Wyoming Concedes Its Self-Bonding Requirements for Mine Cleanups Is Inadequate
FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享Patrick Rucker for Reuters:A program that has allowed U.S. coal companies to forego cleanup insurance on massive western mines is flawed and needs to be fixed, Wyoming officials have told federal regulators.Coal companies must restore the land around spent mines, but roughly $3.6 billion in liabilities could fall to taxpayers under a subsidy called ‘self bonding’ that allows large coal companies to go without some cleanup insurance, federal officials have warned.Coal operator Alpha Natural Resources Inc left behind more than $670 million in self-bond liabilities in Wyoming and West Virginia when it filed for bankruptcy in August, and federal officials have asked states to explain how they will brace for such a hit.The self-bonding program has “certain systemic problems … to be addressed individually and in a timely manner,” Wyoming’s Department of Environmental Quality notified federal regulators in a letter sent last week and made public on Tuesday.Wyoming officials broadly defended their handling of coal bankruptcies in the letter to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.Under an agreement with Alpha in the bankruptcy court, Wyoming has priority for only $61 million in cleanup funds – far short of what officials expect is required.Full article: Wyoming says its coal mine cleanup policy is flawed Wyoming Concedes Its Self-Bonding Requirements for Mine Cleanups Is Inadequate
GOP’s Proposed U.S. Tax Overhaul Would Deal a Blow to Wind Industry FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享Cedar Rapid (IOWA) Gazette:MidAmerican Energy said Thursday a plan to scale back the federal wind production tax credit would remove the certainty the company has been counting on in its plans to expand wind power in Iowa.The wind provision, included in the Republican tax plan in the U.S. House, would scale back the credit by limiting it to 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity, down from 2.3 cents. The House Ways and Means Committee cleared the tax plan Thursday.A Senate tax plan was scheduled to be released on Thursday, and some lawmakers on the Finance Committee have said it won’t appear in that version, according to a report. But if the House provision were to prevail, it would put in jeopardy $50 billion in planned investments, according to the American Wind Energy Association, an industry group.Wind advocates complain the House changes would also reverse a 2015 agreement in Congress to phase out the production tax credit over five years.In a statement, MidAmerican said the agreement provided certainty for near term investments.“The House proposal removes that certainty, which MidAmerican Energy — and its customers — were counting on when it moved forward with plans to rebuild and repower more wind generation,” the company said.In 2016, MidAmerican announced plans to add 2,000 megawatts of wind generation in the state, a $3.6 billion project.The House tax bill cuts corporate taxes from 35 percent to 20 percent, reduces the number of income tax brackets, increases the standard deduction and rids the tax code of a range of tax breaks, among other changes.The provision affecting the wind industry, along with other renewable energy sources, would add about $12.3 billion to government revenues over 10 years. The provision would offset revenue losses in other parts of the tax plan.Democrats have complained the plan is a giveaway to corporations and the wealthy.The Senate tax plan, which was to be released on Thursday, was not expected to include the wind provision. Bloomberg reported this week that some Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee had taken a dim view of the idea.More: House’s tax plan could affect Iowa wind projects
Ørsted remains optimistic about opportunities in Asia’s offshore wind market FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享Reuters:Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind farm developer, is concerned the coronavirus may delay auctions for offshore projects as it prepares to enter the market, the head of its Asia-Pacific unit said.“The pandemic will not influence investment decisions and general confidence in offshore wind, but it could delay the projects’ timeline,” Matthias Bausenwein, president of Ørsted Asia-Pacific, told Reuters in a telephone interview. “We hope that we won’t see any major delays,” he said.The Danish company and Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) will make a joint bid for a project off Choshi city, near Tokyo, which could happen later this year.Ørsted’s offshore wind projects in Taiwan have not been affected, but they may see an impact over time, Bausenwein said in the late Thursday interview.Still, Ørsted is optimistic about growth potential in Japan. “There is strong fundamental need for offshore wind power in Japan,” he said, pointing to the country’s plan to boost renewable energy and its need to replace some coal-fired power and nuclear power. “We see that there is a momentum in Japan’s wind power market finally,” he said, as an auction framework has been put in place, making it easier for the company to make an entry.Bausenwein declined to give Ørsted’s business target for Japan, but said it planned to stay for a long time. “We never enter a market just for one project, we always want to build a long-term presence…build a portfolio of projects in order to build our local team and local footprint,” he said.[Yuka Obayashi]More: Orsted hopes coronavirus will not slow Japan’s offshore wind projects
FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享E&E News ($):Coal continues to disappear from the western United States. Two utilities in the region announced plans Friday to close their coal stations — the latest in a series of moves by Western power companies to shutter the former workhorses of their electric fleets.Colorado Springs Utilities voted Friday to close the two municipally owned coal plants, one in 2023 and another by 2030. Farther south in Arizona, Tucson Electric Power released a proposal to ramp down the usage of its two boilers at the Springerville Generating Station before closing them altogether in 2027 and 2032. The plan is subject to approval from Arizona regulators.The announcements are part of a wider trend in the West, where utilities have moved quickly to shutter coal plants in recent years. Colorado had 17 coal boilers spread across eight power plants in 2008. Friday’s announcement means only three of the state’s remaining coal boilers are slated to continue running after 2030.Under the plan approved Friday, Colorado Springs Utilities will close its Martin Drake plant in 2023 and its Ray Nixon plant by 2030. The municipal utility’s “Energy Vision” calls for reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2030. Martin Drake’s closure is notable as it signals the end of one of the last urban coal plants in the country.It is a similar story in Arizona, where there were 13 coal boilers at five power plants in 2018. Only three boilers are now slated to run past 2032.Tucson Electric Power said it plans to operate two of Springerville’s four coal boilers on a seasonal basis beginning in 2023, using the units only in the summer months, when power demand is greatest. The move to seasonal operations has gained currency from utilities and environmentalists in recent years. They say the shift can slash emissions and electric bills. Tucson Electric Power will close one unit in 2027 and another in 2032. The utility said it plans to install 2,457 megawatts of new wind and solar by 2035 — a 70% increase in its renewable capacity.[Benjamin Storrow]More ($): Coal closures in Ariz., Colo. add to Western fuel shift Utilities in western U.S. announce coal plant closures, new renewable energy investments
FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享New Business Ethiopia:The Ethiopian Parliament this week granted its final approval for the loan agreement signed by Ministry of Finance and Danske Bank for financing for the 100 megawatts Assela Wind Farm Project.This marks the end of financial negotiations and the beginning of the execution phase of the Assela Wind Farm, financed by the Danish government. The project is about wind power generation of 100MW capacity from 29 wind turbines, and will harness a part of Ethiopia’s enormous wind potential. The wind farm is expected to generate 330,000KWh annually and supply sustainable power to over three million people, according to the press statement from the Danish Embassy in Addis Ababa.The signing of the loan agreement for construction of the Assela Wind Farm Project affirms the strong Ethiopian-Danish cooperation in the energy sector. Since 2017, Ethiopia has cooperated with the Danish government on the development of the Ethiopian capacity in green energy, especially in relation to expansion within wind energy and how to integrate flexible renewable energy into the electricity grid system.The cooperation between Ethiopia and Denmark is part of the Danish Government’s goal to create partnerships in obtaining access to energy and sustainable economic growth, in line with SDG 7.The contracting amount for the Assela Wind Farm Project amounts to approx. 146 million EUR, which Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) is funding through a concessional finance model consisting of a grant and a loan module. The Danish contribution accounts for approx. 95 million EUR, and covers the cash grant, interest subsidy and loan guarantee.The Assela Wind Farm will be located about 150Km south of the capital, near Iteya town in Oromia Regional State, and will be constructed by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Electric access in Ethiopia is low, with approx. 60 million – over half of its population left without access to electricity.More: Ethiopia’s Assela wind farm secures funding Ethiopia approves financing for 100MW Assela wind farm
Bikers’ beloved Cookie Lady passes awayTo cyclists in 1976, Afton was a dot along the newly formed TransAmerica Bike Trail which traversed the Blue Ridge Mountains. Representing perhaps the most rigorous continuous climb on the trail that spans from Yorktown, Virginia to Reedsport, Oregon, the intersection of Routes 6 and 250 was a natural resting point. Thighs burning and looking for a grocery store, Bikecentennial adventure cyclists found a woman named June Curry.“They would come in the evening and say ‘I just can’t make it any further. With no grocery store, nothing to eat, I’m hungry,’” June told me when I met her in 2005.“I decided it was cheaper to feed them than it was to put them up!”June’s father, who ran a shop just down the road from their house, put up a sign that read “Water for Bikers.” June went to the kitchen and began baking, earning her nickname “The Cookie Lady,” becoming a trail angel to weary cyclists. The Currys eventually cleared out space in an adjacent building and turned it into a crash pad.““I have hundreds of letters from people that have told me that this bike house was what gave them the initiative to go on,” June said.Not bad for a woman who didn’t like to cook and couldn’t ride a bike.June’s generosity grabbed the attention of CBS newsman Charles Kuralt. Though he was on vacation, his crew filmed June and her bikers for an On The Road segment. Exposure on national television introduced the Cookie Lady to a larger audience, inspiring more cyclists to tackle the rigorous Blue Ridge Mountain ascent, knowing that a nice lady would be nearby with a plate of cookies or snacks.“I didn’t do this for publicity. I did it because I was getting a kick out of it,” June said.And the feeling has been mutual. The walls of the Bike House are plastered with post cards, pictures, clippings, mementos and bike memorabilia. An autographed print of Kuralt adorns one of the walls.“I have had more than 12,000 people stop here and I don’t think I can honestly say there’s been over a dozen I had just as soon they hadn’t stopped,” June said. “They’ve been wonderful and they really helped me through a bad time.”Among the setbacks was a stroke June suffered in 2005 that paralyzed her left side. As she was recovering, she broke a wrist. Even so, with the help of an assistant, June made sure cyclists had a place to crash.In 2008, members of the Richmond Area Bikers Association greeted The Cookie Lady on the porch of her brick house. With her left arm in a sling, June accepted a check from the group as well as a surprise proclamation, thanking her for three decades of hospitality.“The bikers are so appreciative no matter what I do,” said a frail Cookie Lady that day, her voice quivering with emotion. “I’ve met so many wonderful people from all over the world. And since I never got to travel, which I wanted to do. I got to meet people from all 50 states and about 50 foreign countries.”If it’s possible for someone to become twice an angel, it happened the afternoon of Monday, July 16, 2012. Passing away at the respectable age of 91, Afton lost its famous Cookie Lady. And even though June Curry is gone, cyclists can still swing by the bike house for cookies.
The Keen Jackson (left) and Keen Tunari CNX (right)Men’s Keen Tunari CNXThis Keen hybrid multisport shoe lives up to Keen’s desire to make a lightweight natural feeling shoe. The sole provides enough support and protection to not worry about rock or stick penetration when out on the trail or playing in the water. Many other similar shoes lack the added protection of the Tunari CNX’s naturally flexing sole, and this is what makes this shoe truly a great multisport shoe. When I am out hiking in and out of the stream while trout fishing in the mountains, or dragging my sit on top kayak across a mud flat littered with oyster shells, I want to enjoy being where I am, and not worrying about where I am stepping. This shoe drains water well and provides great support around the foot, so your feet don’t fatigue even after wearing them all day. The added bonus to the Tunari CNX is it looks great! After your day of adventure, just rinse them off, change your clothes, and you are ready for a great evening of sharing the stories of your day, in your stylish shoes, you wore all day.MSRP $110.00Men’s Keen JacksonThis stylish Keen shoe will get the attention of all your friends. I have a job where I can wear casual shoes to work, and I am often wearing new shoes to work. The Keen Jackson is the first new shoe I have ever worn that got everyone’s attention. Everyone commented on how great they look. It appeals to all people, no matter that their fashion sense. Those in the skate crowd saw it as a shoe to wear out or to go ride their long board. The hipster crowd just needed to know where to get a pair, and everyone else just commented on how they were simple, stylish and looked comfortable. On top of the style, they are comfortable, even when you are on your feet all day like I am. The Jackson has a great memory foam insole and flexes well at the forefoot, making it comfortable to wear all day, and into the night on a casual night out. Everyone will notice you and your new stylish Keen Jackson shoes.MSRP $90.00
Come All You Roving Gamblers Jesse Milnes & Emily Miller 4:18 Photo by Melissa Madison. Blame Dallas Evan Michaels 2:17 A Long Time Ago Kalle Mattson Kathleen Samantha Crain Don’t Mind this mountain Wine and Whiskey Crow & The Canyon Little Piece of You Whitney Rose 3:34 The Fiddler’s Boot Mr Sun 3:42 Stutterer aave 5:37 3:48 2:55 4:10 Dark Chocolate Forest of Tongue 3:06 Flat Top Guitar Ana Egge Weathervane PigPen Theatre Co. 4:53 The Delta Saints offer Trail Mix listeners an exclusive track from their new record this month.It’s pretty danged cool when we can open Trail Mix by saying we have something to offer you that nobody else can.Sooooooooo . . . . Trail Mix has something to offer you that nobody else can!What is that something? An exclusive offering from The Delta Saints, a killer rock band based out of Nashville. Featured only here on Trail Mix is “Butte La Rose,” a brand new tune off of the band’s second record, Bones, which releases on August 7th. If you dig ethereal rock in the vein of My Morning Jacket or gritty roots like The White Stripes, check these guys out. Many thanks to The Delta Saints for allowing Trail Mix to be the first outlet to share this great tune with you.Along the same lines, Trail Mix will be premiering a brand new tune from rising country star Whitney Rose next week. You can take a listen right now to “Little Piece of You,” the lead track off Whitney’s brand new record, Heartbreaker of the Year, on the mix. Come back around next Friday for the premiere of “Ain’t It Wise.”Trail Mix goes thirty songs deep this month and we are happy to offer you brand new tracks from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Rayland Baxter, The Whistles & The Bells, Daniel Romano, PigPen Theatre Co., this mountain, Jennell, Elephant Revival, Forest of Tongue, KATIEE, Advance Base, Evan Michaels, and Mr. Sun, yet another acoustic super group featuring fiddle wizard Darol Anger.Also, Langhorne Slim, Nathaniel and Samantha Crain, two of our favorite songwriters, return this month, and we have made new discoveries with Mike Flanigin, Crow & The Canyon, Ana Egge, Kalle Mattson, Jesse Milnes & Emily Miller, aave, Miracles of Modern Science, and Thayer Sarrano.So much great free music! Stream! Download! Share!Stay tuned to the Trail Mix blog this month. Great profiles are on tap, including chats with Jesse Payne, Noah Gunderson, Rayland Baxter, and Lael Neale.Be sure to get out there and buy music from these great artists. They are incredibly generous in sharing their talents with us. They’ve done their part. Now, go do yours. Find a record. Buy some tickets. Spread the word about at least one great tune you heard on this month’s mix. These artists will appreciate it.And, if you haven’t yet, make sure to follow Trail Mix on Twitter. 3:50 4:59 Holding On My Dead Air Stop The World (feat. Gary Clark Jr.) radio edit Mike Flanigin 2:39 Yellow Eyes Rayland Baxter Mercy Please The Whistles & The Bells 4:29 Embed
2:54 2:51 Pamela Advance Base Born in the Summer Lael Neale Rivers Daniel Pearson Echo’s Rose Elephant Revival 3:35 3:39 Butte La Rose The Delta Saints 2:58 3:26 5:07 S.O.B. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats 3:52 Jealous Love Noah Gundersen I’m Gonna Teach You Daniel Romano 2:25 Feels Like Home Jennell Crease Thayer Sarrano 2:49 Ravens Jesse Payne 3:42 3:22 3:52 Strangers Langhorne Slim 2:57 Atlantic City KATIEE Audio PlayerLael NealeBorn in the SummerUse Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.00:000:00 / 2:54 4:24 Copy and paste this code to your site to embed. Follow Your Heart (Or Something) Miracles of Modern Science 2:36
FEATURES Do You Have Eco-Anxiety? Paddlers: Your beatering is not cool. Boone boulderer Aaron Parlier’s go-to gear. Meet the inspiring young athletes, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs leading the next wave of outdoor adventure in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Flashpoint Parks Guide 2019 Tennessee’s Wildest State Park From Mount Mitchell to Blackwater Falls, our state parks host world-class adventure. Here are 12 favorites, along with the behind-the-scenes stories of the visionaries who helped create them. ReflectionInAPool.com Gorges became a state park instead of a hydroelectric dam, thanks to the efforts of one inspiring leader. Today, it’s still one of the most beautiful and best-kept secrets in Southern Appalachia. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced a controversial development plan for the newly named 2,000-acre Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. Parents and experts share ways to stay positive and maintain hope in an age of climate uncertainty. The Forest Service wants to nix public comment and scientific review. Don’t let them silence you. Editor’s Note The morning sun sets alight both the sky and Blackwater River with orange and red hues at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia. Quick Hits Richmond triathlete dies during swim • Have gyms made climbing more accessible? • Three guys named Adam complete Le Conte Challenge • Free climber Austin Howell dies from fall in Linville Gorge • National parks backlog bill earns bipartisan support @reflectioninapool Photo by Jesse Thornton Trail Mix The Goods Youth bikers and West Virginia state parks partner to construct new trails. If You Build Them, They Will Come DEPARTMENTS Fresh spins of August The Cool Kids ON THE COVER How Gorges was Saved
By Dialogo July 16, 2009 SAO PAULO, 15 July 2009 (AFP) – Brazilian Internet users spent an average of seventy hours online in June, a record figure that surpasses those of Japan and the United States, according to a study by the Brazilian Opinion and Survey Institute (Ibope/Nielsen). The survey also revealed that around 44.5 million Brazilians have access to the Internet at home or at work, the highest level recorded since the study was first done in September 2000. Among the ten countries surveyed, “Brazil continues to have the most time per user, both for navigating webpages and for total time, including online programs,” the study indicates. While Brazil accumulated a total average time online of 69 hours and 55 minutes per user in June, Japan came in at 68 hours and 14 minutes, and the United States at 65 hours and 10 minutes. This total time includes time dedicated to online applications like instant messaging, music players, download programs, and internet telephony, in addition to navigating webpages. In this regard, the principal subcategories used in Brazil during June were instant messaging, virtual communities, and email, which registered growth of 1%, 5%, and 16% respectively in the course of the month.