Written by Elizabeth E. Payne
Elizabeth E. Payne
A native of Boone, N.C., Lee earned degrees in archaeology and ancient history at Brown University and Boston University, and received a Ph.D. in Near Eastern languages and civilizations from Yale University. She served as our AmeriCorps Communications associate from 2015-16, and as our Communications Associate from 2016-2017.
Trump EPA Seeks to Weaken Power Plant Regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the new power plant rules would result in more pollution and up to 1,400 more premature deaths each year by 2030.
Energy Report News Bites
A Virginia town approved two new solar projects, studies found that the minimum safe distance from frack sites should be a quarter-mile and that the amount of water used for fracking has drastically increased, and the West Virginia Coal Association is asking for a tax cut.
Reauthorization of Mine Lands Program Advances
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would renew funding for restoring abandoned coal mine sites — but it would also limit a wide swath of environmental protections.
Black Lung Disease Surges as Support for Miners Dwindles
A recent study shows that black lung disease in Appalachian coal miners is at a 25-year high — but federal taxes on coal companies that help compensate affected miners are set to expire next year.
EPA Rolls Back Coal Ash Protections
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established new rules for the disposal and storage of toxic coal ash, replacing environmental safeguards put forth by the Obama Administration.
Solar Advocates Lose N.C. Court Case
In May, the North Carolina Supreme Court upheld a Duke Energy-backed ruling that nonprofit group NC WARN violated the law by installing solar panels on and selling power to a Greensboro church.
Anti-Solar Bill Stalls in Kentucky Legislature
The Kentucky legislature declined to pass a bill that would have allowed the state and potentially utilities to set new rate structures that could have threatened the expansion of residential solar.
EPA Proposes Major Changes to Federal Coal Ash Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed rolling back federal regulations on how utilities store coal ash, a toxic byproduct from coal-fired power plants.
Duke Energy Raises Electricity Rates
The North Carolina Utilities Commission allowed Duke Energy subsidiary Duke Energy Progress to raise its customers’ utility bills in part to pay for state-mandated coal ash cleanup.
