Archive for April, 2010

Why Coal-Generated Electricity Matters to Bay City, Mich.

Coal wire

As you know, the Factuality Tour recently visited Bay City, Mich., where Consumers Energy’s Karn/Weadock coal plant – and the jobs it provides – has helped the town stay afloat during the recent economic downturn.

Now, a proposed 830-megawatt expansion project has residents excited about the future of Bay City. The expansion, which is planned for a site next to the existing Karn/Weadock plant, could create more than 1,800 jobs during construction and will provide Bay City and local industries with affordable, reliable electricity for the future.

Those jobs – and the other economic benefits that come along with them – are what have local officials, business owners and residents looking toward the future.

Check out our latest video to hear why Michigan State Rep. Jeff Mayes believes the expansion will help secure Michigan’s energy future and listen as William Borch Jr., of Iron Workers Local 25, talks about the importance of the high-quality jobs construction will create. You’ll also learn why the plant is so valuable to local restaurant owner Bruce Filipich and his patrons.

As the people of Bay City make clear, the Karn/Weadock coal plant has helped them stay afloat, even as other parts of Michigan struggle in the face of economic difficulties. They understand the importance of coal-generated electricity to our nation’s economy, and it’s no wonder they are excited for the future.

Be sure to visit the Factuality Tour Web site to see more photos, videos, blog posts and interviews from Bay City and other stops from around the country.

21 April 2010, 2:00 pm | Posted in In the States, Jobs | 1 comment »

Texas plant pledge spurs group to withdraw opposition

I just ran across this story in the Dallas Morning News that shows how breakthroughs in clean coal technology can change the opinions of at least some national environmental groups. The story states that an accord reached yesterday between the Environmental Defense Fund and the power company Tenaska will clear some of the opposition to a new West Texas coal plant that promises to capture 85 percent of its carbon dioxide emissions.

According to the report, if the plan comes through, Tenaska’s new Trailblazer Energy Center would be among the first big, commercial-scale coal plants in the US to slash the amount of CO2 being emitted. The plant would also “reduce potential water use.” In exchange for Tenaska’s pledges, the major environmental group “agreed to withdraw from an ongoing Texas permit hearing that seeks to block the 600-megawatt plant.”

Under the pledge, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Tenaska facility “would capture at least 85 percent of carbon dioxide emissions and use a cooling method that could slash water consumption by about 90 percent.” The Environmental Defense Fund described the pledge as “‘the kind of thing we need to solve the problem of global warming’ and might become a ‘role model’ for the U.S.” The Wall Street Journal also reported the story.

Last year as part of our ongoing Factuality Tour, I had a chance to talk with Dr. Greg Kunkel of Tenaska about the project. Check out the video here to see what he had to say about many of the cutting-edge features of the proposed project.

21 April 2010, 11:14 am | Posted in Current Affairs, Energy Issues, Technology | No comments »
Tags: ,

Five Easy Ways to Support CCT

If you’ve visited us on Facebook or listened to President Obama talk about our nation’s energy future, it’s clear there is a lot of support for clean coal technology (CCT). Between the president’s clean coal task force – which plans to bring “5 to 10 commercial demonstration projects online by 2016” – and the every day people who believe coal-generated electricity plays a critical part in keeping energy prices affordable for American families, we’re excited to see the positive momentum building behind CCT.

Of course, there are many easy ways for you to demonstrate your support for CCT and help keep that momentum going.

First of all, follow ACCCE on Twitter. You can also engage other Twitter users talking about energy issues and clear up any misconceptions about clean coal technology and coal-generated electricity. In fact, you can send them to our FAQ page for answers to a variety of coal- and energy-related questions.

Next, join us on Facebook. There you’ll find a growing community of folks who believe coal-generated electricity – and clean coal technology – will play a key role in our world’s energy future. It’s also a great place to keep up with the latest clean coal news and hear what others are saying about energy – and remember, don’t forget to chime in.

You can also check out our Balanced Energy YouTube channel, where you can watch everything from videos of clean coal technology in action to our latest television ads. Plus, if you see something you like you can help spread the word about the benefits of coal-generated electricity by sharing videos with your friends and family.

Finally, be sure you’re visiting us here at Behind the Plug frequently – and don’t forget to sign up to receive regular email updates from us concerning the latest in clean coal and energy policy news.

Remember, when it comes to the energy debate every voice counts – that’s why it’s so important you add yours to the mix.

20 April 2010, 12:36 pm | Posted in Clean Coal Technology and Research | No comments »

< Newer Posts \\ | Page 3 out of 6 | // Older Posts >