J. Stephen Conn, David Casteel / Flickr / Creative Commons The Missouri and Kansas state capitols. In Kansas and Missouri, critics say the “energy choice” legislation is in direct conflict with cities’ commitments to transition from fossil fuels. Kansas and Missouri may become the next states to block cities from banning natural gas, with hearings on … [Read more...] about Proposals to prohibit natural gas bans may threaten cities’ clean energy goals
Oil & Gas
Minnesota groups highlight financial and environmental risks of natural gas
Tony Webster / Flickr / Creative Commons An Xcel Energy natural gas pipeline marker. A coalition of 10 environmental groups is trying to change the perception that natural gas is cheap or clean. With a billion-dollar gas-fired power plant proposal on the horizon, a new campaign in Minnesota is attempting to shift public opinion on the fuel by highlighting its ties to fracking … [Read more...] about Minnesota groups highlight financial and environmental risks of natural gas
After promising a shift from fossil fuels, Omaha utility plans more gas plants
Pat Hawks / Flickr / Creative Commons Downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The Nebraska utility is moving quickly on two new natural gas plants while plans for solar generation lag behind. Nebraska’s second-largest utility last fall embarked on an initiative, dubbed Power with Purpose, that company leaders say will hasten the utility’s shift away from fossil fuels. … [Read more...] about After promising a shift from fossil fuels, Omaha utility plans more gas plants
Support grows for taxpayer-funded oil well cleanup as an economic stimulus
Mark Olalde / for the Energy News Network A pumpjack rusts among nut trees near Arvin, California, after its owner went bankrupt and orphaned it. Democrats leading the push say their plan has no real downside, while critics say it gives the industry a pass. When the U.S. was fighting to emerge from the Great Depression in the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched … [Read more...] about Support grows for taxpayer-funded oil well cleanup as an economic stimulus
Utilities, gas industry coordinate to oppose Ohio village’s clean energy goal
Tim Evanson / Flickr / Creative Commons The Dominion Energy Ohio building in Cleveland. Emails obtained by a utility watchdog group reveal push by Dominion Energy and allies against a local resolution. Dominion Energy’s opposition to an Ohio village’s clean energy proposal appears to be part of a larger trend nationwide in which gas utilities are becoming more … [Read more...] about Utilities, gas industry coordinate to oppose Ohio village’s clean energy goal