Energy Report
A digest of regional energy news
N.C. Legislators Release Controversial Energy Bill
N.C. House Republicans unsuccessfully proposed a bill after months of secret negotiations with Duke Energy and others that would have cleared the way for multi-year rate hikes, a massive build-out of natural gas infrastructure and more.
Agencies Weigh Mountain Valley Pipeline Water Crossing Permits
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to make a decision on a key Clean Water Act certification for the fracked-gas pipeline by the end of June as Virginia and West Virginia consider stream crossing permits.
Bringing Shared Solar to Southwest Virginia
Shared or community solar can be a good way to experience the benefits of solar without a high upfront cost. But customers of Appalachian Power in Southwest Virginia are still prohibited by state law from installing shared solar arrays.
N.C. Upholds MVP Southgate Permit Denial
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality again rejected a permit for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s proposed extension into the state. MVP also announced another delay and cost increase for the 300-mile fracked-gas pipeline.
Black Lung Benefit Fund Would See Major Boost from Change to Coal Tax
Changing the structure of a tax that funds federal benefits for miners could bring tens of millions of dollars annually to the cash-strapped Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
