parts of the country with hot weather are warning consumers that demand may outpace supply.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

What's behind China's power cuts?

Oct 5, 2021
China has more than enough coal underground to service the country's needs.
There are more than 50 cap and trade programs across the world to address carbon emissions.
Kevin Frayer via Getty Images

Wyoming coal community imagines a new future

Jun 3, 2019
The threat of coal plant closures is making Kemmerer, Wyoming, think closely about diversification.
Mayor Tony Tomassi standing on the edge of a small residential community in Kemmerer.
Cooper McKim/Wyoming Public Radio

Can looser regulations save the coal industry from market forces?

Aug 21, 2018
The Environmental Protection Agency released details today of its plan to replace the Obama-era rules governing carbon emissions from power plants. The EPA’s proposals differ radically from the old Clean Power Plan. They give a lot of concessions to the coal industry. President Donald Trump has long promised to end what he calls the “war […]
A truck dumps coal at a coal prep plant outside the city of Welch in rural West Virginia on May 19, 2017.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Coal and nuclear power stand to gain from new Department of Energy moves

Oct 2, 2017
The Trump administration is asking for new regulations in the name of grid reliability. Specifically, it wants to support coal and nuclear power to make sure the U.S. always has a  supply on-hand for possible times of need. But skeptics wonder if this is all a back-door bailout for power plants that simply can’t compete […]

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New report calls on federal government to help shore up nuclear security

Aug 16, 2017
Former Energy Secretary says our nuclear energy, technology, are tied to national security.

Community near Georgia nuclear plant looks at an uncertain future

Apr 25, 2017
What will Westinghouse's bankruptcy mean for its nuclear projects in the U.S.?
Plant Vogtle in  Georgia sits just west of the Savannah River.
Grant Blankenship