EC November 2016

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Re: [EC] Capito Introduces CORE Act
by lyokochi via EC 21 Nov '16

21 Nov '16

I wonder if anyone has asked her why she won't support the Power Plus Plan? Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message --------From: James Kotcon via EC <ec(a)osenergy.org> Date: 11/20/16 2:01 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Bill Price <bill.price(a)sierraclub.org>, Nachy Kanfer <nachy.kanfer(a)sierraclub.org>, Bridget Lee <bridget.lee(a)sierraclub.org>, ec(a)osenergy.org Subject: [EC] Capito Introduces CORE Act How is this related to the ReCLAIM Act? This seems like a pretty low level of funding compared to the Power Plus Plan. JBK >>>>> THE STATE JOURNAL Capito introduces coalfield bailout bill By Rusty Marks Email rmarks(a)statejournal.com Posted: Nov 16, 2016 3:15 PM EST Wednesday, November 16, 2016 3:15 PM ESTUpdated: Nov 16, 2016 3:22 PM EST Wednesday, November 16, 2016 3:22 PM EST U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has introduced legislation aimed at helping communities in West Virginia and other states facing hardship due to coalfield job losses. The bill, called the Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies, or CORE Act, has not yet been assigned a bill number, but was introduced by Capito on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Capito hopes the bill will be taken up when Congress reconvenes following the general election. The legislation would set aside a percentage of funding from the federal New Markets Tax Credits program to help fund projects to put people back to work in communities hit by losses in the coal industry, according to Capito spokeswoman Ashley Berrang. “West Virginia and other states facing severe job losses in the coal industry are in dire need of new economic investment," Capito said. "By leveraging the power of the New Markets Tax Credit Program, the CORE Act presents a tremendous opportunity for underserved communities across the country to receive critical funding for projects that will help create new job opportunities, spur business investment, revitalize communities, and strengthen struggling economies.” According to Berrang, "The New Markets Tax Credit Program was enacted in 2000 to spur investment in low-income regions. The program supports investment in projects such as mixed-use redevelopment projects, health care facilities, manufacturing facilities and direct investments in businesses. Investors receive a 39 percent tax credit over a seven year period in return for investing in these communities." Berrang said $3.5 billion will be distributed through the tax credit program over the next three years. Capito's bill would set aside 5 percent of that funding for 12 states affected by the loss of coal jobs, which include Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. Berrang said West Virginia and other affected states have not taken full advantage of funding available through the tax credit program. "The CORE Act aims to increase the number of projects initiated in West Virginia and other underserved areas," she said.

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Capito Introduces CORE Act
by James Kotcon via EC 20 Nov '16

20 Nov '16

How is this related to the ReCLAIM Act? This seems like a pretty low level of funding compared to the Power Plus Plan. JBK >>>>> THE STATE JOURNAL Capito introduces coalfield bailout bill By Rusty Marks Email<mailto:rmarks@statejournal.com?body=http://www.statejournal.com/story/33727377/capito-introduces-coalfield-bailout-bill> rmarks(a)statejournal.com<mailto:rmarks@statejournal.com?body=http://www.statejournal.com/story/33727377/capito-introduces-coalfield-bailout-bill> Posted: Nov 16, 2016 3:15 PM EST Wednesday, November 16, 2016 3:15 PM ESTUpdated: Nov 16, 2016 3:22 PM EST Wednesday, November 16, 2016 3:22 PM EST U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has introduced legislation aimed at helping communities in West Virginia and other states facing hardship due to coalfield job losses. The bill, called the Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies, or CORE Act, has not yet been assigned a bill number, but was introduced by Capito on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Capito hopes the bill will be taken up when Congress reconvenes following the general election. The legislation would set aside a percentage of funding from the federal New Markets Tax Credits program to help fund projects to put people back to work in communities hit by losses in the coal industry, according to Capito spokeswoman Ashley Berrang. "West Virginia and other states facing severe job losses in the coal industry are in dire need of new economic investment," Capito said. "By leveraging the power of the New Markets Tax Credit Program, the CORE Act presents a tremendous opportunity for underserved communities across the country to receive critical funding for projects that will help create new job opportunities, spur business investment, revitalize communities, and strengthen struggling economies." According to Berrang, "The New Markets Tax Credit Program was enacted in 2000 to spur investment in low-income regions. The program supports investment in projects such as mixed-use redevelopment projects, health care facilities, manufacturing facilities and direct investments in businesses. Investors receive a 39 percent tax credit over a seven year period in return for investing in these communities." Berrang said $3.5 billion will be distributed through the tax credit program over the next three years. Capito's bill would set aside 5 percent of that funding for 12 states affected by the loss of coal jobs, which include Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. Berrang said West Virginia and other affected states have not taken full advantage of funding available through the tax credit program. "The CORE Act aims to increase the number of projects initiated in West Virginia and other underserved areas," she said.

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Fw: Show Me the Numbers
by James Kotcon via EC 12 Nov '16

12 Nov '16

Great report on solar versus utility impacts by Synapse Energy Economics. I recommend reading at least the Executive Summary, and the whole report if you are interested in energy policy. My only quibble is their assumption that "If a utility must recover its revenues over fewer sales, rates will increase." Utility stockholders and executives that make bad business investments should endure the "discipline of the market place", and I do not think they should automatically be entitled to a profit, especially when they make bad business decisions. I am reminded of the quote I heard during the net-metering debates of 2015: "A business that fights against what its customers want may win a few battles, but the very fact that they are fighting means they have already lost the war." I do not necessarily agree that the utilities are entitled to rate increases just because their costs must be made up over lower sales. The stockholders need to eat those losses. Enjoy. JBK ________________________________ From: Synapse Energy Economics <bcopes=synapse-energy.com(a)mail170.wdc02.mcdlv.net> on behalf of Synapse Energy Economics <bcopes(a)synapse-energy.com> Sent: Friday, November 11, 2016 2:04 PM To: James Kotcon Subject: Show Me the Numbers Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser<http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b62e4672&id=c949491c3b…>. [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/bef0f8c2ef390a88c3e173e7c/images/Synapse_small…]<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> November 2016 All Publications<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> Contact Us<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/80ccfa970a5bcb075b62e4672/images/35506952-12c…]<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/80ccfa970a5bcb075b62e4672/images/fec3f9c4-1be…] <http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> ________________________________ Synapse is thrilled to announce the release of our new report<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> produced for Consumers Union, Show Me the Numbers: A Framework for Balanced Distributed Solar Policies. Press Release from Consumers Union New Report Offers Resources to Help States Maximize the Benefits of Solar Power November 10, 2016 WASHINGTON – As interest in residential rooftop solar expands, utility commissions need to consider how to encourage solar growth while treating all customers – solar and non-solar alike – fairly. Can both goals be met simultaneously? Yes, but too few policymakers have the tools necessary to make informed decisions that meet those goals. In a new report<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b…>, produced by Synapse Energy Economics for Consumers Union, the advocacy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports, provides utility commissions and other decision makers with the analytic tools needed to better understand how various solar policies can impact their communities. “When consumers choose to go solar, there is great potential for benefits and cost savings. But there must be policies in place to ensure customers are treated fairly,“ said Shannon Baker-Branstetter, policy counsel for Consumers Union. “This tool will help states provide consumers with reliable information and the safeguards they need when considering solar for their homes.” In order to develop policies that best meet the needs of local communities, policymakers should collect data and perform analysis that will answer three key questions: * How will the policy affect the growth of distributed solar? * How cost-effective are distributed solar resources? * To what extent does the policy mitigate or exacerbate any cost shifting to non-solar customers? The new report, Show Me the Numbers: A Framework for Balanced Distributed Solar Policies<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b…>, provides a detailed look at how decision-makers can assess each of the key questions to provide a comprehensive, balanced understanding of the impact of different solar policies. Continue reading<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> ________________________________ Dr. Frank Ackerman to Speak at Tax Reform Event in DC On November 17th, Principal Economist Frank Ackerman, PhD, will be speaking at "Paying for Progress: A Tax Reform Agenda for the Next President," hosted by The Century Foundation and the Economic Policy Institute. Find more information and register here.<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> Thursday, November 17, 2016 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST The Westin Washington ________________________________ Recent Publications "The Influence of Clean Power Plan Compliance Pathway Choice on Renewable Energy Construction." Presented by Dr. Tommy Vitolo at the 2016 Renewable Energy Markets Conference. View Slides.<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…> Public Service Commission of South Carolina: Direct Testimony of Alice Napoleon regarding South Carolina Electric and Gas Energy Efficiency Efforts. On behalf of South Carolina Coastal Conservation League. Read<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b6…>. ________________________________ Newsletter Subscription You are receiving this newsletter because we think you will find the information interesting and relevant to your work. If for any reason you don't wish to receive these emails, you may unsubscribe by emailing marketing(a)synapse-energy.com.<mailto:marketing@synapse-energy.com> Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. 485 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 2 Cambridge, MA 02139 www.synapse-energy.com ©2016 Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. All rights reserved. This email was sent to jkotcon(a)wvu.edu<mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu> why did I get this?<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage1.com/about?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b62e467…> unsubscribe from this list<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage1.com/unsubscribe?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b…> update subscription preferences<http://synapse-energy.us1.list-manage.com/profile?u=80ccfa970a5bcb075b62e46…> Synapse Energy Economics · 485 Massachusetts Ave · Suite 2 · Cambridge, MA 02139 · USA

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Re: [EC] Fw: Article about SC "Beyond Coal"
by lyokochi via EC 08 Nov '16

08 Nov '16

Thanks, Mike. Our EE campaign is a part of this, so I thought I knew quite a bit about it, but I didn't realize Bloomberg was such a big contributer. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message --------From: James Kotcon via EC <ec(a)osenergy.org> Date: 11/8/16 4:55 PM (GMT-05:00) To: wvussc(a)googlegroups.com, ec(a)osenergy.org Cc: Mike Price <mikeprice54(a)suddenlink.net> Subject: [EC] Fw: Article about SC "Beyond Coal" This is a GREAT article. The Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign has been working to close coal-fired power plants for the last six years, as an essential step to save the climate. We stop more Mountaintop Removal mining by arguing economics and closing coal-fired power plants than we do by protesting at mine sites. So when there is a long, boring hearing on some utility application or rate request, "Sierra Club shows up". That means writing letters and staying informed, doing our homework. As the final quote says “It’s a long fight. This is how we win.” Thanks to Mike Price for sharing. Jim Kotcon From: mikeprice54(a)suddenlink.net <mikeprice54(a)suddenlink.net> Sent: Monday, November 7, 2016 9:40 PM To: lyokochi(a)aol.com; glnelson1(a)frontier.com; jim_scon(a)yahoo.com; liz_wiles(a)comcast.net; ikeandash(a)yahoo.com; James Kotcon; liz_wiles(a)comcast.net; ikeandash(a)yahoo.com; glnelson1(a)frontier.com; amvedock(a)hotmail.com; atdking(a)gmail.com; brentcar1(a)frontiernet.net; pspeitz(a)hotmail.com; pjgrunt(a)gmail.com; rivergal1720(a)gmail.com; autumnlong11(a)gmail.com; jimscon(a)gmail.com; Mary Wimmer; lisa_stanley77(a)yahoo.com; blittle(a)citynet.net Subject: Article about SC "Beyond Coal" I am sure some of you are aware of this info in this article but it is very interesting reading. Mike http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2015/05/inside-war-on-coal-000002 Inside the war on coal www.politico.com Inside the war on coal. How Mike Bloomberg, red-state businesses, and a lot of Midwestern lawyers are changing American energy faster than you think.

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Fw: Article about SC "Beyond Coal"
by James Kotcon via EC 08 Nov '16

08 Nov '16

This is a GREAT article. The Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign has been working to close coal-fired power plants for the last six years, as an essential step to save the climate. We stop more Mountaintop Removal mining by arguing economics and closing coal-fired power plants than we do by protesting at mine sites. So when there is a long, boring hearing on some utility application or rate request, "Sierra Club shows up". That means writing letters and staying informed, doing our homework. As the final quote says "It's a long fight. This is how we win." Thanks to Mike Price for sharing. Jim Kotcon ________________________________ From: mikeprice54(a)suddenlink.net <mikeprice54(a)suddenlink.net> Sent: Monday, November 7, 2016 9:40 PM To: lyokochi(a)aol.com; glnelson1(a)frontier.com; jim_scon(a)yahoo.com; liz_wiles(a)comcast.net; ikeandash(a)yahoo.com; James Kotcon; liz_wiles(a)comcast.net; ikeandash(a)yahoo.com; glnelson1(a)frontier.com; amvedock(a)hotmail.com; atdking(a)gmail.com; brentcar1(a)frontiernet.net; pspeitz(a)hotmail.com; pjgrunt(a)gmail.com; rivergal1720(a)gmail.com; autumnlong11(a)gmail.com; jimscon(a)gmail.com; Mary Wimmer; lisa_stanley77(a)yahoo.com; blittle(a)citynet.net Subject: Article about SC "Beyond Coal" I am sure some of you are aware of this info in this article but it is very interesting reading. Mike http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2015/05/inside-war-on-coal-000002 [http://static.politico.com/c2/d4/d4d5b8f549789ffdb06b6540ffe5/150526storyne…]<http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2015/05/inside-war-on-coal-000002> Inside the war on coal<http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2015/05/inside-war-on-coal-000002> www.politico.com Inside the war on coal. How Mike Bloomberg, red-state businesses, and a lot of Midwestern lawyers are changing American energy faster than you think.

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EQT Marcellus Activities
by Duane via EC 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

http://marcellusdrilling.com/2016/10/analysis-eqt-paying-9k-10k-per-acre-fo… Analysis: EQT Paying $9K-$10K per Acre for WV/PA Acreage Yesterday MDN reported that EQT is buying another 60,000 Marcellus/Utica acres (along with buying out Trans Energy) in transactions totally $683 million (see EQT Buys Trans Energy + 60K Marc/Utica Acres in 2 Deals for $683M). One of our favorite Seeking Alpha analyst/authors, Richard Zeits, has done a deep dive into the deal. Zeits reports the deal works out to be $9-$10,000 per acre on average, which is in line with other recent deals of this type. (He is apparently expert at long division. --- dgn) NOTE: These big money deals portend extreme disturbances for PA & WV. Duane Nichols, www.FrackCheckWV.net

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EQT acquires core Marcellus acres in WV, PA
by James Kotcon via EC 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

EQT announced Oct. 25 it had acquired about 60,000 core Marcellus acreage for $683 million. EQT has increased its core Marcellus position by 143,000 acres, or 55 percent, throughout 2016 for a total of 400,000 acres, including these most recent acquisitions. See full story at: http://www.statejournal.com/story/33474628/eqt-acquires-core-marcellus-acre… It was about 4 years ago that many major coal companies were buying up coal reserves at sky high prices using borrowed money, then the bottom fell out, and bankruptcies followed. Is gas going to follow the same path? We have known for 30 years that emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels must be reduced, and all the math shows that the majority of fossil reserves must stay in the ground, yet these economic geniuses are paying >$11,000 per acre for gas reserves! Jim Kotcon

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Tri-State Solar
by James Kotcon via EC 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

Just an FYI, while doing an interview with a reporter about solar in WV, I looked up the Tri-State Solar case before the PSC. Tri-State had proposed a 5.3 MW solar farm in Greenbriar County (Sam Black Church exit of I-64) on 26 acres. I had been approached by some staffers in January because the developer had represented that Sierra Club supported the project, although we had never heard of it. Based on discussions with people in the area, I had considered whether to file comments, but never did. The word I got was that the developer was more talk than action, and that was one of the kinder things I heard. The PSC did issue a final order approving the project in August. It appears that the developer had an incomplete application, never did file the remaining required reports, and did not even file reply briefs after the hearing, but agreed to a "settlement" whereby he would file those reports before construction started. The full document is at: http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…'WebDocket' Jim Kotcon

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EC November 2016