The Energy Report
Regional Solar Updates
North Carolina ranked second in solar growth for 2015, and a Virginia solar project is moving forward after an initial roadblock from state regulators.
Read MoreMajor Coal Companies File for Bankruptcy
Both Arch Coal and Alpha Natural Resources are undergoing bankruptcy. Alpha was allowed to issue nearly $12 million in executive bonuses, even while it tries to avoid paying some retirees’ life insurance and health benefits.
Read MoreMercury Rules Survive Supreme Court Setback
Despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had not properly considered the cost to industry of its mercury emission regulations, a panel of federal judges have allowed the agency to move ahead.
Read MoreScientists Review to EPA Fracking Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board raised questions about the scientific basis of a report by the agency on fracking.
Read MoreClean Power Plan Clears Legal Hurdle
Challenges to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan are now going through the legal system.
Read MoreCleanup Plans for Region’s Coal Ash Cause Concerns
In both North Carolina and Virginia coal ash impoundments are being drained into lakes and rivers, a stage in the clean-up efforts that is causing citizen and environmental groups concerns.
Read MoreFracking Wastewater Leads to Ban in West Virginia County
In Fayette County, W.Va., residents speaking up against natural gas drilling wastewater spurred a county-wide ban on the use, storage or disposal of any oil or gas waste.
Read MoreFederal Agency Considering Partial Surface Mining Ban in Tennessee
The U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is considering a petition from the state of Tennessee to prevent surface coal mining on land within 600 feet of certain ridgelines in a 67,000-acre area north of Knoxville.
Read MoreBill Aims to Boost Local Appalachian Economies
The RECLAIM Act, introduced in early February by Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), would accelerate the release of $1 billion from the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund over the next five years and could help revitalize the economics in many areas impacted by coal’s decline.
Read MoreNew Mine Safety Standards Survive Industry Challenge
Despite challenges from industry groups, a federal court has upheld new mine safety standards that will go into effect on Feb. 1.
Read More