January 2011 - EC - lists.bikelover.org

Fw: Fw: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE!
by Allan Tweddle 30 Jan '11

30 Jan '11

Why not WV? From: fmoose39(a)hotmail.com Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 5:54 PM To: Jim Sconyers ; ec(a)osenergy.org Subject: Re: [EC]Fw: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE! Solar is basic free in many states now. Take the instance Ohio has carbon credits when one takes these in conjunction with tax credits by its self and not including cost savings from the electric bill the payback is less then one year in many cases. sent from my AT&T Smartphone by HTC ----- Reply message ----- From: "Jim Sconyers" <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com> Date: Sun, Jan 30, 2011 11:03 am Subject: [EC] Fw: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE! To: <ec(a)osenergy.org> Awesome!! Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Peter Gollon <PGollon(a)AOL.COM> To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Sent: Sun, January 30, 2011 8:53:22 AM Subject: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE! HomeSun offers free solar panels to UK homes UK company HomeSun is offering free solar panels to homes with south-facing roofs in return for receiving the Government’s feed-in-tariff. The company says it will provide and install 2..5 kWh- 4 kWh systems, which typically cost £11,000-15,000 for free on homes with optimally sited and sized roofs. Households will be able to benefit from the free electricity generated to lower their household energy bills, while HomeSun will receive the feed-in tariff over its 25 year guaranteed lifetime. At any time, households will be able to buy the system from HomeSun on a straightline depreciation basis and start receiving the feed-in tariff themselves. Homes with less optimal positions can also benefit from the scheme, but for a one-off fee of £500 and a £5 per month maintenance and repair charge. HomeSun says it plans to install 100,000 systems over the next three years. “Our SolarShare offer is all about making renewable energy more affordable to more people,” says Daniel Green, from HomeSun. “We believe it is precisely the kind of enterprise-inspired solution that the Government is looking for to drive the green agenda.” (taken from http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/policy/i/3291/) For further information: www.homesun.com/- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS list, send any message to: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec

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Re: [EC] Fw: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE!
by fmoose39＠hotmail.com 30 Jan '11

30 Jan '11

Solar is basic free in many states now. Take the instance Ohio has carbon credits when one takes these in conjunction with tax credits by its self and not including cost savings from the electric bill the payback is less then one year in many cases. sent from my AT&T Smartphone by HTC ----- Reply message ----- From: "Jim Sconyers" <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com> Date: Sun, Jan 30, 2011 11:03 am Subject: [EC] Fw: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE! To: <ec(a)osenergy.org> Awesome!! Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Peter Gollon <PGollon(a)AOL.COM> To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Sent: Sun, January 30, 2011 8:53:22 AM Subject: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE! HomeSun offers free solar panels to UK homes UK company HomeSun is offering free solar panels to homes with south-facing roofs in return for receiving the Government’s feed-in-tariff. The company says it will provide and install 2..5 kWh- 4 kWh systems, which typically cost £11,000-15,000 for free on homes with optimally sited and sized roofs. Households will be able to benefit from the free electricity generated to lower their household energy bills, while HomeSun will receive the feed-in tariff over its 25 year guaranteed lifetime. At any time, households will be able to buy the system from HomeSun on a straightline depreciation basis and start receiving the feed-in tariff themselves. Homes with less optimal positions can also benefit from the scheme, but for a one-off fee of £500 and a £5 per month maintenance and repair charge. HomeSun says it plans to install 100,000 systems over the next three years. “Our SolarShare offer is all about making renewable energy more affordable to more people,” says Daniel Green, from HomeSun. “We believe it is precisely the kind of enterprise-inspired solution that the Government is looking for to drive the green agenda.” (taken from http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/policy/i/3291/) For further information: www.homesun.com/- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS list, send any message to: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp

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Fw: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE!
by Jim Sconyers 30 Jan '11

30 Jan '11

Awesome!! Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Peter Gollon <PGollon(a)AOL.COM> To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Sent: Sun, January 30, 2011 8:53:22 AM Subject: Free Solar Panels in UK - THIS is What We Need HERE! HomeSun offers free solar panels to UK homes UK company HomeSun is offering free solar panels to homes with south-facing roofs in return for receiving the Government’s feed-in-tariff. The company says it will provide and install 2.5 kWh- 4 kWh systems, which typically cost £11,000-15,000 for free on homes with optimally sited and sized roofs. Households will be able to benefit from the free electricity generated to lower their household energy bills, while HomeSun will receive the feed-in tariff over its 25 year guaranteed lifetime. At any time, households will be able to buy the system from HomeSun on a straightline depreciation basis and start receiving the feed-in tariff themselves. Homes with less optimal positions can also benefit from the scheme, but for a one-off fee of £500 and a £5 per month maintenance and repair charge. HomeSun says it plans to install 100,000 systems over the next three years. “Our SolarShare offer is all about making renewable energy more affordable to more people,” says Daniel Green, from HomeSun. “We believe it is precisely the kind of enterprise-inspired solution that the Government is looking for to drive the green agenda.” (taken from http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/policy/i/3291/) For further information: www.homesun.com/- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS list, send any message to: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp

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WSJ ARTICLE: ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES TO ACQUIRE MASSEY ENERGY CO FOR 7 BILLION DOLLARS
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 29 Jan '11

29 Jan '11

Alpha CEO: Premium for Massey Well Worth It By KRIS MAHER<http://online.wsj.com/search/term.html?KEYWORDS=KRIS+MAHER&bylinesearch=true> Alpha Natural Resources<http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=ANR>Inc. CEO Kevin Crutchfield said Massey Energy <http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=MEE>Co. has been at the top of Alpha's list of companies to acquire for a while because the combination would create a global leader in metallurgical coal reserves, production and sales. He said the 21% premium Alpha had agreed to pay for Richmond, Va., based Massey is well worth it. With the announcement Saturday that Alpha reached an agreement to acquire Massey in a cash and stock deal valued at $7.1 billion, Alpha is now poised to become the world's third-biggest producer of coal used by steelmakers just when global demand for the resource is growing and supplies are increasingly scarce. The combined company will have more than 110 miles and 5 billion tons of coal reserves, including reserves of high quality metallurgical coal used in steelmaking. More - * Alpha Reaches Deal to Buy Massey<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703956604576110702830808140.h…> * "We've always thought the combination between Massey and Alpha could be very compelling," Mr. Crutchfield said in an interview Saturday evening. "We were fundamentally convinced that the world was going to remain fundamentally under-supplied for metallurgical coal for the foreseeable future." Alpha, based in Abingdon, Va., announced that it expects to gain $150 million in synergies within the second year of operations of the combined company. Mr. Crutchfield said that is likely a conservative estimate, as he ran through a list of potential synergies: the combined company will produce a broader range of coal qualities that can be blended into new products to market to steel makers. He also expects savings on production and transportation. In the past, Alpha often trucked its coal past Massey coal preparation plants in Central Appalachia to get to its own facilities. Mr. Crutchfield said Alpha will also be better able to take advantage of long-term export opportunities for U.S. coal producers as demand in China and India and short-term supply disruptions like recent massive flooding in Australia and other countries. He said the combined company will have 25 million tons of port capacity. He said port capacity wasn't a big deal for coal producers until recently. "Now, it's a hot commodity." Mike Quillen, Alpha's chairman, and Kurt Kost, Alpha's president, will fill those posts at the combined company, said Mr. Crutchfield, who will be CEO. He said he expects that Massey's current CEO, Baxter Phillips, who has extensive knowledge of the industry and Massey, will have some kind of advisory role. "I can't imagine going at this without Baxter," he said. Mr. Phillips said in a statement Saturday, "This transaction represents a tremendous opportunity for Massey to partner with our Central Appalachian neighbor, Alpha, to create a new industry leader." Mr. Crutchfield said that Massey's longtime CEO Don Blankenship, who opposed a sale and retired at the end of the year, will not be part of the new company. "We certainly wish him the best of luck in his ongoing endeavors," Mr. Crutchfield said. Some coal industry watchers have wondered whether a Massey-Alpha linkup could run into anti-trust issues. But Mr. Crutchfield said he does not expect any headwinds. "Our sense is … that the customers are going to be pretty receptive to this," he said. "We're very confident that we'll clear the (Federal Trade Commission)." Rather than shut mines or sell off assets, Alpha is more likely to ramp up production to take advantage of the current hot international market for metallurgical coal. It will be looking to optimize equipment and personnel to increase margins, but Mr. Crutchfield said, "There's the possibility that we actually stoke production, which is our thinking now based on what we're seeing in the marketplace." It's not clear how Alpha will approach some of the problems that plagued Massey since the accident last April at its Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, W.Va., that killed 29 miners -- from litigation to contentious relations with federal mine regulators. The families of two miners have sued Massey for wrongful death under state law, and federal and state investigations, including a criminal probe into the accident, are ongoing. Mr. Crutchfield said he believes the combined company will eventually enjoy the same good relationship Alpha has with regulators currently, and he hopes that some issues related to the disaster are resolved prior to when the acquisition closes. "The industry and family, everybody, needs closure on it," he said. Mr. Crutchfield noted that during Alpha's past effort to acquire Massey several years ago "the stars just didn't align." But he added, "Sometimes things that make sense take some time to happen and we're thrilled that this one finally got to the finish line." *Write to * Kris Maher at kris.maher(a)wsj.com

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Alpha to Buy Massey Energy in $7.1 Billion Deal
by Frank Young 29 Jan '11

29 Jan '11

Blank January 28, 2011, 9:44 pm Mergers & Acquisitions Alpha to Buy Massey in $7.1 Billion Deal By MICHAEL J. DE LA MERCED Jon Bolt/The Daily Telegraph, via Associated Press Massey Energy’s chief executive, Don L. Blankenship. 3:57 p.m. | Updated Alpha Natural Resources announced on Saturday that it has agreed to buy Massey Energy, the embattled coal mine operator, for about $7.1 billion in cash and stock in a deal that creates a new giant in coal production. http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/alpha-nears-deal-to-buy-massey-for-a…

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EPA: Methane emissions from Marcellus wells greater than previously reported.
by James Kotcon 29 Jan '11

29 Jan '11

The initial press story I saw was Tuesday, but it appears the story may be a couple months old by now. It suggests that methane emissions from Marcellus wells may be 9000 times greater than previously estimated. Climate Benefits of Natural Gas May Be Overstated by Abrahm Lustgarten ProPublica, Jan. 25, 2011, 8:34 a.m. The United States is poised to bet its energy future on natural gas as a clean, plentiful fuel that can supplant coal and oil. But new research by the Environmental Protection Agency—and a growing understanding of the pollution associated with the full “life cycle” of gas production—is casting doubt on the assumption that gas offers a quick and easy solution to climate change. More available at: http://www.propublica.org/article/natural-gas-and-coal-pollution-gap-in-dou… The actual EPA report (Technical Support Document: Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems) was apparently released in November and is available at: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/downloads10/Subpart-W_TSD.pdf In particular, Tables 1 and 2 (pages 8-10) describe the updates to the emissions factors. Those referencing "unconventional wells" represent some changes that are truly astronomical. If each Marcellus well is, in fact, leaking 177 tons of methane per well each time they hydro-frack, then that makes them significant sources of emissions. Finally, the story is explained in more lay terms in the blog at the site below: http://theenergycollective.com/david-lewis/48209/epa-confirms-high-natural-… I recommend reading all three of these, as I think this is a game changer for the natural gas industry. It certainly changes the game on the Wetzel air permit appeal. Jim Kotcon

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Re: [EC] from Center for Media and Democracy; "Clean Natural Gas?" Not So Fast.
by Paul Wilson 28 Jan '11

28 Jan '11

Jonathan: think you can get this on the facebook page? cheers,paul Spins Of The Week "Clean Natural Gas?" Not So Fast.<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=OXjJdW6wxvr39E%2BsHq…> Source: ProPublica, January 25, 2011 Acquiring "clean natural gas"<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=PmPGjUWzZ6IXUApLCknt…>and "getting off of foreign oil"<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=kqwgjNCRumQKF7bb80Ch…>are pitched as reasons to continue natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=RopcAjP5O0wEqUEqCtGh…>. And yet, beyond all the problems associated with fracking<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=w2dPNkX0mz78FqAtYM%2…>, Pro Publica<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=0XVtUXNfGWwrWfV%2Fj9…>'s Abrahm Lustgarten revealed in a January 25, 2011 article<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=zDuQhD%2FPocQX8ioWVp…>that "clean natural gas" isn't all that clean after all. Lustgarten<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=xWXW3gE5oXPLg%2FHxUg…> writes<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=KNgAdDQVFVz%2FITi2rj…> , The United States is poised to bet its energy future on natural gas as a clean, plentiful fuel that can supplant coal and oil. But new research by the Environmental Protection Agency ... is casting doubt on the assumption that gas offers a quick and easy solution to climate change ... Advocates for natural gas routinely assert that it produces 50 percent less greenhouse gases than coal and is a significant step toward a greener energy future ... The EPA now reports that emissions from conventional hydraulic fracturing are 35 times higher than the agency had previously estimated. It also reports that emissions from the type of hydraulic fracturing being used in the nation's bountiful new shale gas reserves, like the Marcellus, are almost 9,000 times higher than it had previously calculated ... Environmental groups say we should be certain of the factual data about emissions and environmental effects of shale gas drilling before making major policy decisions that push the nation into dependence on methane gas obtained through drilling. Read the rest of this item<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=KQzgYrZNSdspR3pUT0Kj…> -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-1361 "There is no forward until you have gone back" ~Buddha "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous" ~ Aristotle

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Exxon projections on use of shale gas worldwide increase significantly, passing coal use. Exxon bought XTO -- innovator of fracking -- to become largest gas producer in world.
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

- JANUARY 27, 2011 Exxon Predicts Gas Use Will Surpass Coal's By ANGEL GONZALEZ<http://online.wsj.com/search/term.html?KEYWORDS=ANGEL+GONZALEZ&bylinesearch…> In Exxon Mobil<http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=XOM>Corp.'s crystal ball, the future of natural gas is looking increasingly rosy. Global demand for natural gas, commonly used for heating homes and businesses and for generating electricity, will increase 2% a year through 2030, the Texas oil giant says, raising the 1.8% estimate it made last year. This is no small change. It means that Exxon expects the world in 2030 to burn seven quadrillion British thermal units of gas more than the company predicted a year ago. That's about the same amount of energy consumed by California in a year. While oil will remain the dominant fuel, even in 2030, gas will have surpassed coal to become the world's second-largest source of energy, supplying 26% of world needs to oil's 32%, according to Exxon's annual Outlook for Energy, scheduled to be released Thursday. Gas usage is expected to grow three times as fast as that of oil and coal as developing countries scramble to bring electricity to billions of people and rich nations replace aging coal-fired power plants with gas-fired facilities, the report says. Clean-burning natural gas represents less of a global warming threat than coal or oil. Other low-emitting forms of energy, such as nuclear and renewable power, also are expected to expand their share of the world's energy pie. Exxon's Outlook for Energy is closely watched, as it underpins the strategy of the world's largest publicly-traded oil company. "It provides the foundation for the different [Exxon] businesses to present their investment plans," says Bill Colton, Exxon's vice president for corporate strategic planning. It's no surprise that Exxon is enthusiastic about natural gas. The company last year became the largest gas producer in the U.S. when it bought XTO Energy Inc. for $25 billion. XTO was one of several North American companies that perfected a method to extract gas economically by fracturing tight rock formations called shales. Exxon also bought small shale producer Ellora Inc. for $695 million and natural-gas shale assets from Petrohawk Energy<http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=hk>Corp. for $575 million. Experience WSJ professional<https://buy.wsj.com/shopandbuy/order/subscribe.jsp?trackCode=aaad7qvo&extHe…> Editors' Deep Dive: Natural Gas Grows in Importance<http://professional.wsj.com/professional-search/search.html?ar=1&dt=4&mf=0&…> - ENERGY WASHINGTON WEEK<http://professional.wsj.com/professional-search/search.html?ar=1&dt=4&mf=0&…>Impact of Cheap Natural Gas <http://professional.wsj.com/article/TPIEPA000020110125e71q00005.html?mod=ws…> - Economist Intelligence Unit - Business Middle EastIsrael Banks on Natural Gas - Natural Gas IntelligenceGlobal Sales of NGVs Set to Jump Access thousands of business sources not available on the free web. Learn More<https://buy.wsj.com/shopandbuy/order/subscribe.jsp?trackCode=aaad7qvo&extHe…> But Exxon's optimism comes amid some Wall Street criticism of its recent bets on natural gas, which has traded cheaply since the financial crisis started, while oil has surged of late and thus has been more profitable. Other energy forecasts aren't as bullish about natural gas as Exxon's. The International Energy Agency and the U.S. Energy Information Administration put natural gas's global market share at slightly above 22% in 2030, behind oil and coal in supplying the world's needs. Natural-gas prices have fallen to about $4.49 a million BTUs this month from above $13 a million BTUs in mid-2008. Oil prices, on the other hand, were trading as low as $40 a barrel in early 2009 as a result of the recession, but have recovered steadily. On Wednesday, crude futures in New York settled at $87.33 a barrel, up $1.14. Nonetheless, Exxon, which has its roots in John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil, believes the world is tilting toward a natural-gas dominated future and is preparing to embrace it. Some other large Western energy companies are heading that direction. Earlier this month, Royal Dutch Shell<http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=RDSB>PLC Chief Executive Peter Voser <http://topics.wsj.com/person/v/peter-voser/495> said in an internal publication the Anglo-Dutch oil giant in 2012 would for the first time produce more natural gas than oil. Mary Barcella, a consultant with IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates, says that new technology making shale-gas discoveries economic "is a game changer" that revolutionized the once waning U.S. natural-gas business; Exxon and others intend to take that expertise to other regions of the globe. Exxon's Mr. Colton says shale and other unconventional types of gas began playing a prominent role in the company's predictions about three years ago, when it realized that a major technological shift had occurred. Exxon forecasters say that the world will consume about 35% more energy in 2030 than in 2005, driven by population growth and the rapid enrichment of developing nations, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Colton's team analyzed statistics for 100 countries and Exxon scientists gauged potentially disruptive technologies, such as electric-car batteries. Natural gas will quench 26% of the world's demand, up from about 21% in 2005, the report says. That means that gas usage will double from 2000 levels, but a supply crunch is unlikely, due to the newfound abundance of the fuel, says Mr. Colton. "The world is looking at a very robust supply of natural gas," he said. —Russell Gold contributed to this article. *Write to * Angel Gonzalez at angel.gonzalez(a)dowjones.com -- William V. DePaulo, Esq. 179 Summers Street, Suite 232 Charleston, WV 25301-2163 Tel 304-342-5588 Fax 304-342-5505 william.depaulo(a)gmail.com www.passeggiata.com

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Fwd: FW: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] FW: Climate Benefits of Natural Gas May Be Overstated
by James Kotcon 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Check out the story form this link, it is a real game-changer! Methane levels from hydraulic fracturing of shale gas were 9000 times the previous estimates. Gas drilling emissions alone account for at least one-fifth of human-caused methane in the world’s atmosphere, studies show that maintaining and installing equipment to capture the leaking emissions pays for itself within 24 months. JBK >>> "Grubb, Karen" <Karen.Grubb(a)fairmontstate.edu> 1/25/2011 12:19 PM >>> From: National Hydrofracking Team [mailto:ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG] On Behalf Of Deb Nardone Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 11:47 AM To: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Subject: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] FW: Climate Benefits of Natural Gas May Be Overstated Climate Benefits of Natural Gas May Be Overstated by Abrahm Lustgarten<http://www.propublica.org/site/author/Abrahm_Lustgarten/> ProPublica, Jan. 25, 2011, 8:34 a.m. The United States is poised to bet its energy future on natural gas as a clean, plentiful fuel that can supplant coal and oil. But new research by the Environmental Protection Agency-and a growing understanding of the pollution associated with the full "life cycle" of gas production-is casting doubt on the assumption that gas offers a quick and easy solution to climate change. MORE<http://www.propublica.org/article/natural-gas-and-coal-pollution-gap-in-dou…> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS list, send any message to: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp

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Alternative and Renewable Energy Plans
by James Kotcon 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Allegheny Energy on Dec. 30 filed with the WVC PSC their "Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Compliance Plan" as specified in Governor Manchin's bill mandating an "Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard". As we suspected, this provided relatively little actual incentive to promote renewable energy. Their report states: "Mon Power and Potomac Edison anticipate they will generate enough credits based upon currently available resources for the 15-year term that no additional development, purchase or procurement will be necessary." All I can add is to say: "See We Told You So!" The plan is available at: http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…'WebDocket' Jim Kotcon

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Albright and Allegheny's Alternative and Renewable Energy Plan
by James Kotcon 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Mike, Josh, et al. In 2009, then Governor Manchin pushed through what he called an "Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard". This allowed utilities to claim various coal and gas facilities as "alternative fuels. At the time, we criticized the bill because it was so weak that we did not think it required utilities to do anything. Allegheny Energy on Dec. 30 filed their "Plan" with the WV PSC which states: "Mon Power and Potomac Edison anticipate they will generate enough credits based upon currently available resources for the 15- year term that no additional development, purchase or procurement will be necessary." (See We Told You So!) The report lists the following as producing alternative energy credits: "The generating units identified for the production of credits include units owned by Mon Power including Bath County Pumped Hydro, Albright #3 and Willow Island #2 all of which have been, or will be, submitted for certification in accordance with Section 5 of the Order. Additionally, Mon Power takes service from three (3) Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (“PURPA”) facilities including the Grant Town project (“Grant Town”), the West Virginia University project (‘WVU”) and the Hannibal Lock & Dam project (“Hannibal”)." As you can see, all of Allegheny's credits will be coming from coal-fired plants. No actual renewables are involved. Later in the Plan, Allegheny does describe some minimal energy efficiency efforts and they indicate they plan to get these certified for credits under WV's requirements. I am curious why Albright Unit 3 qualifies as an "Alternative" source. The bill does allow some generation from "Supercritical" as well as "Advanced supercritical" and "Ultrasupercritical" boilers to qualify as "Alternative" fuels. Is it worth intervening before the PSC to argue that Albright is likely to be shut down, and that Allegheny needs to make "real" investments in renewables and energy efficiency? Deadline to Intervene is Feb. 7. Intervenor testimony is due May 3. Jim Kotcon Allegheny's Plan is available at: http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…'WebDocket' The PSC Order giving Public Notice is at: http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…'WebDocket'

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Fwd: [Charleston Newspapers] Article - Bonds approved for John Amos plant upgrades
by James Kotcon 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

These new bonds for "landfill improvements" appear to be for the coal ash landfill. As I understand it, the bonds approved for the John Amos (AKA Big Scary) power plant do not directly incur a cost for state taxpayers, but do provide tax exemptions for those who provide the financing. Thus the state does not assume any direct costs, but loses some income tax revenue to help subsidize these. We need to start paying more attention to the welfare that taxpayers are providing for coal. JBK >>> <articles(a)cnpapers.com> 1/22/2011 8:18 AM >>> jkotcon(a)wvu.edu sent you this article ----- January 20, 2011 Bonds approved for John Amos plant upgrades ( http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201101201265 ) By Staff reports The Charleston Gazette P>CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The West Virginia Economic Development Authority authorized Appalachian Power Thursday to issue up to $95 million in bonds to finance landfill improvements at the John Amos Power Plant near Winfield. Authority memb ... Read more ( http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201101201265 ) -----

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Fw: EPA Administrator Jackson to Speak at 2011 Green Jobs Conference
by Jim Sconyers 21 Jan '11

21 Jan '11

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: 2011 Green Jobs Conference <event-information(a)certain.com> To: Jim Sconyers <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Fri, January 21, 2011 4:34:52 PM Subject: EPA Administrator Jackson to Speak at 2011 Green Jobs Conference Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference and Expo 2010 EPA Administrator Jackson to Speak at 2011 Green Jobs Conference The 2011 Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference — February 8-10 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. — will bring together thousands of union members, environmentalists, community and business leaders from all over the country to share ideas and strategies to build a sustainable economy that creates good jobs and protects our environment for future generations. And now, an exciting speaker has been added to the agenda. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will speak at the morning plenary on Tuesday, February 8. In addition, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will speak Wednesday morning, February 9, followed by a discussion on sustainable communities, moderated by WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi and featuring U.S. Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Also, don’t forget about the extensive and informative workshops available during the Conference. Today, we’re highlighting two more exciting workshops. In The Global Clean Energy Race: Policy Matters, listen and participate as leaders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries talk about the Pew Environmental Group’s latest report projecting global clean energy investments. Find out how federal policies can create good jobs in energy efficiency in Capturing Building Energy Efficiency Potential: Creating New Jobs and Markets through Federal Policies. Register todayfor the 2011 Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference— the leading forum for sharing ideas and strategies on how to create good, green jobs across the United States. Don’t forget to visit www.greenjobsconference.org for updates, and follow the Conference on Twitter or Facebook for the latest news about this great event. Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation Registration Powered by Certain Meetings Event Management Software :: Online Event Management :: Online Registration Meeting Management Software :: Conference Registration :: Event Planner Software © 2009 Certain Software ®, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.

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EPA right says WVU student paper
by Frank Young 21 Jan '11

21 Jan '11

Michael Levy writes: "Of course the industry is going to resent and resist any new regulation. It is the most predictable response in the world. Corporations exist for a single purpose : to maximize profits. Not just to make money, but to maximize how much they make. It turns out Arch Coal had an alternate plan from the engineering firm Morgan Worldwide that would have reduced the amount of stream buried by Spruce No. 1 by more than half. But it would have increased costs by 1 percent of the final sale price of the coal, so they buried it. The EPA, rightly in revoking the permit, cited Arch Coal's "failure to adequately evaluate less environmentally damaging alternatives." But that should surprise no one. Arch Coal is from St. Louis. The destruction of Appalachian watersheds and communities means nothing to them. Only their bottom line matters and that's exactly why strong regulation is necessary. Regulation, brought about via the democratic process, is one of the primary tools the public has at its disposal to protect itself against the interests of the powerful - those who seek to exploit us and our land base to enrich themselves. They have the power in the market. We can take power through policy. But to do that we have to see clearly who's on whose side. The coal industry gave $4 million to political candidates in the 2010 election cycle, and they've spent over $63 million on lobbying in the last five years. Manchin is in their pocket and so is Tomblin. It's time we find out who's really there for us, who will stand up for our mountains, our health, our communities and support them and give everyone else the boot. " Complete editorial article at: http://www.thedaonline.com/opinion/epa-was-right-to-revoke-mountaintop-remo…

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Fwd: FW: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] UK report: shale gas may increase risk of "dangerous climate change".
by James Kotcon 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

Strongly recommended reading. Good description of the shale gas process, as well as a couple specific environmental analyses. They ignore the "fugitive emissions" issue, but conclude the gas would have relatively little impact on greenhouse gas emissions in countries that have a cap on emissions, and would likely increase greenhouse gas emissions in countries without a carbon cap. Gas would NOT substitute for coal, but would merely be added to existing emissions. Jim Kotcon >>> "Grubb, Karen" <Karen.Grubb(a)fairmontstate.edu> 1/19/2011 2:07 PM >>> From: National Hydrofracking Team [mailto:ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG] On Behalf Of Peter Wray Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 11:59 AM To: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Subject: Re: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] UK report: shale gas may increase risk of "dangerous climate change". The full 87-page report is attached. It actually contains a comprehensive analysis of shale gas extraction in the US. Good reading for anyone interested in shale gas. Well illustrated with lots of useful data. Peter Wray. The Key Conclusions are: 1) Evidence from the US suggests shale gas extraction brings a significant risk of ground and surface water contamination and until the evidence base is developed a precautionary approach to development in the UK and Europe is the only responsible action. 2) There is little to suggest that shale gas will play a key role as a transition fuel in the move to a low carbon economy. 3) Without a meaningful cap on emissions of global GHGs, the exploitation of shale gas is likely to increase net carbon emissions. 4) Rapid carbon reductions require major investment in zero-carbon technologies and this could be delayed by exploitation of shale gas. ------ ========================================================== On 1/19/11 10:49 AM, "Jeff Schmidt" <jeff.schmidt(a)sierraclub.org> wrote: Interesting article having to do with the UK. Shale gas moratorium in UK urged by Tyndall Centre By Roger HarrabinEnvironment analyst, BBC News The UK government should put a moratorium on shale gas operations until the environmental implications are fully understood, a report says. The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research report comes amid reports a firm has found reserves in Lancashire. In the US, officials are investigating claims that shale gas drilling has polluted water supplies. However, UK ministers have rejected a moratorium, saying that drilling for shale gas does not pose a threat. "We are aware that there have been reports from US of issues linked to some shale gas projects," a spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) told BBC News. "However, we understand that these are only in a few cases and that Cuadrilla (the firm testing for shale gas in Lancashire) has made it clear that there is no likelihood of environmental damage and that it is applying technical expertise and exercising the utmost care as it takes drilling and testing forward." 'Play it safe' The Tyndall report was commissioned by The Co-operative, an institutional investor in oil firms. It is pressing firms not to invest in shale gas until further studies have been carried out into the effects of pumping chemicals underground to help release the gas trapped in shale rocks. The Co-operative is concerned that Decc pronounced shale gas safe last week before the end of a consultation into the technology by MPs on the Commons energy and climate change select committee. Paul Monaghan, head of the organisation's social goals, said: "There should be no fracturing of rock for shale gas until legislation can catch up. "We are aghast that government accepted the assurances of industry on this while their own consultation had not even finished. There was a shale gas rush in the US and now they are looking into the implications - we need to do it the other way round." The Tyndall report also expresses concern that the exploitation of shale gas is bringing new greenhouse gas sources into play. It says: "This will further reduce any slim possibility of maintaining global temperature changes at or below 2C (3.6F) and thereby increase the risk of entering a period of 'dangerous climate change'." Gas security Shale gas has become an energy phenomenon since firms in the US found economic ways of extracting gas previously trapped in shale rocks, which have metamorphosed from clay deposits under pressure and heat. The process involves drilling horizontally into shale formations far underground, then using small explosions to fracture the shale - followed by a slurry of water, sand and chemicals to free the trapped gas. The US was gearing up to import gas, but experts suggest that the shale reserves may provide the nation with gas supplies for 100 years. Large deposits of shale gas are expected to be unearthed in China, Europe and South America too. Experts say the technological breakthrough increases energy security worldwide and reduces the diplomatic power of gas-rich nations, such as Russia. But there have been reports of problems with the technology in the US, such as cattle dying after drinking water from the fracturing process that found its way to the surface. In Pennsylvania, some residents can now set fire to their drinking water after methane leaked into wells. They are blaming shale gas extraction. The Tyndall report says that gas drilling in Lancashire will give rise to a range of local concerns including noise pollution, high levels of truck movements and land use demands. The Decc spokesman said: "We support industry's endeavours in pursuing energy sources (like shale gas), provided that tapping of such resources proves to be economically, commercially and environmentally viable. "All onshore oil and gas projects, including shale gas exploration and development, are subject to a series of checks, including local planning permission before they are able to move ahead with drilling activities." Mark Miller from Cuadrilla Resources said: "We disagree with the conclusions of the Tyndall Centre report which calls for a moratorium on shale gas activities as there are no grounds for a moratorium on this proven and long-standing technology. He added that Cuadrilla had received full local and national approvals from all appropriate bodies in order to explore for natural gas at each of its sites. Stephen Tetlow, chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: "While 90% of UK heating needs are met by gas energy, the UK is expected to have to import 80% of its gas supplies by 2020. "This is unsustainable, bad for our energy security, and very expensive." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS list, send any message to: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS list, send any message to: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp

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Fw: StL Post-Dispatch: Arch Coal finds a passage to Asia
by pjgrunt＠gmail.com 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: Fred Heutte <phred(a)SUNLIGHTDATA.COM> Sender: "Announcements from the National Coal Campaign team." <COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG> Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:41:03 To: <COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG> Reply-To: Fred Heutte <phred(a)SUNLIGHTDATA.COM> Subject: StL Post-Dispatch: Arch Coal finds a passage to Asia http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_8b13ce07-6cd2-58df-9e18-279b… Arch Coal finds a passage to Asia BY JEFFREY TOMICH • jtomich(a)post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8320 | (2) Comments | Posted: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 12:00 am Arch Coal Inc. announced on Tuesday an agreement with the operator of a British Columbia shipping terminal that will enable the miner to export 2 million tons of coal to Asia this year. The five-year deal with Canadian Crown Corp. Ridley Terminals Inc. provides Arch, based in Creve Coeur, access to 2.5 million metric tons of coal-handling capacity during each of the next four years. Financial terms weren't disclosed. It's the second West Coast coal terminal agreement in as many weeks for Arch, which is searching for ways to ship coal from its vast Wyoming surface mines to fast-growing energy markets in Asia. St. Louis-based Peabody Energy Corp. is also conducting engineering studies for a coal export facility somewhere on the U.S. or Canadian coast and is expected to announce plans early this year. "This transaction is another important step in accomplishing our strategic objective of expanding Powder River Basin coal sales into the Asia-Pacific region," Steven F. Leer, Arch's CEO, said in a statement. Arch's Black Thunder mine in northeast Wyoming is the largest coal mine in the nation, and the company has capacity to expand further in the Powder River basin if it can find customers. Coal demand in China and other Asian nations continues to rise. U.S. coal producers say the only limitation to shipping millions of tons of coal across the Pacific Ocean is port capacity. No West Coast port in the U.S. has dedicated coal-handling terminals and equipment, and what limited port capacity exists in Canada has historically been used for exporting Canadian coal used by Asian steel makers. Leer said Tuesday's agreement gives the company immediate access to a booming market. Last week, Arch paid $25 million for 38 percent of a Longview, Wash., shipping terminal being developed to supply coal to Asia as soon as next year. The terminal would ultimately be used to send up to 5 million tons of coal a year to power plant owners in China and other Asian nations. However, that project faces opposition from environmentalists who are challenging a permit to redevelop the site, a former Alcoa aluminum mill. The bulk commodity terminal near Prince Rupert, British Columbia, has been operating since the 1980s. It can load up to 12 million tons of coal per year, and there are expansion plans that could double capacity, Arch said. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS list, send any message to: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp

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Remembering Bob Handley, West Virginia wilderness hero
by Frank Young 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

I'm sure that some of you knew cave explorer and Wilderness protector extraordinaire Bob Handley. From Mike Costello comes word that Bob passed away this past weekend at age 82. Bob has been on the board of directors of WV Highlands Conservancy for several years. Frank ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy Rank To: WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com ; chey0000(a)hotmail.com Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 4:13 PM Subject: Re: Re: [WVHCBOARD] Fwd: Remembering Bob Handley, West Virginia wilderness hero Donna LeMasters --- chey0000(a)hotmail.com, ... i may have her phone number in my spring review file as well --- will look for it... Also found this link from the April 2006 (?) issue of the Voice that had Bob on front page: http://www.leaveitwild.org/news/newsletter/issue/2006-07/wilderness_hero Cindy R. ________________________________ On Jan 19, 2011, Hugh Rogers <hugh.rogers(a)gmail.com> wrote: Does anyone know how to get in touch with Bob's friend Donna? And recall her last name? She had let us know that Bob had moved to his brother's place when he got too weak to stay at home, but I don't have that email now. Hugh On 1/19/11, George Beetham Jr. <geobeet(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > > In addition to his dry, wry sense of humor, I recall that when we were > scouting around for a place to eat dinner in Lewisburg a couple of years ago > he nixed one of the potential venues because they required a tie and jacket. > > > > > > > > > > > To: WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com > CC: Johnmc ferrin(a)aol.com > From: cdellis(a)wildblue.net > Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:03:58 -0500 > Subject: Re: [WVHCBOARD] Fwd: Remembering Bob Handley, West Virginia > wilderness hero > > > > > > > > That is too bad. I had only had a few chances to talk with him. Last time > we talked he told me that his father/uncle??? was Charley Handley...of > Handley Wildlife Management Area and other fame. Such a web of connection > and recollection for all of us... > ~Cindy Ellis > > > On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 9:54 AM, Hugh Rogers <hugh.rogers(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > > > John: You probably have additional info about Bob Handley in your > fil es---or in those articles from last year about his long-ago caving > exploits. Mike's note below mourns him from the perspective of the > Wilderness Coalition, more good stuff he did in more recent years that > could be included in a remembrance. He was such a character. I'm going > to miss him at every board meeting. > > Hugh > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Mike Costello <michael.costello(a)wvwild.org> > Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:06:52 -0500 > Subject: Remembering Bob Handley, West Virginia wilderness hero > To: Mike Costello <michael.costello(a)wvwild.org> > > "The forest gives us an opportunity to connect with our ancestors and others > who have loved this lan d before us." Bob Handley, 2007 > > It is with great sadness that we begin this week remembering dedicated > activist and outdoorsman, Bob Handley, who passed away this weekend at age > 82. > > Bob will be remembered for many accomplishments throughout his lifetime. > Some will remember him as an avid caver, who discovered numerous underground > passages and became the first West Virginian to receive the National > Speleological Society's prestigious Lew Bicking Award. Others will remember > Bob for becoming the oldest person ever to rappel from the New River Gorge > Bridge in 2006, when he accomplished the feat alongside his son, Todd, and > his granddaughter, Meghan, who was then the youngest rappeller at age 14. > > Those of us at the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition will remember Bob's > perseverance as an advocate for protection of wild lands across the southern > Monongahe la National Forest. Bob took great pride in his pursuits, and was > instrumental in establishing Spice Run and Big Draft, the very first > Wilderness areas in the Greenbrier River Watershed. For his service with > the Wilderness Coalition, Bob was recognized as a Wilderness Hero by the > Campaign for America's Wilderness in July of 2006. > > In his role as a volunteer, Bob was especially proud of his efforts to > persuade U.S. Representative Nick Rahall to join him on a hike through the > then-proposed Big Draft Wilderness Area. Congressman Rahall accepted Bob's > invitation, and Big Draft Wilderness, Bob's favorite area of the National > Forest, was later included in the historic Wild Monongahela Act. > > Bob was an inspiration to all of us who have worked to protect the Mon > Forest, and his legacy will continue to motivate those who were fortunate > enough to know him. As we carry on with our efforts, we must appreciate the > impact Bob had on our lives, both personally and professionally, and we can > only hope to embody his dedication to preserving our last remaining wild > places. > > West Virginia's forests, rivers and caves have lost a true friend, a devoted > guardian who will be greatly missed. > > Mike Costello > Campaign Coordinator > > West Virginia Wilderness Coalition > office: 304-497-2836* > mobile: 304.437.1082 > fax: 888.671.2140 > > *Note new office number > > > > -- > > Cynthia D. Ellis > RR 1 Box 163 > Red House, WV 25168 > 304 586-4135 > cdellis(a)wildblue.net > > "We know now, from brain science, that seeing is not a direct register of > what meets our eyes but a fast mental con struction that squares sensations > with memory and desire: what we believe and wish reality to be." ~Peter > Schjeldahl > > > > > > > > __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (10) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Working since 1967 for the conservation and wise management of West Virginia's natural resources MARKETPLACE Get great advice about dogs and cats. Visit the Dog & Cat Answers Center. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay on top of your group activity without leaving the page you're on - Get the Yahoo! Toolbar now. Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use. __,_._,___

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Interesting SC blog post
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

Lot's of familiar people mentioned in this SC blog posting: http://sierraclub.typepad.com/scrapbook/2011/01/permit-nixed-for-huge-west-… -Jonathan

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Wednesday, January 19th- WVEC’s annual “Legislative Kick Off Blast” Benefit
by Frank Young 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

BlankWednesday, January 19th: WV Environmental Council's annual “Legislative Kick Off Blast” Benefit. WVEC office, 2206 Washington Street East, Charleston. From 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM. Live music, refreshments, 2011 Lobby team, great friends! Donation: $5 or whatever you can afford. Proceeds go in support of WVEC lobbying efforts.

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Fw: "Impacts of Coal" rally in Charleston onThursday
by Frank Young 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

**PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY** "Impacts of Coal" Rally Thursday, Jan 20 1:30pm Meet at Laidley Field Parking Area (1549 Piedmont Road at Elizabeth St, Charleston) Acting Governor Tomblin is hosting a "Rally for Coal" at the state capitol on Thursday to show his opposition to the EPA's veto of the Spruce No 1 mountaintop removal mine. The governor has announced that the purpose of his rally is to "show the EPA how coal impacts our lives, and the lives of our fellow countrymen.” So let's go and remind the governor of coal's impact — slurry injections, blasting, poisoned water, destruction of our communities, cancer and death. The EPA finally did its job and now it is under attack by our own state government. The governor does not speak for us. He speaks for the coal industry. We must show our support for the EPA's decision and make our voices heard. Please show up, bring your friends, bring a camera and bring signs, photos and any other visuals that illustrate the devastation that coal has wrought in our region. We will gather at the bus shelter at Laidley Field and leave at 1:30 to walk together to the capitol, near the acting governor's rally. IMPORTANT: * This is a non-violent event; we intend to demonstrate in a peaceful and respectful manner. * Please do not engage with pro-coal demonstrators, regardless of how they react to us. * Do not bring anything that could be construed as a weapon, including signs with wooden poles * Take responsibility for the safety of the people standing next to you __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use. __,_._,___ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec

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Fw: [wvec-board] Fwd: "Impacts of Coal" rally in Charleston on Thursday
by Frank Young 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

**PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY** "Impacts of Coal" Rally Thursday, Jan 20 1:30pm Meet at Laidley Field Parking Area (1549 Piedmont Road at Elizabeth St, Charleston) Acting Governor Tomblin is hosting a "Rally for Coal" at the state capitol on Thursday to show his opposition to the EPA's veto of the Spruce No 1 mountaintop removal mine. The governor has announced that the purpose of his rally is to "show the EPA how coal impacts our lives, and the lives of our fellow countrymen.” So let's go and remind the governor of coal's impact — slurry injections, blasting, poisoned water, destruction of our communities, cancer and death. The EPA finally did its job and now it is under attack by our own state government. The governor does not speak for us. He speaks for the coal industry. We must show our support for the EPA's decision and make our voices heard. Please show up, bring your friends, bring a camera and bring signs, photos and any other visuals that illustrate the devastation that coal has wrought in our region. We will gather at the bus shelter at Laidley Field and leave at 1:30 to walk together to the capitol, near the acting governor's rally. IMPORTANT: * This is a non-violent event; we intend to demonstrate in a peaceful and respectful manner. * Please do not engage with pro-coal demonstrators, regardless of how they react to us. * Do not bring anything that could be construed as a weapon, including signs with wooden poles * Take responsibility for the safety of the people standing next to you __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use. __,_._,___

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Fwd: Solar jobs leaving US
by James Kotcon 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

China is subsidizing solar panel manufacturing to the point where even local companies are leaving the US and starting joint ventures in China. This really needs to be a big issue with our state and federal leaders. I don't necessarily want to play the "China" card all the time, but this is happening and we need to let politicians know about it. Jim Kotcon >>> Mike Harman <mph1946(a)gmail.com> 1/15/2011 9:29 PM >>> Latest news re-economics of solar manufacturing: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/15/business/energy-environment/15solar.html?…

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Re: [EC] USGS - Water Resources and Gas production
by fmoose39＠hotmail.com 16 Jan '11

16 Jan '11

Yes he has done a lot of work in this field. sent from my AT&T Smartphone by HTC ----- Reply message ----- From: "Jonathan Rosenbaum" <freesource(a)cheat.org> Date: Sun, Jan 16, 2011 9:45 pm Subject: [EC] USGS - Water Resources and Gas production To: "Energy Committee" <ec(a)osenergy.org>, "Chuck Wyrostok" <wyro(a)appalight.com>, "Nicole Good" <nnncole(a)yahoo.com> http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2009/3032/pdf/FS2009-3032.pdf Is this our Dan Soeder from outings, because he co-wrote it? An interesting document. -Jonathan _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec

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USGS - Water Resources and Gas production
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 16 Jan '11

16 Jan '11

http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2009/3032/pdf/FS2009-3032.pdf Is this our Dan Soeder from outings, because he co-wrote it? An interesting document. -Jonathan

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EPA Water Administrator resigns post-Spruce
by Jim Sconyers 15 Jan '11

15 Jan '11

Interesting coincidence? EPA head of water programs resigns the day after announcing denial of the Spruce MTR permit. Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "dfvet(a)aol.com" <dfvet(a)aol.com> To: jkotcon(a)wvu.edu; wyro(a)appalight.com; fmoose39(a)hotmail.com; karen.grubb(a)fairmontstate.edu; jim_scon(a)yahoo.com; blittle(a)citynet.net; heatherheilman(a)yahoo.com; nicolegood.wv(a)gmail.com; sallywilts(a)yahoo.com; bhaddaka(a)gmail.com; paynestake(a)frontier.com; freesource(a)cheat.org Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 10:44:54 PM Subject: News of interest- EPA Water Administrator resigns post-Spruce EPA: Water administrator resigns (01/14/2011) * EMAIL THIS STORY * PRINT THIS STORY * READ FULL EDITION * CUSTOMIZE EDITION Advertisement Paul Quinlan, E&E reporter U.S. EPA's top water official, Pete Silva, announced his resignation today. Silva, whom President Obama appointed the assistant administrator for water in July 2009, plans to return to his home and family in California, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in a memo to staff. The announcement of Silva's departure comes a day after his office made a controversial decision to revoke the permit of one of the largest mountaintop mines ever proposed in Appalachia (Greenwire, Jan. 13). The decision on the West Virginia mine came as EPA's water office worked on regulations of ash from coal-burning plants and pollution limits for stormwater discharges. The office is also working on clarifying which waterways and wetlands it regulates under the Clean Water Act. "During his tenure, Pete has led a wide range of important actions to help protect the water we drink and safeguard the health of millions of Americans," Jackson wrote. "We have greatly valued his service, and we offer him our deepest thanks as he prepares to embrace new opportunities. We are beginning the search for his successor." Nancy Stoner, who came from the Natural Resources Defense Council to become the deputy assistant administrator for the water office, will serve as acting assistant administrator in Silva's absence. Silva leaves Feb. 12. "Nancy is exceptionally talented and knowledgeable, and I am confident that she will continue to contribute significantly to the office's excellent work in this role," Jackson wrote. Jackson also announced the appointment of Bicky Corman as deputy associate administrator for the Office of Policy and Joel Beauvais as senior adviser in the Office of General Counsel.

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emails/letters to Rahall & Rocke
by Jim Sconyers 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Hi folks - We need to get emails and or letters to Rahall and Rockefeller supporting EPA's recent denial of the Spruce MTR permit. We can use our Convio system to enable members to send email or fax. Would need the introductory email to members telling briefly what happened, why it is good, and how they can help (by clicking to go to next screen). Then would need a sample email or talking points suggesting what they could say. Way it works is then they can click and the msg goes directly to designated recipients - Rahall and Rockefeller in this case. We need someone to take charge of this small project. Can you please? Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last.

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Barbara F. - Legislators are seeking stricter drilling rules
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Legislators are seeking stricter drilling rules (http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/page/content.detail/id/557436.html) Barbara F. has introduced HB 2403.

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Fw: Breaking news: EPA vetoes Spruce Mine permit !!
by Jim Sconyers 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Chuck Wyrostok <wyro(a)appalight.com> To: Jim Sconyers <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 10:59:14 AM Subject: Breaking news: EPA vetoes Spruce Mine permit !! Wow !! Chuck Wyrostok Sierra Club Outreach Organizer Toll free 877 252 0257 E : wyro(a)appalight.com www.frackcheckwv.net www.marcellus-wv.com ________________________________ From:wvec-board@yahoogroups.com [mailto:wvec-board@yahoogroups.com] On B ehalf Of Daniel Chiotos Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 10:39 AM To: build-it-up-wv-participants; wv-yalcoordinators; wvec-board Subject: [wvec-board] B reaking news: E PA vetoes Spruce Mine permit Breaking news: EPA vetoes Spruce Mine permit January 13, 2011 by Ken Ward Jr. Word is just coming down that the U.S. E nvironmental Protection Agency has vetoed the largest single mountaintop removal permit in West Virginia history. The move is part of an Obama administration crackdown aimed at reducing the effects of mountaintop removal coal-mining on the environment and on coalfield communities in Appalachian — impacts that scientists are increasingly finding to be pervasive and irreversible. The final E PA decision document is available here. E PA officials this morning were alerting West Virginia ’s congressional delegation to their action, and undoubtedly preparing for a huge backlash from the mining industry and its friends among coalfield political leaders. In making its decision to veto the U.S. Army Corps of E ngineers’ approval of the 2,300-acre mine proposed for the B lair area of L ogan County , E PA noted that it reviewed more than 50,000 public comments and held a major public hearing in West Virginia . E PA officials said their agency is “acting under the law and using the best science available to protect water quality, wildlife and Appalachian communities who rely on clean waters for drinking, fishing and swimming.” Peter S. Silva, E PA’s assistant administrator for water, said: The proposed Spruce No. 1 Mine would use destructive and unsustainable mining practices that jeopardize the health of Appalachian communities and clean water on which they depend. Coal and coal mining are part of our nation’s energy future, and E PA has worked with companies to design mining operations that adequately protect our nation’s water. We have responsibility under the law to protect water quality and safeguard the people who rely on clean water. The agency also said: EPA’s final determination on the Spruce Mine comes after discussions with the company spanning more than a year failed to produce an agreement that would lead to a significant decrease in impacts to the environment and Appalachian communities. The action prevents the mine from disposing the waste into streams unless the company identifies an alternative mining design that would avoid irreversible damage to water quality and meets the requirements of the law. Despite E PA’s willingness to consider alternatives, Mingo L ogan did not offer any new proposed mining configurations in response to E PA’s Recommended Determination. In addition, E PA argued: EPA believes that companies can design their operations to make them more sustainable and compliant with the law. L ast year, E PA worked closely with a mining company in West Virginia to eliminate nearly 50 percent of their water impacts and reduce contamination while at the same time increasing their coal production. These are the kinds of success stories that can be achieved through collaboration and willingness to reduce the impact on mining pollution on our waters. Those changes helped permanently protect local waters, maximize coal recovery and reduce costs for the operators. Readers will recall that the Obama EPA began looking more closely at the Spruce Mine in September 2009. B ut debate over the proposed operation dates back to the late 1990s, when then-U.S. District Judge Charles H. Haden II issued an injunction that blocked the mine, which then was proposed for more than 3,000 acres. After the Haden ruling, the company reduced the size of its proposal and the operation underwent much more intense scrutiny, in the form of a full-blown E nvironmental Impact Statement by the Corps of E ngineers, which approved the new mining configuration in January 2007. Cheers, Daniel Chiotos 2206 Washington St E . Charleston , WV , 25311 (304)886-3389 {www.seac.org} {http://bit.ly/builditupwvfacebook suggest the B uild It Up, WV Page to your Facebook folks today and help publicize an effort to build healthy economies in the WV Coalfields} __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) R e c e nt Activity: Visit Your Group Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use . __,_._,___

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Fwd: EPA vetoes Spruce Permit!
by Paul Wilson 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Verena Owen <verena_owen(a)prodigy.net> Date: Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 11:00 AM Subject: EPA vetoes Spruce Permit! To: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS(a)lists.sierraclub.org EPA vetoes water permit for W.Va. mountaintop mine By VICKI SMITH - Associated Press [image: Bookmark and Share]<http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=mianalytics> [image: email this story to a friend] E-MAIL<http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/13/1549733/epa-vetoes-water-permit-for-wva.html?…>[image: print story] PRINT<http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/13/v-print/1549733/epa-vetoes-water-permit-for-w…> TEXT SIZE: MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it is revoking a crucial water permit for West Virginia's largest mountaintop removal mine, formalizing an action it first threatened nine months ago. Assistant Administrator for Water Peter S. Silva said Arch Coal's Spruce No. 1 mine in Logan County would use "destructive and unsustainable" mining practices that jeopardize the health of Appalachian communities and cause irreparable damage to the environment. Arch did not immediately comment. The nearly 2,300- acre operation would bury 7 miles of stream, and EPA ruled it would likely harm downstream water quality. EAP said it was acting within its legal authority revoking a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2007 and "using the best science" to protect water quality, wildlife and people. "Coal and coal mining are part of our nation's energy future, and EPA has worked with companies to design mining operations that adequately protect our nation's waters," Silva said. "We have a responsibility under the law to protect water quality and safeguard the people who rely on clean water." Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, praised the ruling as "a strong commitment to the law, the science and the principles of environmental justice." National Mining Association President Hal Quinn said EPA's action threatens the certainty of all similar permits that have been issued, "weakening the trust U.S. businesses and workers need to make investments and secure jobs." Spruce No. 1 went through a "robust 10-year review" process, he said, and the project has complied with every permit requirement. St. Louis-based Arch has long argued that killing the project would hurt West Virginia's economy and tax base, and have a chilling effect on the industry. The EPA said this is only the 13th time it has intervened after the corps issued a permit and that it reserves that power "for only unacceptable cases." Online: EPA's final decision on permit: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/cwa/dredgdis/404c-index.cfm COMMENTS Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/13/1549733/epa-vetoes-water-permit-for-wva.html?… - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS list, send any message to: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-1361 "There is no forward until you have gone back" ~Buddha "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous" ~ Aristotle

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Fwd: CATF Diesel campaign
by James Kotcon 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

I received a call from Jonathon Doster (below) with the Clean Air Task Force asking for our support/endorsement for a Diesel Clean-Up Campaign. After reading over these materials, it is not clear to me what would be involved other than support in principle for the Campaign. However, they are specifically targeting people in Rahall's District because Rahall will be the minority leader for the House Transportation Committee. I noticed that the Sierra club is not listed, nor are other Chapters. Does anyone know why the Club is not on board with this? Is there interest in endorsing this? Jim Kotcon >>> Jonathan Doster <jdoster(a)catf.us> 1/4/2011 5:18 PM >>> Hi Jim, Thanks SO much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with me this afternoon. The insight is invaluable and the Task Force really appreciates it. A few things I wanted to follow-up with you about: 1. Attached is the organizational endorsement packet for our CATF diesel campaign. We'd LOVE to have both the Environmental Council and the Sierra Club sign on officially. We've heard from many a West Virginian that Rep. Rahall really does listen to constituents, and - as you know all too well - the more organizations we have on board, the better. Please take a look and let me know if there is a better person at the Environmental Council I should be speaking with (before the holidays, I'd emailed and called Don Garvin and haven't heard back from him yet). Hopefully we can sign you all up sooner rather than later. 2. I was also hoping you could provide contact information (email and/or phone number would be great) for: - Beth Little - Allen Traddle Again, I can't thank you enough. I'll be in touch in a week or two to figure out these two endorsement questions. -- Jonathan Doster Clean Air Task Force 27 E. Monroe, Suite 1100 Chicago, IL, 60603 312.427.2114 x 206 www.catf.us <http://www.citizenaction-il.org/>

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FW: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] New Worldwatch Report on Synergies Between Renewable Energy and Natural Gas
by Grubb, Karen 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

From: National Hydrofracking Team [mailto:ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG] On Behalf Of Bruce Hamilton Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 1:45 PM To: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Subject: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] New Worldwatch Report on Synergies Between Renewable Energy and Natural Gas Not endorsing this, just passing along the fact that it is out there and worth a read. From: Saya Kitasei [mailto:Skitasei@worldwatch.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 7:37 AM To: Saya Kitasei Subject: New Worldwatch Report on Synergies Between Renewable Energy and Natural Gas Dear Friends and Colleagues, I am very pleased to announce that Worldwatch Report 184, Powering the Low-Carbon Economy: The Once and Future Roles of Renewable Energy and Natural Gas, was released last month. This report represents the culmination of the Natural Gas and Sustainable Energy Initiative’s work during 2010. In it, we examine important synergies between renewable energy and natural gas that will allow for reduced dependence on coal, speeding the transition to a low-carbon economy. A link to the report is available on our new Natural Gas and Sustainable Energy Initiative page: http://www.worldwatch.org/natural-gas-sustainable-energy/. Please feel free to email me if you are interested in an electronic copy. In 2011, we look forward to continuing our research on the synergies between renewable energy and natural gas, with an increased focus on international and state-level analysis. Best wishes for the new year, Saya Snow Kitasei Sustainable Energy Fellow Worldwatch Institute 1776 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20036 phone: (202) 452-1999 x. 513 fax: (202) 296-7365 www.worldwatch.org/natural-gas-sustainable-energy/<http://www.worldwatch.org/natural-gas-sustainable-energy/> _______________________________________________ You received this message because you are subscribed to the COG mailing list: COG(a)lists.earthworksaction.org To manage your subscription, including viewing the list archive, changing your subscription to or from "daily digest", or removing yourself from the list, visit: http://coglist.earthworksaction.org<http://coglist.earthworksaction.org/> NOTE: Please do NOT address messages to this list using the BCC field. If a message to this list is addressed in the BCC field, it will be trapped, and indefinitely delayed, by the list spam filter until the administrator has time to review it.

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Fw: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] Pennsylvania Governor Bans New Gas Wells on State Land - NYTimes.com
by Jim Sconyers 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Now this is an eye-opener! Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "Grubb, Karen" <Karen.Grubb(a)fairmontstate.edu> To: Jim Sconyers <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 6:47:39 PM Subject: FW: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] Pennsylvania Governor Bans New Gas Wells on State Land - NYTimes.com From:National Hydrofracking Team [mailto:ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG] On Behalf Of Jeff Schmidt Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 10:12 AM To: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Subject: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] Pennsylvania Governor Bans New Gas Wells on State Land - NYTimes.com http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/pennsylvania-governor-bans-fracki… - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS list, send any message to: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp

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Fwd: Hydrofracking Team Call Wed, Jan 12th
by Paul Wilson 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

how many WV sierrans are on the Hydrofracking Team? Anybody else going to attend this conf. call tonight?? thx, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Sierra Club Activist Network <community.manager(a)sierraclub.org> Date: Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 8:57 PM Subject: Hydrofracking Team Call Wed, Jan 12th To: pjgrunt(a)gmail.com Paul, you have a group bulletin from *Hydrofracking Team<http://connect.sierraclub.org/Team/Hydrofracking_Team> *. *Visit Hydrofracking Team.<http://connect.sierraclub.org/Team/Hydrofracking_Team> * Message: Hi Fracktivists! Our news list has continued to grow over the holidays. We now have 3 Arkansans, 4 Colorodons ?, 6 ! Marylandians, 5 Michiganites, 4 North Carolinians, 4 Oklahomans, 6 Virginians, 2 each from Tennesee and NJ, as well as individuals from OH, MN, NM, and KY... and a TON of New Yorkers and Pennsylvanians. As we approach critical mass, I'd like define some goals for the next few months. 8pm ET Wednesday, Jan 12th Hydrofracking Team call Call number: 1 (866) 501-6174 Access Code: 900 367 87 337 # Agenda 1. 5 minutes - Gasland House Parties are here! -Jess and Sophie provide an update. 2. 20 minutes- Local actions for house parties and beyond. Is there text available for PA (Tom Au) and CO (Gopa Ross)? Any other areas wanting to see some activity on their issue please draft text for an action alert ASAP. For an example see the Frac Act alert: http://action.sierraclub.org/frac/. Based on the email from Alison Vicks today Arkansas, Tennessee, NY/PA/NJ/MD (DRBC), West Virginia, Idaho, and Ohio all have potential alerts. Who will try their hand at writing one? 3. 20 minutes- The Frac Act needs to be proposed this year- any updates from the sponsors? The members of the Natural Gas Caucus seem to me like an obvious place to focus our educational efforts. I'd like to hear from activists in the caucus members districts. Info follows. There was a letter from the Natural Gas Caucus *** http://naturalgascaucus.murphy.house.gov/ * to Ken Salazar, Dept of Interior asking the dept to "refrain from placing any new regulatory burdens on natural gas exploration and production today." The primary goals of the Caucus are: 1. The promotion of responsible exploration and development of natural gas; 2. Pushing legislation and a regulatory environment that encourages the production, transmission, distribution, and use of natural gas; 3. Exploring responsible ways to expand the use of natural gas - Chemical, manufacturing, transportation, and energy as it fits in a portfolio of energy resources; 4. And matching supply and demand to create a secure and stable environment for producers and users. ** *Members of the Caucus:* * * *Rep. Tim Murphy (PA)* - Co-Chair Rep. Dan Boren (OK) - Co-Chair Jason Altmire *- PA* *Spencer Bachus **- AL* *Rob Bishop - UT* *Marsha Blackburn - TN* *John Boozman - AR* *Kevin Brady - TX* *Henry Brown - SC* *Dan Burton - IN* *Dave Camp - MI* *Shelley Moore Capito - WV* Chris Carney - PA Bill Cassidy - LA *Jason Chaffetz - UT* Ben Chandler *- *KY *Howard Coble **- NC* *Mike Coffman **- CO* *Tom Cole **- OK* *Michael Conaway **- TX* Jim Costa *- *CA Mark Critz *-* PA Henry Cuellar *-* TX Lincoln Davis *-* TN Diana DeGette *- *CO Kathleen Dahlkemper *-* PA William Delahunt *- * MA Mike Doyle *- *PA *Jo Ann Emerson **- MO* *Mary Fallin **- OK* *John Fleming **- LA * *Virginia Foxx **- NC* Charles Gonzalez *-* TX *Jim Gerlach **- PA* *Bob Goodlatte **- VA* Bart Gordon *- *TN Gene Green *- * TX *Ralph Hall **- TX* *Greg Harper **- MS* *Wally Herger **- CA* Steve Kagen *- *WI *Steve King **- IA* *Doug Lamborn **- CO* John Larson *- *CT *Robert Latta **- OH* *Christopher Lee **- NY * *Frank Lucas **- OK* Ben Ray Lujan *-* NM *Cynthia Lummis **- WY* *Thaddeus McCotter **- MI* Betsy Markey *-* CO Jim Matheson *-* UT *Patrick McHenry **- NC* Charlie Melancon *-* LA Alan Mollohan *- *WV Jim Moran *- *VA Patrick Murphy *-* PA *Sue Myrick **- NC* Ed Perlmutter *- *CO *Joe Pitts **- PA* *Denny Rehberg **- MT* *Harold Rogers **- KY* *Mike Rogers **- MI* Ciro Rodriguez *-* TX *Peter Roskam **- IL* Mike Ross *-* AR Tim Ryan *- *OH John Salazar *- *CO Joe Sestak *-* PA *Aaron Schock **- IL* *John Shadegg **- AZ* Heath Shuler *-*NC *Bill Shuster **- PA* *Vic Snyder **- AR* *John Sullivan **- OK* John Tanner *- *TN Harry Teague *-* NM *Lee Terry **- NE* Bennie Thompson *-*MS *Glenn Thompson **- PA* *Todd Tiahrt** **- KS* *Fred Upton **- MI* *Joe Wilson **- SC* - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To ------------------------------ *Visit Hydrofracking Team.<http://connect.sierraclub.org/Team/Hydrofracking_Team> * ------------------------------ Reply? Or other thoughts? If you have questions about the bulletin CONTENT, please visit the group's page and leave a comment<http://connect.sierraclub.org/Team/Hydrofracking_Team>, or contact the group owner. *Technical Issues?* Please reply to this message (or email community.manager(a)sierraclub.org) if you have questions or problems with the bulletin itself. If you want to stop getting email, you can either leave (unjoin) or set your email preferences<http://connect.sierraclub.org/editor/app/group/managegroupmembership.aspx?O…> . -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-1361 "There is no forward until you have gone back" ~Buddha "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous" ~ Aristotle

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Fw: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] "EPA: Chesapeake Energy illegally buried W.Va.streams" -- WVGazette, SustainedOutrageBlog (Nov. 23, 2010)
by Jim Sconyers 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

This is the same Chesapeake that is touted by Mike Ross and others as such a good responsible gas developer. Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "Grubb, Karen" <Karen.Grubb(a)fairmontstate.edu> To: James Kotcon <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu>; Jim Sconyers <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com>; Kevin Fooce <fmoose39(a)hotmail.com>; BethLittle <blittle(a)citynet.net>; Heather Heilman <heatherheilman(a)yahoo.com>; Nicole Good <nnncole(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 6:23:34 PM Subject: FW: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] "EPA: Chesapeake Energy illegally buried W.Va.streams" -- WVGazette, SustainedOutrageBlog (Nov. 23, 2010) I’ve got some old emails to go through. Again, if you already get these, let me know. From:National Hydrofracking Team [mailto:ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG] On Behalf Of Jeff Schmidt Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 11:01 AM To: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Subject: [ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS] "EPA: Chesapeake Energy illegally buried W.Va.streams" -- WVGazette, SustainedOutrageBlog (Nov. 23, 2010) EPA: Chesapeake illegally buried W.Va. streams November 23, 2010 by Ken Ward Jr. http://blogs.wvgazette.com/watchdog/2010/11/23/epa-chesapeake-illegally-bur… Here’s a new gas drilling story from Vicki Smith over at The Associated Press: The Environmental Protection Agency says a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy has promised to restore four northern West Virginia streams it filled illegally while building roads and laying pipeline for Marcellus shale gas drilling projects. EPA spokeswoman Donna Heron confirmed Monday that federal inspectors cited Chesapeake Appalachia LLC after four site visits this fall in Wetzel and Marshall counties. In one case, inspectors found that Blake Fork stream and a picturesque waterfall near New Martinsville had been completely filled with gravel for a road. Ed Wade, who took before and after photographs of the 20-foot wide stream, said many people used to visit the waterfall because of its beauty. “I don’t know if there was a miscommunication about where the road should go or what,” he said, “but they just took their dozers and ripped it out.” Blake Fork and three other streams affected by Chesapeake’s drilling activities are tributaries of Fish Creek, which flows into the Ohio River. Chesapeake spokesman Matt Sheppard said the company is working with EPA on what he called “isolated issues concerning earth-moving activity.” “As this matter is currently undergoing federal regulatory review, it would be inappropriate to offer public comment at this time,” he wrote in an e-mail, adding that Chesapeake is committed to responsible natural gas development. Heron said Chesapeake has indicated it will abide by the EPA’s administrative compliance orders, which were issued in October and earlier this month. Chesapeake is among dozens of companies rushing to tap the Marcellus shale field, a vast, mile-deep natural gas reserve underlying most of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and portions of Ohio. It is believed to hold trillions of cubic feet of gas, but breaking it free from the rock requires horizontal drilling and water-intensive hydraulic fracturing technologies. How to better monitor the industry is a growing concern among environmentalists and property owners, who are looking to lawmakers for help preventing problems with water pollution, erosion and road destruction, among other things. The compliance orders say some of Chesapeake’s violations in Wetzel and Marshall counties date to 2007. Chesapeake was cited for illegally filling in Laurel Run near Cameron between January 2007 and December 2009. The filling of Blake Fork began in January 2008, the administrative orders show. Violations on Lynn Camp Run and Middle Fork Lynn Camp Run, both near New Martinsville, began in January 2010, the EPA said. The Middle Fork project involved not only construction of a well pad but also the installation of buried pipeline. The EPA says all four projects were done without a legally required permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The compliance orders require Chesapeake to remove the fill and restore the streams and wetlands “to pre-disturbance conditions.” Wade, a 40-year-old boilermaker, said it took several years to get state and federal regulators to adequately respond to his complaint about Blake Fork. “How are they going to put the waterfall back?” he wonders now. Wade is also skeptical Chesapeake will change its ways. “If someone’s watching them, they do right. It’s like a little kid: If they can get away with it, they’re going to,” he said. ” … They don’t care. It’s all about their bottom line.” Vicki’s story comes after a blog item from the Natural Resources Defense Council, following up on a report by the CBS show 60 Minutes: Last Sunday night, CBS’s 60 Minutes aired a report on natural gas production in America, including concerns about the environmental impacts. Interviewed on the program was Aubrey McClendon, the CEO of Chesapeake Energy, one of the country’s largest producers of natural gas and widely considered a leader in the field. Yet recent – and as of yet unreported – findings by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveal that Chesapeake is also a company that violated the Clean Water Act four times in one county in West Virginia. In October and November 2010, EPA initiated four Clean Water Act enforcement actions against Chesapeake Energy. Through field investigations, EPA documented illegal discharges of dredge and fill material at several Chesapeake drilling sites in Wetzel County. It appears that the company built access roads for giant trucks directly through a stream without the permits required under section 404 of the Clean Water Act. We thank EPA for investigating activities in this remote corner of Appalachia. Here’s the 60 Minutes piece: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7054210n --------- EPA cites Chesapeake for illegally filling streams By wire reports Wednesday, November 24, 2010 http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_710746.html The Environmental Protection Agency said a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corp. has promised to restore four northern West Virginia streams it filled illegally while building roads and laying pipeline for Marcellus shale gas drilling projects. EPA spokeswoman Donna Heron said federal inspectors cited Chesapeake after four site visits this fall in Wetzel and Marshall counties. In one case, inspectors found that Blake Fork stream and a picturesque waterfall near New Martinsville had been completely filled with gravel for a road. Chesapeake spokesman Matt Sheppard said the company is working with EPA on what he called "isolated issues concerning earth-moving activity." ________________________________ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS list, send any message to: ACTNET-FRAC-NEWS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/

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Fw: [Charleston Newspapers] Article - Drilling reforms expected to get legislative attention
by Frank Young 08 Jan '11

08 Jan '11

Industry representatives, while not ecstatic, seem resigned that there are going to be at least some regulations and permitting process changes relating to shale gas drilling.- Frank ----- Original Message ----- From: articles(a)cnpapers.com To: frankly(a)mtparty.org Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2011 6:21 PM Subject: [Charleston Newspapers] Article - Drilling reforms expected to get legislative attention fyoung(a)mountain.net sent you this article ----- January 8, 2011 Drilling reforms expected to get legislative attention By Ken Ward Jr. The Charleston Gazette Oil and gas lobbyists and environmental groups are both offering cautious reactions to a Department of Environmental Protection proposal for a wholesale rewrite of the way West Virginia regulates drilling operations across the state. Read more -----

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Re: [EC] PATH Case has been tolled
by James Kotcon 08 Jan '11

08 Jan '11

My suggestion is to re-introduce the PSDC Reform bill from last year. A number of those features, such as consideration of indirect impacts or consideration of energy efficiency alternatives, would still make a very useful contribution. If a media campaign were timed with the introduction of such a bill, it could generate some significant publicity. It is not clear how that would apply in this case, as the PATH tolling puts the deadline for introduction of their "final" textimony well after the end of the session, but I think that the Legislatuure is one arena where we can put some pressure on PATH. We should talk about this in the near future. JBK >>> "Frank Young" 01/07/11 9:00 PM >>> What kind of a "lobbying effort" do you mean, Jim? WV Highlands Conservancy still has about $ 3,000 of funds that were provided specifically for StopPATH related advertising. There has been a lot of StopPATH advertising in the eastern panhandle, but virtually none outside that region, as far as I know. The eastern panhandle media outlets reach west over to about Tucker County. Cindy Rank and I have control of these available funds. We would like for these funds for StopPATH advertising used in the Buckhannon-Weston and/or Charleston area media markets. We already have the print media and radio & TV media spots produced. Those were produced last year with grants from NTHP (National Trust for Historic Preservation) and Sierra Club. And so the "credits" roll at the end of the videos and on the print media ads give credit to, among others, Sierra Club for producing / airing these ads. The funds we have can be used entirely for air time and/or print media space. But we need someone who knows something about media advertising to coordinate having these ads aired and/or printed in the media markets I indicate above. Having someone knowledgeable about media advertising could help us get the most air time / print space for the $$$$ available. Frank Young ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Kotcon" <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu> To: <EC(a)osenergy.org> Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 6:23 PM Subject: [EC] Fwd: [WVaPATH] Case has been tolled > The link below takes you to the 12-page order, but suffice it to say that the PSC has extended the Schedule for the PATH case again. > > PATH will have until March 31 to file additional data on its case, including revised electricity demands and reliability forecasts based on upgrades to other lines. They must also file a complete set of data, including all previous testimony, revisions, substitutions, additions and deletions, to assist intervenors in unraveling this increasingly complex case. > > Intervenors (that's us) must file motions for "discovery" on the supplemental PATH testimony by July 22, and must file our new "Direct" testimony by Aug. 11. After several rounds or responses, rebuttals and more discovery, the evidentiary hearings are scheduled from Oct. 11-26. > > The PSC's final decision on the applications is due by Feb. 9, 2012. > > > We should be thinking about any additional testimony we might need by Aug. 11, as well as how to continue the lobbying effort on this campaign. > > JBK > > >>>> Eric Burleyson <eric(a)riversdell.com> 1/7/2011 5:39 PM >>> > > Did not get my PSC email yet, but a new order is up on the PSC site: > http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI… > > > > _______________________________________________ > EC mailing list > EC(a)osenergy.org > http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec

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PSC's New Procedural Schedule in PATH Case
by Frank Young 08 Jan '11

08 Jan '11

WordPress.com PSC's New Procedural Schedule in PATH Case Bill | January 8, 2011 at 3:10 pm | Tags: Citizen Action, WV PSC | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/piwFb-1ao According to the January 7, 2011 revision, the PSC set the following new deadlines for the PATH case procedural schedule: a.. Applicants file supplemental testimony on issue of electrical need and any other issues requiring supplementation. Noon, Thursday, March 31, 2011 b.. Deadline for propounding discovery on supplemental testimony due March 31, 2011. Noon, Friday, July 22, 2011 c.. Staffs and Intervenors' prepared direct testimony and rebuttal to the direct testimony of Applicants. Noon, Thursday, August 11, 2011 d.. Deadline for propounding discovery in response to testimony due August 11, 2011. Noon, Wednesday, August 24, 2011 e.. Applicants' rebuttal testimony to the direct testimony for Staff and Intervenors, and Staff and Intervenor rebuttal testimony to the direct testimony of one another. Noon, Friday, September 9, 2011 f.. Deadline for propounding discovery in response to the rebuttal testimony due September 9, 2011. Noon, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 g.. Written opening statements. Noon, Wednesday, October 5, 2011 h.. Evidentiary hearing begins. Noon, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 i.. Evidentiary hearing ends. Noon, Wednesday, October 26, 2011 j.. Initial briefs and proposed orders. Noon, Tuesday, November 22, 2011 k.. Reply briefs. Noon, Thursday, December 8, 2011 l.. Deadline for Commission decision. Thursday, February 9, 2012 Intervenors can get other important information about participating effectively in the case here. WordPress.com | Thanks for flying with WordPress! Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe | Publish text, photos, music, and videos by email using our Post by Email feature. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://subscribe.wordpress.com

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Fwd: [WVaPATH] Case has been tolled
by James Kotcon 07 Jan '11

07 Jan '11

The link below takes you to the 12-page order, but suffice it to say that the PSC has extended the Schedule for the PATH case again. PATH will have until March 31 to file additional data on its case, including revised electricity demands and reliability forecasts based on upgrades to other lines. They must also file a complete set of data, including all previous testimony, revisions, substitutions, additions and deletions, to assist intervenors in unraveling this increasingly complex case. Intervenors (that's us) must file motions for "discovery" on the supplemental PATH testimony by July 22, and must file our new "Direct" testimony by Aug. 11. After several rounds or responses, rebuttals and more discovery, the evidentiary hearings are scheduled from Oct. 11-26. The PSC's final decision on the applications is due by Feb. 9, 2012. We should be thinking about any additional testimony we might need by Aug. 11, as well as how to continue the lobbying effort on this campaign. JBK >>> Eric Burleyson <eric(a)riversdell.com> 1/7/2011 5:39 PM >>> Did not get my PSC email yet, but a new order is up on the PSC site: http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…

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Fwd: Sustainability in West Virginia: Spurring Economic Investment and Creating Jobs
by Paul Wilson 07 Jan '11

07 Jan '11

Anybody else get this stuff? paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Sen. Jay Rockefeller (Rockefeller) < Sen.Jay_Rockefeller(a)rockefeller.senate.gov> Date: Wed, Jan 5, 2011 at 4:39 PM Subject: Sustainability in West Virginia: Spurring Economic Investment and Creating Jobs To: Dear Friend, Last fall, I was excited to deliver remarks at the West Virginia Sustainability Summit, which was sponsored by the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation in partnership with the Center for Economic Options. This was an incredible opportunity to highlight examples of how some of our West Virginia businesses are already employing sustainable practices and how we can use similar methods in the future. During these tough economic times, we all realize the importance of innovation and creative thinking about the expansion of our core industries. Forums like this one help us multiply our power to spur economic investment and create jobs. Sustainability is being employed across industries – from construction and agriculture, to innovations in manufacturing and exporting. These industries have learned through experience that employing sustainable practices can increase businesses’ bottom lines and create jobs as part and parcel of improving the environment for future generations. The Summit was an important discussion about how to use sustainable practices to preserve our existing industries and jobs, protect our environment and most importantly, grow our state’s economy and create new jobs. This is an area that I will continue to focus on and I look forward to working with you through the coming year. Please find below my remarks from the West Virginia Sustainability Summit. All the best, Jay *West Virginia Sustainability Summit* *Remarks* * * Thank you, President Clements, for that kind introduction. Thank you Mark for the work that you do to improve West Virginia’s economic future; and thank you to all of our guests and panelists for being a part of this important Summit – especially the man you will hear from next, Neil Hawkins. Neil – I am very happy that you are here and look forward to your remarks. I also want to thank the event sponsors, the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation and the Center for Economic Options for hosting this event. And, thanks to Pam Curry for all of your help organizing – sometimes that is a thankless job – so thank you. We’re here to re-ignite a dialogue on sustainability and what it means to our state businesses, our residents, and our future. * * So, what does sustainability really mean? I think the best way to explain it is to give some examples of how some of our West Virginia businesses are already employing sustainable practices. We see sustainability in local restaurants’ commitment to buy from WV farmers and purchase from other state vendors. We see sustainability at Toyota’s Buffalo, W.Va. facility in their environmental management system (EMS). EMS remains a zero landfill contributor — reusing or recycling materials that otherwise would have been sent to landfills. Toyota is finding ways to reduce waste, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous materials usage and wastewater discharge – and that is great. And, we see sustainability with energy companies like Dow and AEP who are working to sustain West Virginia’s and our nation’s energy future by working to lower our carbon footprint and find ways to expand sustainable energy technology. At Dow West Virginia Operation’s South Charleston facility, the company has been working to reduce energy, water use, waste generation, and has increased the facility’s land and habitat conservation. Sustainability is a word that is that is often used in various ways by many different groups and organizations. But at its broad base sustainability is about doing things and using products that are more environmentally friendly than they are currently done. * * I firmly believe that if we play our cards right, our state, which has been an energy producing state for generations, is poised to provide the single most important energy – and sustainability – innovation for the twenty-first century -- which is truly *clean* coal technology. New technologies already in place have allowed us to nearly triple coal’s use over the past 30 years, while vastly reducing air emissions for pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. The question is not: should we try to address climate change? The question must be: what tools can we develop to improve our economy, secure coal’s future, and reduce emissions for our environment and the health of our families? The best answer, I think, lies broadly in “CCS” –carbon capture and storage. I fought very hard to have $3.4 billion included in the Recovery Act for CCS, and Senator Voinovich of Ohio and I have worked together over the past year to write bipartisan legislation which lays out a bold roadmap for CCS. Some have argued that transitioning to a sustainable economy means shifting away from West Virginia’s historic industries and towards new ‘green jobs’ that may or may not be there. This is not the case. CCS shows that we can make important strides in sustainability that encourage and build upon the important industries that we already have. I believe that CCS is just one piece – but a very important piece of West Virginia’s future in sustainable industry. * * But we’re not just talking about energy. Sustainability is being employed by all of our panelists here in every industry – from construction to agriculture, and from innovation to manufacturing and exporting. We have learned through example that employing sustainable practices can increase our businesses’ bottom lines and in turn can simultaneously create jobs and improve the environment for future generations. During these tough economic times, we all realize the importance of innovation and creative thinking about the expansion of our core industries. Ideas are the best things we have – and conversations like these only help us multiply our power to spur economic investment and expand business. We are here to explore ways to build upon the industries we have today and be a creator of industries of the future. * * Now, we all recognize that sustainability requires a partnership – at the local level – and a partnership between government and private industry. I was proud that much of last year’s Recovery Act went toward emerging sustainability projects and training our workforce in sustainability fields. The Recovery Act gave: - *$13.1 million* to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in West Virginia under the DOE’s State Energy Program. That money is going toward a statewide plan that prioritizes energy savings, creates jobs, increases the use of renewable energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. - *$14 million* for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program – providing formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency across West Virginia. - *$15 million* to our state’s weatherization program which helps reduce the utility bills for our most vulnerable residents while providing needed jobs to West Virginians. - *$6 million* for West Virginia GREEN-UP which educates and trains workers for jobs in the new and emerging green energy sector and promotes green jobs entrepreneurship. And that’s just the beginning. * * The Recovery Act also gave much-needed resources to our research institutions – including West Virginia University and the National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) here in North Central West Virginia. Morgantown’s National Energy Technology Lab and NETL’s Regional University Alliance recently received $40 million to accelerate the development and deployment of industrial (CCS) technology. In addition, they’re working on some truly amazing and groundbreaking research, including a hydrogen fueling station at Yeager airport which is producing Hydrogen from water with coal-fired electricity. This is an example where we are indirectly using West Virginia coal to displace foreign oil in our transportation sector. This will not only reduce tailpipe emissions but also improve our national security. ** * * You’ve heard about some of the larger projects on sustainability, but I know that sustainability also happens every day on smaller scales – in small towns across West Virginia. All ideas about sustainability are important and all efforts to make it work are paving the way for a stronger future. There is great opportunity for sustainability and the development of sustainability practices here in West Virginia – and I know that with minds like yours, and conversations like these, we can help West Virginia lead this developing industry. We need to have a conversation in this state about how to use sustainable practices to: · Preserve our existing industries and jobs; · Protect our environment and; · Most importantly grow our state’s economy and create new jobs. I have no doubt that West Virginians and our businesses can lead the way – and I think today is the start. Thank you. -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-1361 "There is no forward until you have gone back" ~Buddha "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous" ~ Aristotle

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Fw: AMD Reclamation, Inc. discharges to Dunkard Creek
by James Kotcon 07 Jan '11

07 Jan '11

AMD Reclamation, inc., is Longview's affiliate that was treating water. Originally, they were supposed to treat the water clean enough for Longview to use as cooling water, but instead, they have an expired permit that allows water to discharge with pollutants above water quality standards. While ConSol's discharge appears to be a primary source of the discharges near the headwaters of Dunkard Creek that led to the Golden algae bloom and fish kill in Sept. 2009, the discharges from AMD Reclamation's plant (about five miles above the mouth of Dunkard Creek) appears to be the primary source of pollution that had already killed the lower five miles of Dunkard Creek. Now they are at it again. >>>>> Mine work proceeds though DEP permit status is in question 1/7/2011 3:32 AM By Bob Niedbala, Staff writer niedbala(a)observer-reporter.com AMD Reclamation Inc. is now drilling two boreholes into the Humphrey Mine at Calvin Run in Perry Township to allow it to pump water from the depths of the closed mine to its Shannopin Mine Steele Shaft treatment plant. However, questions about the permitting status of the project, which is being done by AMD to allow mining to continue in the area, are being raised by environmental groups as well as by the federal Office of Surface Mining. The questions were raised in light of a decision made by the state Department of Environmental Protection 10 months ago to revoke a revision to AMD's post-mining permit for the same project. DEP in February agreed to revoke the permit revision after two environmental groups filed an appeal claiming the project would increase pollution in Dunkard Creek and citing DEP's failure to provide public notice of the permit revision application. DEP also agreed at that time to pay $20,000 in legal fees to Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture), which appealed the revision along with Friends of Dunkard Creek. Though no application has been filed with DEP for another revision to AMD's post-mining permit for the Calvin Run project, construction of the line and drilling of the boreholes are now under way. "It's a slap in the face," said Kurt Weist, PennFuture senior attorney. "Somebody's gaming the system." The groups originally challenged the revision partly because the public should be able to review and comment on what DEP is doing, said Jim O'Connell, treasurer of Friends of Dunkard Creek. "It is very disappointing that after they have been ordered to cease operations (with the revocation of the permit revision), suddenly the work starts again," he said. Members of Friends of Dunkard Creek and PennFuture contacted state and federal regulatory agencies after noticing work being done at the Calvin Run site Dec. 23. After receiving the "citizen's complaint," the Office of Surface Mining issued a 10-day notice to DEP Dec. 29 requesting detailed information on the permitting status of the project, Chris Holmes, OSM spokesman, said. DEP will have until Jan. 13 to respond to the notice, he said. OSM has not ordered the work to be halted. "We will respond appropriately when we receive the information from Pa. DEP," Holmes said. DEP issued a statement saying only that it is preparing a response to the notice. "There are legal issues involved in this that make it inappropriate for us to comment further," said Katy Gresh, DEP spokeswoman. AMD also is now working with DEP to prepare the response, said Charles Huguenard, AMD vice president. He maintained, however, that the company had followed the guidance of DEP in permitting the project. "We feel we have done everything we were advised to do," Huguenard said. "DEP told us, 'Here is what you need to do' ... we just followed their guidance." Huguenard said the company received a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit for the Calvin Run project from the Greene County Conservation District. Lisa Snider, manager of the conservation district, said the district, however, issued a standard NPDES permit for "surface construction activities only." The conservation district does not issue permits related to mining or water withdrawal associated with mining activities, she said. Those permits are issued by DEP. The Steele Shaft plant was constructed by AMD in 2003 with the help of state funding to treat polluted water from the abandoned Shannopin Mine. Acidic water in the mine had reached a level at which it could breach the surface and pollute Dunkard Creek. The project also allowed Dana Mining Co., a company affiliated with AMD, to mine Sewickley seam coal above the deeper Pittsburgh seam previously mined by Shannopin. As Dana's mining activities continued to move west, the company also needed to lower the pool of the adjacent Humphrey Mine. In 2005, DEP granted an informal permit revision to AMD allowing it to pump water from the Humphrey mine pool to Shannopin and to treat it at Steele Shaft. AMD also was granted a permit revision in November 2009 to drill two boreholes at Calvin Run and construct a pipeline to pump additional water from Humphrey to Steele Shaft, a revision DEP revoked in February after the appeal was filed. PennFuture and Friends of Dunkard Creek opposed the permit revision, saying the project would only allow AMD to discharge additional polluted water high in total dissolved solids into Dunkard Creek. The Steele Shaft plant cannot treat total dissolved solids and was originally issued a permit to discharge mine water under less restrictive standards because of the threatening breakout at Shannopin. No threat of a breakout exists at Humphrey, Weist said. Consol is currently treating water from Humphrey at a treatment plant in West Virginia and maintains the Humphrey pool level as required by its permits. The Calvin Run project was undertaken "purely to allow the extraction of coal from the Sewickley seam" in the area of the Humphrey Mine, Weist said. Weist also pointed out the renewal of the Steele Shaft plant's discharge permit is now more than two years overdue. DEP's own water quality experts have recommended that more stringent water quality limits be included in the permit renewal, he said. Copyright Observer Publishing Co. OSM asks state to provide information on permitting for AMD Reclamation Inc. project 1/6/2011 5:04 PM The U.S. Office of Surface Mining has issued a 10-day notice to the state Department of Environmental Protection asking it to provide information on the permitting of a project by AMD Reclamation Inc. to drill two bore holes into the closed Humphrey Mine at Calvin Run in Perry Township. AMD wants to drill the bore holes and construct a water line to pump mine water from the Humphrey Mine to its Shannopin Mine Steele Shaft treatment plant. The project would allow Dana Mining Co., a company affiliated with AMD, to mine coal in the area of the Humphrey Mine. DEP revoked a permit revision to AMD’s post mining activity permit for the same project in February after two environmental groups filed an appeal with the state Environmental Hearing Board. However, work on the Calvin Run project was started recently, apparently without the granting by DEP of another revision to the post mining permit. DEP said Thursday that it is preparing a response to OSM and would not comment further because the matter may involve legal issues. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

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Judy Bonds memorial
by Jim Sconyers 07 Jan '11

07 Jan '11

There is a memorial event for Judy Bonds Jan. 15. Probably in Charleston. I'll send more details as they become available. Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last.

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[wvec-board] Fwd: [fom] Judy Bonds
by James Kotcon 04 Jan '11

04 Jan '11

>>> <dsgjr(a)aol.com> 1/4/2011 1:33 AM >>> This came this evening. For many of us Judy was the "face" of coal field activism. Her death is a loss to us all. Don Garvin ____________________________________ From: vernoncrmw(a)gmail.com To: fom(a)lists.riseup.net, mountainjusticesummer(a)lists.riseup.net, the-alliance-for-appalachia(a)googlegroups.com, Justice(a)lists.citizenscoalcouncil.org Sent: 1/3/2011 9:58:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time Subj: [fom] Judy Bonds It is with great sorry that we mourn the passing today of Julia “Judy” Bonds, Executive Director of Coal River Mountain Watch. Judy was more than a co-worker, friend, and mentor: she became family. She inspired thousands in the movement to end mountaintop removal and was a driving force in making it what it has become. I can’t count the number of times someone told me they got involved because they heard Judy speak, either at their university, at a rally, or in a documentary. Years ago she envisioned a “thousand hillbilly march” in Washington, DC. In 2010, that dream became a reality as thousands marched on the White House for Appalachia Rising. Judy endured much personal suffering for her leadership. While people of lesser courage would candy-coat their words or simply shut up and sit down, Judy called it as she saw it. She endured physical assault, verbal abuse, and death threats because she stood up for justice for her community. I never met a more courageous person, one who faced her own death and spoke about it with the same voice as if it were a scheduled trip. Ultimately, Judy did all any one person could conceivably do to stop mountaintop removal. One of Judy’s last acts was to go on a speaking trip, even though she was not feeling well, shortly before her diagnosis. I believe, as others do, that Judy’s years in Marfork holler, where she remained in her ancestral home as long as she could, subjected her to Massey Energy’s airborne toxic dust and led to the cancer that wasted no time in taking its toll. Judy will be missed by all in this movement, as an icon, a leader, an inspiration, and a friend. No words can ever express what she has meant, and what she will always mean. We will tell stories about her, around fires, in meeting rooms, and any place where people are gathered in the name of justice and love for our fellow human beings. When we prevail, as we must, we will remember Judy as one of the great heroes of our movement. We will always remember her for her passion, conviction, tenacity, and courage, as well as her love of family and friends and her compassion for her fellow human beings. While we grieve, let’s remember what she said, “Fight harder.” -- Vernon Haltom Co-Director, Coal River Mountain Watch 304-854-2182 _www.crmw.net_ (http://www.crmw.net/)

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Emailing: Coal's burnout Have investors moved on to cleaner energy sources
by Frank Young 03 Jan '11

03 Jan '11

Coal's burnout: Have investors moved on to cleaner energy sources?http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/01/AR2… NEWS | LOCAL | POLITICS | SPORTS | OPINIONS | BUSINESS | ARTS & LIVING | GOING OUT GUIDE | JOBS | CARS | REAL ESTATE |SHOPPING Coal's burnout: Have investors moved on to cleaner energy sources? By Steven Mufson Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, January 1, 2011; 5:42 PM The headline news for the coal industry in 2010 was what didn't happen: Construction did not begin on a single new coal-fired power plant in the United States for the second straight year. This in a nation where a fleet of coal-fired plants generates nearly half the electricity used. But a combination of low natural gas prices, shale gas discoveries, the economic slowdown and litigation by environmental groups has stopped - at least for now - groundbreaking on new ones. "Coal is a dead man walkin'," says Kevin Parker, global head of asset management and a member of the executive committee at Deutsche Bank. "Banks won't finance them. Insurance companies won't insure them. The EPA is coming after them. . . . And the economics to make it clean don't work." >From 2000 to 2008, construction started on 20 units in 19 plants, according to Edison Electric Institute. Last year, utilities and power-generating companies dropped plans to build 38 coal plants while announcing that they would retire 48 aging, inefficient ones, according to the environmental group Sierra Club. Although 2010 saw the collapse of climate legislation in the Senate, the Sierra Club is trumpeting such statistics as a sign that "coal is a fuel of the past." The battle over coal plants could sharpen in 2011, as the Environmental Protection Agency deploys regulations to improve the efficiency - and lower the greenhouse gas emissions - of big power plants. Starting Sunday, the EPA will require builders of plants big enough to emit 75,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year to use the "best available control technology" in order to obtain air permits, needed before construction. Utilities, oil refiners and other industries argue that this will add prohibitive costs, and many Republican lawmakers have vowed to handcuff the EPA, which is also planning to issue broader guidelines later in the year. In the wake of the midterm elections, President Obama identified promotion of natural gas use as an area of potential bipartisan action. He hopes to prod utilities and manufacturers into switching from coal to natural gas, which emits half the amount of greenhouse gases. The choice looms large given that the average age of the U.S. coal fleet is 43 years, with more than half the plants built before 1967. Word of coal's death might be premature, says Luke Popovich, spokesman for the National Mining Association. He said that several coal-fired plants begun earlier are still under construction. Duke Energy, for example, is expecting to finish its Cliffside and Edwardsport coal plants in 2012. Other companies have scrambled to get permits before the EPA regulations take effect, and projects in Texas, Kansas and Illinois have succeeded. A project in Mississippi is poised to break ground, though the Sierra Club is still fighting in court to revoke the plant's permits. Moreover, Popovich adds, the federal Energy Information Administration expects that the nation will need to build 30 to 40 new plants to supply the 21 gigawatts of new electricity demand expected by 2035. "Coal will remain the dominant source for electricity generation for the foreseeable future," he says. "So the big problem with the 'death of coal' message is that it is not, as we say, reality-based." It's the economy Even if coal is not dead, developments of the past two years have dimmed its future. The fate of the long-planned Smith Unit No. 1 coal plant in Kentucky is one example. The East Kentucky Power Cooperative announced plans five years ago to build the 278-megawatt plant, and it obtained permits from the Kentucky Public Service Commission. But environmental groups, joined by critics of federally subsidized loans to rural electric cooperatives, fought the project. Then the recession hit and tipped the scales. A couple of months ago, the cooperative slashed 9 percent from its forecast of electricity demand among the half-million customers it serves. As a result, East Kentucky Power canceled the Smith coal plant construction on Nov. 18, even though it has spent about $150 million stockpiling steel and parts. "And that's almost entirely due to the economy," says Nick Comer, the cooperative's manager of external affairs. Finishing the plant would have cost an estimated $819 million more. "Back in 2006-07, the economy was roaring. In our service territory we were seeing growth at about twice the national rate," Comer says. "There were a lot of new houses, new businesses; even manufacturing was expanding." But, Comer adds, "a lot of that has changed today. Housing starts are down. Manufacturers have cut back. So we expect demand for electricity is going to be down from what we had projected for a while." The story is the same across the nation. Coal consumption in the electric power sector during the first nine months of 2010 was up from 2009, but still down 5.7 percent from 2008's near-record levels, according to EIA figures. East Kentucky Power also signed a settlement with environmental groups under which it will install additional pollution control devices and further explore renewable energy options. Cheap natural gas American Electric Power, the nation's largest generator of electricity, is also taking a cautious approach. The only plant AEP has under construction is the highest efficiency model, known as "ultra supercritical." Under the new EPA guidelines, these high-efficiency plants could become the standard, reducing coal use. "We have no other coal-fueled generation planned at this time," says Pat D. Hemlepp, a spokesman for AEP. "The decline in demand has delayed the need for additional new generation." If AEP does need new generation capacity, it will turn to natural gas. In 2010, the wellhead price of natural gas has averaged $4.25 a thousand cubic feet, about 40 percent below the average price from 2005 to 2009 and well under half the peak price. Discoveries of new ways to tap natural gas trapped in shale rock have unlocked supplies that could keep prices in check for years to come. "When we do need new capacity, it is highly likely that we will look to natural gas plants instead of coal, especially if natural gas prices remain as low as projected," Hemlepp says. "The plants are less expensive to build, and current forward price projections favor gas over coal." It's a decision being made by utilities across the country. A recent Deutsche Bank report says that if gas prices remain between $4 and $6 a thousand cubic feet, "we believe that a coal to gas switch makes sense." States have their plans Even though Congress failed to enact climate legislation, more than half the states have adopted measures requiring utilities to use more renewable energy. To meet those targets, most investment will probably go into solar, wind, nuclear and energy efficiency projects. Environmental groups are gearing up to challenge coal plants state by state. The Sierra Club is expanding its ranks this year so that 100 full-time staffers will be working on the issue, and the Environmental Defense Fund is hiring additional lawyers to wage battle against coal. Given the age of the coal fleet, many of the oldest plants also run afoul of clean air guidelines on traditional pollutants. As a result, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission recently adopted a $1.4 billion plan that will end coal-fired electricity generation in the Denver area. It calls for Xcel Energy to close four coal-fired units in the region, switch another to natural gas and build a new gas-fired plant to help meet federal clean-air standards. The units are all more than 40 years old. The plan was required under the Colorado Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act, signed by Gov. Bill Ritter (D) in April. "Coloradans across the state made it clear that they did not want coal in their stockings this year," said Pam Kiely of Environment Colorado. "The PUC delivered an early Christmas present by deciding to stop burning dirty coal in the metro area." Action without legislation The Obama administration might also target coal-fired power plants as a way to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, even if legislation remains beyond its grasp. Administration officials have spoken of negotiating guidelines with big utilities, similar to automobile fuel efficiency standards, but utility executives say such talks are not yet taking place. Deutsche Bank's Parker thinks that a path to lower coal use not only makes financial sense but climate sense as well. "Switching coal to natural gas and renewable energy with a modest buildup of nuclear energy is achievable and could lead to a 29 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from the U.S. power sector by 2020 and a 44 percent reduction by 2030 compared to a 2005 baseline," the bank wrote in its November report on a low-carbon energy plan for the United States. At international climate talks, negotiators often use the year 2005 as a baseline. At the Copenhagen climate talks a year ago, the Obama administration pledged a 17 percent reduction in overall U.S. emissions by 2020. In 2002, there were plans to install 36,000 megawatts of new coal-fired power by 2007. Only one-eighth of that was completed. Deutsche Bank predicts coal's share of electric power generation will tumble further, from 47 percent in 2009 to 34 percent in 2020 and 22 percent in 2030. It put it this way in its report: "Based on today's energy fundamentals, the rational economic decision is to shutter inefficient coal plants and replace them with natural gas combined-cycle power plants." http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/01/AR201101010…

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Fwd: Climate Ground Zero Direct Action in West Virginia
by James Kotcon 03 Jan '11

03 Jan '11

I am not sure what is going on here. I guess this message speaks for itself. JBK >>> Miranda Miller <miranda.rae.miller(a)gmail.com> 1/2/2011 12:49 PM >>> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Laura Steepleton <lnsteep(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, Dec 31, 2010 at 4:12 PM Subject: Climate Ground Zero Direct Action in West Virginia To: Virginiagraf(a)aol.com, rmeads(a)shepherd.edu, ssoltow(a)gmail.com, rglenn51989(a)gmail.com, ktreve01(a)shepherd.edu, lynwidmyer(a)gmail.com, tkthorson(a)comcast.net, pwaitster(a)gmail.com, smorrick(a)aol.com, rh1936(a)frontier.com, jan.hafer(a)gallaudet.edu, Brent(a)potomacriverkeeper.org, Rkphillipsjr(a)yahoo.com, bethraps(a)earthlink.net, wind.dance(a)earthlink.net, glnelson(a)hughes.net, dccates(a)gmail.com, info(a)sleepycreekwatershedassociation.org, goldfairy39(a)gmail.com, mike(a)mtvsolar.com, robinmills4(a)yahoo.com, russell(a)morgancountyusa.org, Ronald Wilson <ronwwilson1(a)yahoo.com>, irongate12(a)aol.com, bluheron7(a)netscape.com, blueheron7(a)netscape.com, rainbowjams(a)yahoo.com, angelbemer(a)yahoo.com, carolwv08 <Carolwv08(a)suddenlink.net>, cmathews(a)shepherd.edu, Carly Queen <queenc(a)nwf.org>, Brittany Harthan < britharthan(a)yahoo.com>, Brannon Jones <jones.brannon(a)gmail.com>, briant(a)pshift.com, Buckey Boone <buckey(a)svlas.org>, Collin Jones < jollincones(a)gmail.com>, Jane Laura Doyle <janelauradoyle(a)gmail.com>, elisayoung(a)meigscan.org, firefly19 <firefly19(a)bellsouth.net>, Kara French < sprinklesomesunshine(a)yahoo.com>, "Rachel F." <earthactionteam(a)gmail.com>, benard fiorillo <bfiorillo(a)gmail.com>, forestmongrel(a)gmail.com, LJ VANISH < moviemaniac7303(a)hotmail.com>, Miranda Miller <miranda.rae.miller(a)gmail.com>, "Nathan W. Joseph" <njoseph(a)uvm.edu>, Nativa Kesecker < lovinthedrumin(a)yahoo.com>, nickelpickle(a)hotmail.com, northernrockiesrisingtide(a)gmail.com, gladysann <tinymite01(a)bellsouth.net>, steve <steves1952(a)gmail.com>, sarahlu1983(a)yahoo.com, Sarah.McManus(a)ncf.edu, bo webb <webb.bo(a)gmail.com>, Angela Wiley <wileya120(a)gmail.com>, Trevor Swan <trevorswan3(a)gmail.com> It is with great sadness and regret that we must inform you that the vast majority of the activists with Climate Ground Zero have decided to separate from the CGZ name and Mike Roselle. At this point, the only people still affiliated with CGZ at its base camp in Rock Creek are Mike Roselle, Robert “Dr. Bob” Slusarenko, and Tom Smyth. Many of you are aware that the environment on the Ford Addition, CGZ’s base of operations, has become an unhealthy space that is difficult, if not impossible, to operate a successful campaign in. We have spent year attempting to create a healthier and more supportive working environment by confronting a variety of destructive behaviors, including alcoholism, violence and other abusive actions. Unfortunately, Mike Roselle has attempted to block this process and make unilateral decisions about our communal living and working space. Mike responded to our attempt to eject an abusive person from our community by cutting off all future funding for the action campaign. We cannot run a successful campaign of autonomous direct action against MTR under these conditions. Due to the fact that Climate Ground Zero is set up fiscally as a for-profit consulting business of Mike’s, with sole control of the finances resting in his hands, we must make a break with the CGZ name and identity completely in order to rebuild a healthy and successful campaign. We remain steadfastly committed to using sustained and direct, nonviolent interventions and general civil resistance tactics as one piece of a large tactical puzzle to defend the land and people. We see this separation as necessary to continue our work to abolish strip mining. We also remain committed to battling Massey Energy in civil court as we defend ourselves against their specious Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. We’re actively looking for a place in the Coal River Valley to which we can relocate the action campaign and for funders to support continued direct action in southern West Virginia. We are currently in the process of setting up alternative financial infrastructure. For the moment, anyone interested in lending support to the action campaign is encouraged to contact us at: wvdirectaction(a)gmail.com. When we have new infrastructure set up, we will send an announcement with all the pertinent information. More than ever, we need our friends and allies to support us as we continue to improve and strengthen the campaign of active resistance in the West Virginia coalfields. Too much time and energy has been lost to dealing with the internal problems at Climate Ground Zero. We greatly look forward to rebuilding a campaign that provides the healthy and supportive environment necessary to most effectively contribute to a vibrant and diverse movement against strip mining in Appalachia. Thank you all for your support over the last two years. We are all proud of what we have done and the work we will continue to do. For the mountains, Mathew Louis-Rosenberg, Annie Jane Cotten, Kim Ellis, David Baghdadi, Charles Suggs, Laura Steepleton, Bridgette O’Brien, Grumble, Glen Collins, Maureen Farrell, Laura von Dohlen, Dea Goblirsch, Dave German, Ivan, Andrew Munn -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SSCWVU" group. To post to this group, send email to sscwvu(a)googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to sscwvu+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/sscwvu?hl=en.

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EC January 2011