The US administration has drawn up proposals to replace Obama-era rules on carbon dioxide emissions with measures to support coal-fired power plants, as President Donald Trump seeks to fulfil his campaign pledge to “put our miners back to work”. Draft versions of proposed rules on carbon emissions from electricity generation, due to be announced this week, include measures that could push utilities to invest in coal-fired plants to make them more efficient and competitive. Michelle Bloodworth, president of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, which represents coal-fired generators and mining companies, described the proposed rule as “a big step in the right direction” by the Environmental Protection Agency. She added that industry believed the regulations would “provide the flexibility to states to develop emissions guidelines that recognise the important role that our nation’s coal fleet plays”.
FT 19th Aug 2018 read more »
South Carolina’s failed nuclear plant has spawned a political storm that Moody’s analysts addressed in their Aug. 17 rating action. The debt was shouldered to build the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station, which, like Vogtle, incurred cost overruns and construction delays. Unlike Vogtle, Summer’s construction was halted. Meanwhile, published reports portray a maelstrom that involves billions of dollars in debt and no clear path forward.
Saporta Report 19th Aug 2018 read more »
