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Trash-Burning Plant Does Not Count Toward Renewable Standard

An Arizona court has overturned an Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) decision finding that a trash-burning power plant counts toward state renewable energy goals.  Mohave Electric Cooperative proposed to build the plant near Phoenix as part of its effort to obtain 15 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2025.  The ACC may appeal the decision.  Click here for the...

Kentucky Coop Proposes Innovative Solution to Air Emission Standards

East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) plans to install ductwork to tie a scrubber between two coal-fired generation units at the Cooper Station plant.  Rather than install separate scrubbers or convert to natural gas, the $15 million tie proposal will provide an affordable alternative that effectively meets new air quality regulations.  EKPC plans to have the tie in operation by...

Arkansas PSC Approves New Environmental Controls for Coal Plant

The Flint Creek coal-fired generation plant in Arkansas will undergo a $408 million makeover to install air pollutant controls required by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the request made by Flint Creek’s owners Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation.  Read more...

Coop Leads Campaign Against New EPA Plan

Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin) is leading a campaign against an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plan to reduce atmospheric haze.  According to Basin and other electric cooperatives, the EPA’s plan, which would place tighter restrictions on coal-fired power plants in Wyoming, would increase electricity rates for consumers by requiring additional pollution-control...

Cooperative Research Network Studies Potential Uses for Coal Ash

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Cooperative Research Network (CRN) and the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research have spent more than two years conducting research on coal ash.  The research is important because coops rely heavily upon coal-based generation, and the Environmental Protection Agency has raised the possibility of regulating coal ash...

Proposed EPA Runoff Guidelines May Create More Costs Than Benefits

In compliance with a recent settlement agreement, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed effluent limitation guidelines for power plants.  The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is concerned that the proposed guidelines, which will affect coal-fired units with wet flue gas desulfurization systems or wet ash handling, could cost electric cooperatives...

Supreme Court to Consider Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to weigh in on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.  This rule aims to limit emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide produced from coal-generated power in upwind states, which in turn hampers downwind states from meeting national ambient air quality standards in accordance with the Clean Air Act’s “good...

House Will Consider Coal Ash Bill

The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted on June 20 in favor of a measure that would set up a new state-run program to manage and dispose of coal ash.  The vote will send a bill, backed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, regulating coal ash impoundments at power plants to the House floor for the second time in less than three years.  The Environmental...

Coops Continue to Monitor Wildfires

Cooperatives in the mountain west region of the United States, including Mountain View Electric Association and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, continue to monitor the Black Forest fire in Colorado and several other blazes in Colorado and in New Mexico.  The cooperatives are concerned about fire season but have not experienced any significant damage to their...

NRECA Backs Potential Senate Deal on Federal Building Efficiency

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is supporting bipartisan legislation to repeal a law ending fossil energy use in new and renovated federal buildings by 2030 and replace it with legislation to expand existing efficiency goals.  A June 3 letter sent by NRECA and eight trade organizations to members of the U.S. Senate stated: “These provisions would give...

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