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King Coal Can't Intimidate Us
by Jim Sconyers 18 Oct '09

18 Oct '09

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. --- On Sun, 10/18/09, Mary Anne Hitt, Sierra Club <membership.services(a)sierraclub.org> wrote: From: Mary Anne Hitt, Sierra Club <membership.services(a)sierraclub.org> Subject: King Coal Can't Intimidate Us To: jim_scon(a)yahoo.com Date: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 12:32 PM Sierra Club #yiv1124586513 #yiv1124586513 .normal, #yiv1124586513 , #yiv1124586513 p, #yiv1124586513 td, #yiv1124586513 tr, #yiv1124586513 h1, #yiv1124586513 h2, #yiv1124586513 h3, #yiv1124586513 h4, #yiv1124586513 h5, #yiv1124586513 h6, #yiv1124586513 ul, #yiv1124586513 li, #yiv1124586513 div, #yiv1124586513 input, #yiv1124586513 textarea, #yiv1124586513 option, #yiv1124586513 select { font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-style:normal;} #yiv1124586513 .normal, #yiv1124586513 , #yiv1124586513 p, #yiv1124586513 td, #yiv1124586513 tr, #yiv1124586513 li, #yiv1124586513 div, #yiv1124586513 input, #yiv1124586513 textarea, #yiv1124586513 option, #yiv1124586513 select {font-size:12px;} #yiv1124586513 .normal {color:#000000;} #yiv1124586513 {background-color:#ffffff;} #yiv1124586513 #yiv1124586513 a {color:#333366;} #yiv1124586513 a:visited {color:#666666;} #yiv1124586513 a:hover {color:#3333ff;} #yiv1124586513 #yiv1124586513 .blackborder {border-color:#000000;} #yiv1124586513 #yiv1124586513 .smalltext {font-size:10px;} #yiv1124586513 .verysmalltext {font-size:9px;} #yiv1124586513 #yiv1124586513 H1, #yiv1124586513 .header { font-size:14px;color:#000000;font-weight:700;} #yiv1124586513 .issueheader { margin-bottom:5px;color:#669900;} #yiv1124586513 #yiv1124586513 H2, #yiv1124586513 .subtitle { font-size:12px;color:#669900;font-weight:700; } View a web version of this email. Dear Jim, Last Chance to Submit Comments Opposing Streamlined Permits for Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining! Last week the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) held 6 hearings on its proposal to end streamlined mountaintop removal coal mining permits in Appalachia. The clean energy proponents who turned out at the Kentucky and West Virginia hearings were verbally and physically threatened by the pro-coal faction and were removed before the hearing by police for "security reasons."1 We can’t let King Coal silence the opposition to mountaintop removal coal mining--send a comment to the Corps supporting an end to streamlined permits before the October 26th deadline. Coal companies are telling the people of Appalachia that projects polluting their water sources and destroying their mountains are critical to their economy. But the truth is that mountaintop removal coal mining costs state budgets more than it generates, and other types of mining already employ more Appalachian workers.2 It's time to end the lies. The Corps needs to hear the truth from you today. If you listen to the coal companies, then you might believe that mountaintop removal coal mining is critical to keeping energy prices low. The truth is that ending mountaintop removal would have a negligible effect on electricity prices in the eastern United States, where mountaintop removal coal is currently burned.3 Coal companies don’t just want to keep you in the dark about the abundance of cost-effective alternatives to mountaintop removal coal, they want to keep using this destructive practice that actually destroys the mountains and valleys necessary to develop clean energy sources like wind, small-scale hydropower, and solar.4 Turning to clean energy will benefit Appalachia's economy and protect its communities, and the first step is ending the streamlined permits for mountaintop removal coal mining projects that are standing in the way. Thanks for all that you do to protect the environment. Mary Anne Hitt Sierra Club Big Picture Campaign P.S. Please forward this message and help spread the word to your friends and family! [1] Check out Sierra Club Beyond Coal Director Bruce Nilles’ blog on the hearings and the video of clean energy activists being harassed outside of the West Virginia hearing. [2-4] Read more about how studies show mountaintop removal coal mining costs local economies more than it provides. (pdf) If you do not wish to receive future emails like this, click here to be removed from this type of email contact. Update My Profile | Manage My Email Preferences | Update My Interests Sierra Club 85 Second St. San Francisco, CA 94105

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Re: [EC] NY Times editorial Shale and Our Water
by Paul Wilson 18 Oct '09

18 Oct '09

October 17, 2009 New York Times Editorial Shale and Our Water New York State’s environmental regulators have proposed rules to govern drilling in the Marcellus Shale — a subterranean layer of rock curving northward from West Virginia through Ohio and Pennsylvania to New York’s southern tier. The shale contains enormous deposits of natural gas that could add to the region’s energy supplies and lift New York’s upstate economy. If done carefully — and in carefully selected places — drilling should cause minimal environmental harm. But regulators must amend the rules to bar drilling in the New York City watershed: a million acres of forests and farmlands whose streams supply the reservoirs that send drinking water to eight million people. Accidental leaks could threaten public health and require a filtration system the city can ill afford. Natural gas is vital to the nation’s energy needs and can be an important bridge between dirty coal and renewable alternatives. The process of extracting it, however, is not risk-free. Known as hydraulic fracturing, it involves shooting a mix of water, sand and chemicals — many of them highly toxic — into the ground at very high pressure to break down the rock formations and free the gas. The technique is used in 90 percent of the oil and gas operations in the United States. And while most drilling occurs without incident, “fracking” has been implicated in hundreds of cases of impaired or polluted drinking water supplies in states from Alabama to Wyoming. The dangers are particularly acute in the Marcellus Shale, which, unlike the relatively shallow formations found elsewhere, lies miles underground. Getting the gas out will require far more water and heavy doses of chemicals. While the rules would require drillers to take special precautions in the watershed, there are too many points — from the delivery of the fluid to the drilling site to the removal of spent fluid after it surfaces — where poisoned water could escape into the water supplies. Quarantining the watershed also makes economic sense. The shale contains only one-tenth of the gas in the southern tier. One big accident could undo everything the city and state have done — buying up property, creating buffer zones around the reservoirs — to protect the watershed from development and pollution. State officials worry that if they deny landowners the right to lease the mineral resources under their property — 70 percent of the watershed is privately owned — they will face expensive “takings” claims. But the state has a right and responsibility to prevent drilling that poses a clear danger to public health. The state insists it has made a good-faith effort to assess the hazards, and its 800-page report is replete with scientific analysis. But it is the state’s analysis. What the state has not done, and what it must do, is give those who have serious doubts about drilling in the watershed a fair chance to state their case. New York City’s acting environmental commissioner, Steven Lawitts, has warned of “chronic and acute impacts to water quality.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and the Manhattan borough president, Scott Stringer, have asked the state for extensive public hearings. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has commissioned an independent scientific study of the risks to the watershed. A fair review will not be possible unless the state’s absurdly quick Nov. 30 deadline for public comment is extended. The mayor’s study will not even be completed until mid-December. It is dangerously irresponsible to rush this decision. -- 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

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WV Lung Assoc. on PATH
by Frank Young 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

Blank"While it is understood that the electricity transmission network has deficiencies in terms of its stability and its capability for dealing with new major power sources such as wind and solar, the Board believes that there are serious questions about whether any need to upgrade the grid is being used more to favor the status quo of dirtier electric power sources rather than as an opportunity to help more intentionally and unreservedly transition to cleaner energy sources while simultaneously taking serious steps to reduce demand. In contrast to the American Lung Association's national policy of encouraging the transition of power plants from burning coal, it appears that a significant outcome of implementing PATH would be to assist the coal-fired mode of electricity generation to become even further entrenched. Indeed, in the words of Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, in a May 18, 2009 letter to the West Virginia Public Service Commission in support of PATH, "Enhanced transmission capacity helps increase the amount of low-cost, coal-fired generation dispatched into the regional grid. This helps preserve the future of existing power plants already on line, justifies additional investment in these plants and increases the likelihood that new, clean-coal electric fired generation will be constructed in the state." Despite Mr. Raney's claim for producing electricity using "clean-coal'' generation, it is the Board's observation that, on several counts, ranging from land degradation to water contamination to, of course, air pollution, the promise of “clean coal” has not come close to being achieved. Given the increased likelihood of new coal-fired electricity generation appearing along this transmission corridor, it is the burden of American Electric Power and Allegheny Energy to demonstrate that such a consequence of the implementation of their PATH proposal would in fact result in no deterioration of air quality. That this demonstration could be prepared seems unlikely to the Board." http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…

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Fw: [fom] Randy Huffman and Enviironmental justice???
by Frank Young 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

This guy is a joke. Subject: [fom] Randy Huffman and Enviironmental justice??? http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/64482622.html

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Mingo Co. Waste Wood Power Plant
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

*http://tinyurl.com/ygo3bgy* MINGO --- The president of American Clean Energy (ACE) announced today the company will build a $150 million alternative energy facility in Mingo County at the Harless Wood Products Industrial park. The West Virginia Economic Development Authority approved a resolution that will allow American Clean Energy to issue up to $100 million in tax-free bonds for the facility's construction. The plant will use waste material from wood products to create electricity. Tom Loehr, president of American Clean Energy, told the Daily News.

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Wind in Keyser WV
by Frank Young 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

October 15, 2009 Two Mineral commissioners support proposed wind farm KEYSER, W.Va. -- The Mineral County Commission is backing a proposed $131 million wind farm on Green Mountain near Keyser. By The Associated Press Advertiser KEYSER, W.Va. -- The Mineral County Commission is backing a proposed $131 million wind farm on Green Mountain near Keyser. Pinnacle Wind Force is seeking approval from the state Public Service Commission to build 23 turbines that would generate about 55 megawatts of power. The County Commission voted 2-1 Tuesday to support the project. Commission President Wayne Spiggle opposed the motion, saying it was premature. He unsuccessfully sought to delay the vote until after the PSC holds an evidentiary hearing on the developer's application. The hearing is setCommissioners Cindy Pyles and Janice LaRue cited the jobs and tax revenue that the wind farm would create. Maria Gunnoe www.ohvec.org www.southwings.org www.goldmanprize.org

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Fwd: Phone Parties on October 14th
by James Kotcon 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

To: WV Energy Committee: At SierraFest this weekend, we agreed to organize one of these call-in parties this Wednesday to support a strong climate protection bill. So plan on joining us Wednesday night from 6-9 PM, for a few minutes or as much time as you can spare. You can call from your home phone, with your computer in front of you, and this will allow you to talk to other Sierra Club members, to ask them to call their Senators. Best of all, if they agree (and most of them will), you will be able to patch them through to their Senator immediately, during that same call. No more worrying about whether they will actually follow through, and no more guilt on those who said they would but never get around to it. This is a GREAT system! JBK --- On Tue, 10/6/09, Christina & Nicole, Sierra Club <online.advocacy(a)sierraclub.org> wrote: From: Christina & Nicole, Sierra Club <online.advocacy(a)sierraclub.org> Subject: Sorry - Phone Parties on October 14th To: jim_scon(a)yahoo.com Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 9:00 PM View a web version of this email. Jim, The National Call in day and phone parties will take place on Wednesday, October 14th. Thanks for leading the way, Nicole Ghio Sierra Club Online Organizing Join the National Call In Day for a Strong Climate Bill! Sign Up to Host a Phone Party on October 14th. Last Wednesday Senators Kerry and Boxer introduced the Clean Energy Jobs & American Power Act in the Senate, a historic bill that will create more jobs, less pollution and greater security, but polluters like Big Oil and Coal are doing all they can to stand in the way of progress. They're spending tens of millions of dollars lobbying for billions in giveaways, and they're fighting to get rid of the tools that hold them accountable--like EPA's authority to regulate global warming pollution. Spread the word! We can't let Big Oil and Coal weaken the Clean Energy Jobs Bill--host a phone party on October 14th. Hosting a party is easy! We have a guide with all the information you'll need. You and your friends can make calls from any touch tone phone or mobile phone, so ask everyone to bring their cell. Where: Your home, office, or venue! When: Wednesday October 14th from from 6-10pm ET / 3-7pm PT. Join for as long as you can, whether its a few hours or 30 minutes. Training: We'll hold 2 optional conference calls both days at 6:00 pm ET/3:00 pm PT and at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT. RSVP: http://action.sierraclub.org/climateleaders_octphone We'll be calling Sierra Club members in key states and patching them through to their Senator's voicemail so they can leave a message supporting a strong bill. Our goal is to fill up as many Senate voicemails as possible, and we'll keep you updated as we fill the boxes throughout the night! Sign up to host a national call in day phone party today! Here's what's coming up: Help Push Back Against Big Oil and Coal Misinformation Don't Let Polluter's Control the Story - join the Rapid Response Team! Our opponents will do anything to stop the Climate Bill - including spreading lies and misinformation through the media. You've seen the articles, espousing lies about costs, attacking the scientific consensus behind Global Warming, even forging letters to make their ill-informed points. Join our Rapid Response team and help write Letters to the Editor highlighting the truth - why moving America to clean energy will generate millions of clean jobs, break our dependence on oil and reduce the carbon pollution that causes global warming. Make Calls for a Strong Climate Bill this Wednesday! Join this week's Winning Wednesday phone bank! You don't have to wait for the National Call in day to make calls for a strong Climate Bill! We are making calls every Wednesday night from 6-10pm ET, 3-7 pm PT. Join us for as long as you can, whether it's few hours or thirty minutes, as we use our cutting edge new phone banking tool that allows you to connect other Sierra Club activists directly to their member of Congress, all from the comfort of your own home. What: Call Sierra Club activists in key states and connect them directly to their Senator's office so they can leave a message. When: Every Wednesday night from 6-10pm ET, 3-7 pm PT. Join us for as long as you can, whether it's few hours or thirty minutes. Training: We'll do a training call at 6pm ET/3pm PT and again at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT on Wednesday so you can get familiar with the phone banking tool. Where: Your living room! RSVP: http://action.sierraclub.org/climateleaders_phone Thanks for leading the way, Christina Yagjian National Conservation Organizer Nicole Ghio Sierra Club Online Organizing If you do not wish to receive future emails like this, click here to be removed from this type of email contact. Update My Profile | Manage My Email Preferences | Update My Interests Sierra Club 85 Second St. San Francisco, CA 94105

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Fwd: Public News Service-WVNS story for October 12, 2009 Climate Change As An Issue Of
by James Kotcon 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

The Air Force considered using airplane fuel made from coal, but McGinn says it didn't work because of cost and technical issues. "The notion of coal to liquid, when you first take a look at it seems appealing, but when you look at some of the technical difficulties in actually doing it, it's pretty much a non-starter." "Wow" says Jim Kotcon. See article below. JBK >>> "Public News Service" <wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org> 10/12/2009 9:40 AM >>> Public News Service-WV October 12, 2009 Climate Change As An Issue Of National Security CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Because of the importance of the coal industry in West Virginia, climate change is usually a domestic, economic issue in that state. However, according to a dozen three- and four-star retired military officers, climate change is a serious U.S. national security threat. Retired Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn says people in failed states such as Afghanistan and Somalia often turn to extremism. And he says natural disasters like floods, droughts or hurricanes, which some people have linked to climate change, can push weak nations over the edge. "Imagine, around the world, fault lines along religious, ethnic, economic and political lines. Put a big magnifying glass on top of those fault lines, increase them in frequency and intensity, and that's what the climate change dynamic will do." McGinn says the military is moving strongly towards energy conservation and alternative fuels. He says the Department of Defense wants to save money and protect the country from the possible security threats ensuing from its dependence on imported oil, and that one possible solution is domestic, renewable energy. "The Navy is investigating use of algae-based oils for ship and airborne use. In fact they're planning on flying an F-18 Super Hornet next year, using algae-based oil." The Air Force considered using airplane fuel made from coal, but McGinn says it didn't work because of cost and technical issues. "The notion of coal to liquid, when you first take a look at it seems appealing, but when you look at some of the technical difficulties in actually doing it, it's pretty much a non-starter." Some coal executives, including Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship, have disputed whether industrial activity is having an impact on the climate. McGinn says it's already causing important water problems in parts of Central and South Asia. The U.S. Senate is now debating a bill on climate change. A report written by the CNA Military Advisory Board, which includes Admiral McGinn, is available online at www.cna.org Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/10887-1 --- To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to remove(a)publicnewsservice.org and put the word "remove" in the subject line.

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Re: [EC] FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project
by Jim Sconyers 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

Very nice analysis. Two thoughts: Offshore wind is politically more palatable than onshore. There are plenty of existing examples, just not in the US. Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. --- On Mon, 10/5/09, Ned Ford <Ned.Ford(a)FUSE.NET> wrote: From: Ned Ford <Ned.Ford(a)FUSE.NET> Subject: Re: FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Date: Monday, October 5, 2009, 12:28 AM In order to be precise, each specific project must be evaluated, and then it doesn't always turn out as expected. The industry seems to have an average cost of about ten cents per KWH from new state of the art plants in good locations. I believe but cannot parse the data from where I sit, that this includes the production tax credit, which effectively reduces the capital cost even though it is applied to specific KWH's generated. Offshore wind is generally thought to cost about four cents more, of which maybe two cents is recaptured due to the better wind thought to be available. There are very few existing offshore projects, and I don't know when the ones that are under construction are going to be completed, or when the industry will publicize useful information. 12 miles is a specific measure. You would have to look at the coastal maps and see how much shallow coast in good wind areas there is. I would think that in most places 12 miles offshore would be very deep, and pointless to try to do. The more important point here is that onshore wind is presently slightly cheaper than new coal without CCS, and that when you add the price of CCS new coal becomes about as expensive as nuclear power or solar PV. CCS is unlikely to become economic at any point in time. (Solar PV, by contrast, has a large potential to reduce prices substantially - the difference is that with solar we can see where research may help, and with CCS, there isn't much about it that isn't already pretty well defined, especially the energy requirements of compression and pumping). These projects represent $3.4 billion being spent on behalf of three major industries which collectively take in about a trillion dollars a year (the petroleum and gas markets are so volatile that if you want a more specific dollar amount you need to specify the year). The research projects which inject post-combustion CO2 to enhance fossil fuel recovery are NOT CCS projects, and it is good to see them included here because it illustrates the lack of credibility that the entire group of projects have. The more responsible projects here are ones such as the C6 project which is injecting into a deep saline formation. That doesn't mean it will work, and it doesn't mean it has a greater likelihood of being economically viable. It just means it isn't obvious in the course of a summary paragraph that it is going to fail the test of keeping the carbon out of the atmosphere for ten thousand years, destroy any water tables or move toxic aromatics to the surface. I think we have enough onshore wind to do most of what wind can do for us. Efficiency is the heavy lifter in the next decade. We can triple current levels by spending $9 billion per year, which is about half of what we spent on wind last year. Doing that will triple the energy savings of last year's wind, which was nearly identical to last year's efficiency. That level of efficiency spending can be sustained for several decades. We can triple it again, if we really think it matters, in which case we might run out of efficiency potential in less than twenty years (this level of spending will eliminate electric sector CO2 in about 25 years). I advocate spending as much as we can on efficiency, because each dollar saves three. Any rate increase to fund efficiency pays for sustained efficiency for as long as we want to keep on saving more money. Part of the saving should be used to fund more wind, and if we're good investors in about five years or so we should have solar that is cheap enough to pick up the major action that wind presently has. Once that happens we get to eliminate just about all CO2. There are some concerns about how to get power in the middle of the night, and while solar thermal answers that best in my mind, there are other solutions. But figuring that out is much less important than recognizing that it doesn't matter how many coal plants there are if we are cutting total use with efficiency, and building as many renewables as we can afford to. We've already achieved our first year of net reductions, partly due to the recession but partly due to efficiency and renewables. We can keep it up, and we do that best by concentrating on the right levels of investment in efficiency and renewables. CCS will never compete in that sort of an environment. - Ned Dolph Honicker wrote: Has anyone done a study on how much it would cost to put windmills 12 miles off our coast?. A recent you tube video by a Sierra Club representative detailed how they could supply all the electricity the U.S. needs, and quickly. Capturing CO2 from coal fired plants does not address the problem of mountain top removal. I suggest that we compare the costs of off shore windmills, the time it will take to bring them on line in a big way, and calculate how much CO2 can be eliminated as an alternative to this program. Has there been an eis? There should be, as this is a major federal action. Alternatives must be examined in all eis's. If we are serious about global warming, we will immediately act to solve the problem. We don't have 50 years to wait. This is another massive subsidy for the petroleum and coal industries Jeannine Honicker Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 09:58:57 -0700 From: doris(a)CELLARIUS.ORG Subject: [GW-ACT-LEADERS] FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass p.ecxMsoNormal, #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass li.ecxMsoNormal, #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass div.ecxMsoNormal {margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass h2 {margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:18.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass h3 {margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:13.5pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', 'serif';} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass a:link, #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass a:visited, #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass span.ecxHeading3Char {font-family:'Cambria', 'serif';color:#4F81BD;font-weight:bold;} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass span.ecxHeading2Char {font-family:'Cambria', 'serif';color:#4F81BD;font-weight:bold;} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass span.ecxEmailStyle21 {font-family:'Calibri', 'sans-serif';color:#1F497D;} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass .ecxMsoChpDefault {} _filtered #yiv1686792534 {} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass div.ecxSection1 {} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass ol {margin-bottom:0in;} #yiv1686792534 .ExternalClass ul {margin-bottom:0in;} .. Secretary Chu on Carbon Capture .Public support of CCS R&D is essential, and for this reason, $3.4 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money is being invested by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in CCS R&D...There are many hurdles to making CCS a reality, but none appear insurmountable. The DOE goal is to support R&D, as well as pilot CCS projects so that widespread deployment of CCS can begin in 8 to 10 years. This is an aggressive goal, but the climate problem compels us to act with fierce urgency. “ DOE Makes First Awards from $1.4B for Industrial Carbon Capture and Storage Projects 3 October 2009 The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 12 projects for the first round of funding from $1.4 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the capture carbon dioxide from industrial sources for storage or beneficial use. The first phase of these projects will include $21.6 million in Recovery Act funding and $22.5 million in private funding for a total initial investment of $44.1 million. The remaining Recovery Act funding will be awarded to the most promising projects during a competitive phase two selection process. Projects selected include large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage projects that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources—such as cement plants, chemical plants, refineries, paper mills, and manufacturing facilities—and store the carbon dioxide in deep saline formations=2 0and other geologic systems. -- The initial duration of each project selected is approximately seven months. Projects will be subject to further competitive evaluation in 2010 after successful comp letion of their Phase 1 activities. Projects that best demonstrate the ability to address their mission needs will be in the final portfolio that will receive additional funding for design, construction, and operation. Secretary Chu on Carbon Capture Energy Secretary Steven Chu wrote an editorial for the 25 September 2009 special issue of the journal Science on carbon capture, in which he addressed the magnitude of the challenge. Noting that coal accounts for roughly 25% of the world energy supply and 40% of the carbon emissions. Chu said that it was highly unlikely that the US, Russia, China and India, which account for two-thirds of the coal reserves, “will turn their back on coal anytime soon .” ...for this reason, the capture and storage of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants must be aggressively pursued. ...The scale of CCS needed to make a sign ificant dent in worldwide carbon emissions is staggering. Roughly 6 billion metric tons of coal are used each year, producing 18 billion tons of CO2. In contrast, we now sequester a few million metric tons of CO2 per year. At geological storage densities of CO2 (0.6 kg/m3), underground sequestration will require a storage volume of 30,000 km3/year. This may be sufficient storage capacity, but more testing is required to demonstrate such capacity and integrity. ...We should pursue a range of options for new coal-fired power plants (such as coal gasification, burning coal in an oxygen atmosphere, or post-combustion capture) to determine the most cost-effective approach to burn fuel and reduce the total amount of CO2 emitted. No matter which technology ultimately proves best for new plants, we will still need to retrofit existing plants and new plants that will be built before CCS is routinely deployed. Each new 1-gigawatt coal plant is a billion-dollar investment and, once built, will be used for decades. ...Public support of CCS R&D is essential, and for this reason, $3.4 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money is being invested by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in CCS R&D...There are many hurdles to making CCS a reality, but none appear insurmountable. The DOE goal is to support R&D, as well as pilot CCS projects so that widespread deployment of CCS can begin in 8 to 10 years. This is an aggressive goal, but the climate problem compels us to act with fierce urgency. —Dr. Steven Chu, Science Large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage selections (by amount of DOE award) include: ConocoPhillips. ConocoPhillips will demonstrate new advancements that improve conversion efficiency and economies of scale for carbon capture systems at a petcoke-based 683-megawatt integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant adjacent to its existing refinery in Sweeny, Texas. About 85% of the CO2 from the process stream will be captured and over 5 million tons sequestered into a depleted oil or gas field. (DOE Share: $3,014,666) C6 Resources. Objective is to capture and transport by pipeline approximately 1 million tons per year of CO2 streams from facilities located in the Bay Area, Calif., to be injected more than 2 miles underground into a saline formation. C6 Resources, an affiliate of Shell Oil Company, will conduct the project in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. (DOE Share: $3,000,000) Shell Chemical Capital Company. The objective of this project is to capture, condition, and transport by pipeline approximately 1 million tons per year of by-product and off-gas CO2 streams from facilities located along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans for geologic storage. (DOE Share: $3,000,000) Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative Inc. Investigators will demonstrate advanced amines and additives supplied by Hitachi and Dow to capture 300,000 tons of CO2 per year. Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative will be building a 600-megawatt circulating fluidized bed power plant near Rogers City, Mich. (DOE Share: $2,723,512) University of Utah. More than 1 million tons of CO2 per year will be captured from various industrial sources, compressed, and transported via two new intra-state pipelines for CO2 enhanced oil recovery and deep saline sequestration research in Kansas. Beneath each enhanced oil recovery target, a major saline aquifer spanning most of the State of Kansas will be used for CO2 injection. (DOE Share: $2,696,556) Praxair Inc. Praxair will partner with BP Products North America, Denbury Resources, and Gulf Coast Carbon Center to demonstrate capture and sequestration of CO2 emissions from an existing hydrogen-production facility in an oil refinery into underground formations for CO2 enhanced oil recovery. This demonstration will be performed at the BP refinery, and a lateral pipeline will be built to connect to Denbury’s Green Pipeline to transport 1 million tons of CO2 per year. (DOE Share: $1,719,464) Archer Daniels Midland Corporation. Archer Daniels Midland Company, a member of DOE’s Midwes t Geological Sequestration Consortium, will partner with other research organizations to demonstrate Dow ALSTOM’s advanced amine process to capture CO2 from industrial flue gases and sequester the CO2 in the Mt. Simon Sandstone reservoir. (DOE Share: $1,480,656) CEMEX Inc. CEMEX USA will partner with RTI International to demonstrate a dry sorbent CO2 capture technology at one of its cement plants in the United States. CEMEX will design and construct a dry sorbent CO2 capture and compression system, pipeline (if necessary), and injection station. This commercial-scale carbon capture and sequestration demonstration project will remove up to 1 million tons of CO2. (DOE Share: $1,137,885) Air Products and Chemicals Inc. A system to concentrate CO2 from two steam methane reformer waste streams will be designed, constructed, and demonstrated at Port Arthur, Texas. More than 1 million tons of CO2 will be delivered per year via pipeline for sequestration into the Oyster Bayou oilfield for enhanced oil recovery by Denbury Onshore LLC. (DOE Share: $961,499) Leucadia Energy LLC. Leucadia Energy and Denbury Onshore will demonstrate advanced technologies that capture and sequester CO2 emissions from an industrial source. Mississippi Gasification LLC, a Leucadia affiliate, is building a petcoke-to-substitute natural gas plant in Moss Point, Miss., to demo nstrate large-scale recovery, purification and compression of 4 million tons per year of CO2. (DOE Share: $840,000) Leucadia Energy LLC. Partnered with Denbury Onshore, Leucadia Energy will demonstrate advanced technologies that capture and sequester more than 4 million tons of CO2 emissions at the Lake Charles co-generation petroleum coke-to-chemicals (methanol) project to be located near Lake Charles, La. The project will transport compressed CO2 through a 12-mile pipeline that connects to Denbury’s Green Line pipeline system in Louisiana so that it can be used for enhanced oil recovery in the Hastings and Oyster Bayou oilfields in Texas. (DOE Share: $540,000) Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest Division. Battelle researchers will partner with Boise White Paper LLC and Fluor Corporation to demonstrate geologic CO2 storage in deep flood basalt formations in the State of Washington. Fluor Corporation will design a customized version of its Econamine Plus carbon capture technology for operation with the specialized chemical composition of exhaust gases produced from combustion of black liquor fuels. (DOE Share: $500,00 0) Additionally, the Department has also made conditional selections of 16 projects that demonstrate innovative concepts for beneficial carbon dioxide use. These conditional selections are subject to additional merit reviews and technical evaluation. Resources Science special issue on carbon capture - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the CONS-AIR-CEMENT-KILN-FORUM list, send any message to: CONS-AIR-CEMENT-KILN-FORUM-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/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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

2 1

Fw: Re: FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project
by Jim Sconyers 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. --- On Mon, 10/5/09, ROBERT KELLER <rkeller49(a)VERIZON.NET> wrote: From: ROBERT KELLER <rkeller49(a)VERIZON.NET> Subject: Re: FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Date: Monday, October 5, 2009, 2:16 PM FYI - Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC) has studied the engineering feasibility, cost, and economic development potential of Virginia’s offshore wind resource. These studies indicate that multi-megawatt wind turbines placed beyond sight of Virginia’s beaches could provide more than enough energy to meet 25% of the state’s electricity needs by 2025, creating thousands of new jobs throughout the state, with a cost of energy less than that from a new coal-fired generating plant. George Hagerman is the Senior Research Associate at the Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute in Arlington and VCERC Director of Research. Members of the Virginia Chapter have met and talked with Hagerman who has been working on the project for about five years. He has estimated, conservatively, that if Virginia had the will there could be wind turbines off the coast of Norfolk in six years (the Navy is looking at a wind turbine project in the area to help it meet its mandatory RPS). A link for reference information - http://www.eesi.org/071709_offshore Rick Keller Energy Chair, Mount Vernon Group, Virginia Chapter rkeller49(a)verison.net ----- Original Message ----- From: F.J. Morris To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 11:52 AM Subject: Re: [GW-ACT-LEADERS] FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project Also, 90% of the US population lives within 50 miles of the coast, and the near constant sea breezes are a very reliable source of energy. Off shore turbines would probably would put electricity where the population is. Of course, efficiency first. fm From: Chp & Grp Global Warming Energy Chairs [mailto:CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG] On Behalf Of Jim Sconyers Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 11:13 AM To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Subject: Re: [GW-ACT-LEADERS] FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project Very nice analysis. Two thoughts: Offshore wind is politically more palatable than onshore. There are plenty of existing examples, just not in the US . Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. --- On Mon, 10/5/09, Ned Ford <Ned.Ford(a)FUSE.NET> wrote: From: Ned Ford <Ned.Ford(a)FUSE.NET> Subject: Re: FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Date: Monday, October 5, 2009, 12:28 AM In order to be precise, each specific project must be evaluated, and then it doesn't always turn out as expected. The industry seems to have an average cost of about ten cents per KWH from new state of the art plants in good locations. I believe but cannot parse the data from where I sit, that this includes the production tax credit, which effectively reduces the capital cost even though it is applied to specific KWH's generated. Offshore wind is generally thought to cost about four cents more, of which maybe two cents is recaptured due to the better wind thought to be available. There are very few existing offshore projects, and I don't know when the ones that are under construction are going to be completed, or when the industry will publicize useful information. 12 miles is a specific measure. You would have to look at the coastal maps and see how much shallow coast in good wind areas there is. I would think that in most places 12 miles offshore would be very deep, and pointless to try to do. The more important point here is that onshore wind is presently slightly cheaper than new coal without CCS, and that when you add the price of CCS new coal becomes about as expensive as nuclear power or solar PV. CCS is unlikely to become economic at any point in time. (Solar PV, by contrast, has a large potential to reduce prices substantially - the difference is that with solar we can see where research may help, and with CCS, there isn't much about it that isn't already pretty well defined, especially the energy requirements of compression and pumping). These projects represent $3.4 billion being spent on behalf of three major industries which collectively take in about a trillion dollars a year (the petroleum and gas markets are so volatile that if you want a more specific dollar amount you need to specify the year). The research projects which inject post-combustion CO2 to enhance fossil fuel recovery are NOT CCS projects, and it is good to see them included here because it illustrates the lack of credibility that the entire group of projects have. The more responsible projects here are ones such as the C6 project which is injecting into a deep saline formation. That doesn't mean it will work, and it doesn't mean it has a greater likelihood of being economically viable. It just means it isn't obvious in the course of a summary paragraph that it is going to fail the test of keeping the carbon out of the atmosphere for ten thousand years, destroy any water tables or move toxic aromatics to the surface. I think we have enough onshore wind to do most of what wind can do for us. Efficiency is the heavy lifter in the next decade. We can triple current levels by spending $9 billion per year, which is about half of what we spent on wind last year. Doing that will triple the energy savings of last year's wind, which was nearly identical to last year's efficiency. That level of efficiency spending can be sustained for several decades. We can triple it again, if we really think it matters, in which case we might run out of efficiency potential in less than twenty years (this level of spending will eliminate electric sector CO2 in about 25 years). I advocate spending as much as we can on efficiency, because each dollar saves three. Any rate increase to fund efficiency pays for sustained efficiency for as long as we want to keep on saving more money. Part of the saving should be used to fund more wind, and if we're good investors in about five years or so we should have solar that is cheap enough to pick up the major action that wind presently has. Once that happens we get to eliminate just about all CO2. There are some concerns about how to get power in the middle of the night, and while solar thermal answers that best in my mind, there are other solutions. But figuring that out is much less important than recognizing that it doesn't matter how many coal plants there are if we are cutting total use with efficiency, and building as many renewables as we can afford to. We've already achieved our first year of net reductions, partly due to the recession but partly due to efficiency and renewables. We can keep it up, and we do that best by concentrating on the right levels of investment in efficiency and renewables. CCS will never compete in that sort of an environment. - Ned Dolph Honicker wrote: Has anyone done a study on how much it would cost to put windmills 12 miles off our coast?. A recent you tube video by a Sierra Club representative detailed how they could supply all the electricity the U.S. needs, and quickly. Capturing CO2 from coal fired plants does not address the problem of mountain top removal. I suggest that we compare the costs of off shore windmills, the time it will take to bring them on line in a big way, and calculate how much CO2 can be eliminated as an alternative to this program. Has there been an eis? There should be, as this is a major federal action. Alternatives must be examined in all eis's. If we are serious about global warming, we will immediately act to solve the problem. We don't have 50 years to wait. This is another massive subsidy for the petroleum and coal industries Jeannine Honicker Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 09:58:57 -0700 From: doris(a)CELLARIUS.ORG Subject: [GW-ACT-LEADERS] FW: 1st Cement Plant CO2 Sequestration Project To: CONS-SPST-GLOBALWARM-CHAIRS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG .. Secretary Chu on Carbon Capture .Public support of CCS R&D is essential, and for this reason, $3.4 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money is being invested by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in CCS R&D...There are many hurdles to making CCS a reality, but none appear insurmountable. The DOE goal is to support R&D, as well as pilot CCS projects so that widespread deployment of CCS can begin in 8 to 10 years. This is an aggressive goal, but the climate problem compels us to act with fierce urgency. “ DOE Makes First Awards from $1.4B for Industrial Carbon Capture and Storage Projects 3 October 2009 The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 12 projects for the first round of funding from $1.4 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the capture carbon dioxide from industrial sources for storage or beneficial use. The first phase of these projects will include $21.6 million in Recovery Act funding and $22.5 million in private funding for a total initial investment of $44.1 million. The remaining Recovery Act funding will be awarded to the most promising projects during a competitive phase two selection process. Projects selected include large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage projects that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources—such as cement plants, chemical plants, refineries, paper mills, and manufacturing facilities—and store the carbon dioxide in deep saline formations=2 0and other geologic systems. -- The initial duration of each project selected is approximately seven months. Projects will be subject to further competitive evaluation in 2010 after successful comp letion of their Phase 1 activities. Projects that best demonstrate the ability to address their mission needs will be in the final portfolio that will receive additional funding for design, construction, and operation. Secretary Chu on Carbon Capture Energy Secretary Steven Chu wrote an editorial for the 25 September 2009 special issue of the journal Science on carbon capture, in which he addressed the magnitude of the challenge. Noting that coal accounts for roughly 25% of the world energy supply and 40% of the carbon emissions. Chu said that it was highly unlikely that the US, Russia , China and India , which account for two-thirds of the coal reserves, “will turn their back on coal anytime soon .” ...for this reason, the capture and storage of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants must be aggressively pursued. ...The scale of CCS needed to make a sign ificant dent in worldwide carbon emissions is staggering. Roughly 6 billion metric tons of coal are used each year, producing 18 billion tons of CO2. In contrast, we now sequester a few million metric tons of CO2 per year. At geological storage densities of CO2 (0.6 kg/m3), underground sequestration will require a storage volume of 30,000 km3/year. This may be sufficient storage capacity, but more testing is required to demonstrate such capacity and integrity. ...We should pursue a range of options for new coal-fired power plants (such as coal gasification, burning coal in an oxygen atmosphere, or post-combustion capture) to determine the most cost-effective approach to burn fuel and reduce the total amount of CO2 emitted. No matter which technology ultimately proves best for new plants, we will still need to retrofit existing plants and new plants that will be built before CCS is routinely deployed. Each new 1-gigawatt coal plant is a billion-dollar investment and, once built, will be used for decades. ...Public support of CCS R&D is essential, and for this reason, $3.4 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money is being invested by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in CCS R&D...There are many hurdles to making CCS a reality, but none appear insurmountable. The DOE goal is to support R&D, as well as pilot CCS projects so that widespread deployment of CCS can begin in 8 to 10 years. This is an aggressive goal, but the climate problem compels us to act with fierce urgency. —Dr. Steven Chu, Science Large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage selections (by amount of DOE award) include: ConocoPhillips. ConocoPhillips will demonstrate new advancements that improve conversion efficiency and economies of scale for carbon capture systems at a petcoke-based 683-megawatt integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant adjacent to its existing refinery in Sweeny , Texas . About 85% of the CO2 from the process stream will be captured and over 5 million tons sequestered into a depleted oil or gas field. (DOE Share: $3,014,666) C6 Resources. Objective is to capture and transport by pipeline approximately 1 million tons per year of CO2 streams from facilities located in the Bay Area, Calif. , to be injected more than 2 miles underground into a saline formation. C6 Resources, an affiliate of Shell Oil Company, will conduct the project in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. (DOE Share: $3,000,000) Shell Chemical Capital Company. The objective of this project is to capture, condition, and transport by pipeline approximately 1 million tons per year of by-product and off-gas CO2 streams from facilities located along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans for geologic storage. (DOE Share: $3,000,000) Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative Inc. Investigators will demonstrate advanced amines and additives supplied by Hitachi and Dow to capture 300,000 tons of CO2 per year. Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative will be building a 600-megawatt circulating fluidized bed power plant near Rogers City, Mich. (DOE Share: $2,723,512) University of Utah. More than 1 million tons of CO2 per year will be captured from various industrial sources, compressed, and transported via two new intra-state pipelines for CO2 enhanced oil recovery and deep saline sequestration research in Kansas . Beneath each enhanced oil recovery target, a major saline aquifer spanning most of the State of Kansas will be used for CO2 injection. (DOE Share: $2,696,556) Praxair Inc. Praxair will partner with BP Products North America, Denbury Resources, and Gulf Coast Carbon Center to demonstrate capture and sequestration of CO2 emissions from an existing hydrogen-production facility in an oil refinery into underground formations for CO2 enhanced oil recovery. This demonstration will be performed at the BP refinery, and a lateral pipeline will be built to connect to Denbury’s Green Pipeline to transport 1 million tons of CO2 per year. (DOE Share: $1,719,464) Archer Daniels Midland Corporation. Archer Daniels Midland Company, a member of DOE’s Midwes t Geological Sequestration Consortium, will partner with other research organizations to demonstrate Dow ALSTOM’s advanced amine process to capture CO2 from industrial flue gases and sequester the CO2 in the Mt. Simon Sandstone reservoir. (DOE Share: $1,480,656) CEMEX Inc. CEMEX USA will partner with RTI International to demonstrate a dry sorbent CO2 capture technology at one of its cement plants in the United States . CEMEX will design and construct a dry sorbent CO2 capture and compression system, pipeline (if necessary), and injection station. This commercial-scale carbon capture and sequestration demonstration project will remove up to 1 million tons of CO2. (DOE Share: $1,137,885) Air Products and Chemicals Inc. A system to concentrate CO2 from two steam methane reformer waste streams will be designed, constructed, and demonstrated at Port Arthur , Texas . More than 1 million tons of CO2 will be delivered per year via pipeline for sequestration into the Oyster Bayou oilfield for enhanced oil recovery by Denbury Onshore LLC. (DOE Share: $961,499) Leucadia Energy LLC. Leucadia Energy and Denbury Onshore will demonstrate advanced technologies that capture and sequester CO2 emissions from an industrial source. Mississippi Gasification LLC, a Leucadia affiliate, is building a petcoke-to-substitute natural gas plant in Moss Point , Miss. , to demo nstrate large-scale recovery, purification and compression of 4 million tons per year of CO2. (DOE Share: $840,000) Leucadia Energy LLC. Partnered with Denbury Onshore, Leucadia Energy will demonstrate advanced technologies that capture and sequester more than 4 million tons of CO2 emissions at the Lake Charles co-generation petroleum coke-to-chemicals (methanol) project to be located near Lake Charles , La. The project will transport compressed CO2 through a 12-mile pipeline that connects to Denbury’s Green Line pipeline system in Louisiana so that it can be used for enhanced oil recovery in the Hastings and Oyster Bayou oilfields in Texas . (DOE Share: $540,000) Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest Division. Battelle researchers will partner with Boise White Paper LLC and Fluor Corporation to demonstrate geologic CO2 storage in deep flood basalt formations in the State of Washington . Fluor Corporation will design a customized version of its Econamine Plus carbon capture technology for operation with the specialized chemical composition of exhaust gases produced from combustion of black liquor fuels. (DOE Share: $500,00 0) Additionally, the Department has also made conditional selections of 16 projects that demonstrate innovative concepts for beneficial carbon dioxide use. These conditional selections are subject to additional merit reviews and technical evaluation. Resources Science special issue on carbon capture - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the CONS-AIR-CEMENT-KILN-FORUM list, send any message to: CONS-AIR-CEMENT-KILN-FORUM-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. 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Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.420 / Virus Database: 270.14.3/2414 - Release Date: 10/05/09 06:19:00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp

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Fwd: Chapter position on proposed change to national Sierra Club policy on drilling for natural gas
by James Kotcon 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Ross: I am forwarding this message to the rest of our Chapter Energy Committee for comment. We are also quite concerned about Marcellus shale gas, as West Virginia has weaker regulation and enforcement than many surrounding states. We are experiencing problems with brine disposal, fracing fluids, and more, not to mention the unscrupulous land agents that are now engaged in a land rush to buy up mineral rights from surface property owners. We through the West Virginia Environmental Council) are including a "Surface Owners Bill of Rights" on our legislative agenda in the state capitol because the problems are so widespread. We also have widespread problems with coal-bed methane, although the issue of mountaintop removal mining for coal remains our top coal-related priority. Thanks for bringing your position to our attention, as I am sure the Chapter will want to comment on this. Jim Kotcon 304-293-8822 (office) 304-594-3322 (home) >>> Ross Gould <rgouldesq(a)gmail.com> 10/4/2009 11:55 PM >>> Fellow Sierran: My name is Ross Gould.I am a representative from the Atlantic Chapter's Natural Gas Task Force and I have been asked to contact chapter leaders on this important issue.I am reaching out to you because the national club is suggesting a major change in Sierra Club’s 2006 Energy Resources Policyand to implement a new Sierra Club policy regarding unconventional sources of natural gas, namely “deep shale gas” as a transitional fuel. The conclusion, that “gas from shales and tight sandstones is an acceptable transitional fuel if produced using best practices to limit environmental damage” represents a major shift in policy from the Sierra Club’s 2006Energy Resources Policywhere “new onshore natural gas” was specifically categorized as “resources opposed by the Sierra Club.” The previous policy only condoned the use of natural gas from existing fieldsas an acceptable transitional fuel. The Club's proposed policy can be found at: http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/conservation/policy/unconventional-natural-… The comment period on this proposed policy ends on October 10, 2009. The Atlantic Chapter takes this change seriously, as the rush to produce in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations threatens to transform as much as a third of New York State into a grid work of pipelines and well pads. We have yet to see evidence that this type of extraction can be executed in a manner that is sufficiently protective of our air, water, and remaining wild places. In the past year the chapter has successfully campaigned against the expansion of natural gas extraction resulting in the State mandated environmental review the process, which has also served as a de facto moratorium for new well permits since July of 2008. We are concerned that this change in national Sierra Club policy will undermine our credibility with grass roots activists through out the state who do not share the sentiment that their water, air and landscape should be sacrificed for the advancement of a transitional fuel. Our Chapter is against this proposed policy change. We are reaching out to other chapters around the country to get a feel for their position. I have attached a copy of our Chapter's recent resolution relating to Shale Gas drilling. I have also attached an article from Scientific American which outlines water pollution and other threats related to drilling for natural gas. We look forward to your response, your comments and discovering your chapter's position on this significant policy change. Please note that the comment period on this proposed serious policy change ends on October 10, 2009.We are reaching out to ask for your support in our proposed policy and for your chapter to submit comments opposing this significant change in policy. Thank you,Ross -- Ross H. Gould 10 Park Ave, 5L New York, NY 10016 T: 917-658-7144 E: rgouldesq(a)gmail.com ~ Think green. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail ~

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Fwd: A new month and a new chance to get your story out
by Paul Wilson 02 Oct '09

02 Oct '09

fyi, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: West Virginia News Service WVNS <wvnsnews(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 11:53 AM Subject: A new month and a new chance to get your story out To: Hi Friends, October is suddenly on us and I'm looking for stories. Let me know if you have anything that you want to get out... drh -- West Virginia News Service (WVNS) Toll Free: 1-800-317-6705 Fax: 540-301-0801 E-mail: wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org -- 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

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Fw: EPA Research Fellowships of $46,500 each available
by Frank Young 29 Sep '09

29 Sep '09

Subject: 30 New EPA Research Fellowships of $46,500 Each Available The EPA is making available 30 grants of $46,500 each to enhance and support quality environmental education for undergraduates. The hope is that this assistance will encourage more students to continue their education beyond the baccalaureate level and pursue careers in environmentally related fields. Eligibility: Students at an accredited college or university. Deadline is Dec. 10. The fellowships are intended to help defray costs associated with environmentally oriented study leading to a bachelor's degree. Fellowships are funded in the following fields of study: · Natural and Life Sciences (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-F2009U-GRO-P1). · Environmental Science and Interdisciplinary (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-F2009U-GRO-P2). · Engineering (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-F2009U-GRO-P3). · Social Sciences and Decision Making (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-F2009U-GRO-P4). · Physical Sciences (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-F2009U-GRO-Q1). · Mathematics and Computer Science (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-F2009U-GRO-Q2). For all the details including contact information on this and other new funding opportunities, just click on or cut and paste the following link into your Web browser to get free access: http://www.cdpublications.com/d092 When you reach our site just scroll down the page and check off Federal & Foundation Assistance Monitor! The details are in the issue beginning the week of Sept. 14. Click here to forward this message to a friend. Any questions? Call us at 1-800-666-6380. CD Publication is a family-owned publisher established in 1961, 8204 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Md. 20910. Pam Nixon Environmental Advocate WV DEP 601 57th Street, SE Charleston, WV 25304 Phone: 1 (800) 654-5227, Ext. 1328 Email: Pamela.Nixon(a)wv.gov

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Morgantown Solar Tour - October 3
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 26 Sep '09

26 Sep '09

Here is a press release that I received for a tour of Solar houses in and around Morgantown sponsored by American Solar Energy Society and Eco-Structures, LLC (John Garlow) on Saturday October 3 between 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. -Jonathan

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Fw: Victory! Clean Air Act safe... for now
by Jim Sconyers 25 Sep '09

25 Sep '09

Defeat of amendment that would have taken away EPA's authority to regulate CO2 global warming pollution. Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. --- On Fri, 9/25/09, Steven Biel, MoveOn.org Political Action <moveon-help(a)list.moveon.org> wrote: From: Steven Biel, MoveOn.org Political Action <moveon-help(a)list.moveon.org> Subject: Victory! Clean Air Act safe... for now To: "James Sconyers" <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com> Date: Friday, September 25, 2009, 3:15 PM #yiv595710679 , #yiv595710679 td, #yiv595710679 font {font-size:10pt;} #yiv595710679 #yiv595710679 td p {margin:0em;} #yiv595710679 p {margin:1em 0em;} #yiv595710679 td div p {margin:1em 0em;} #yiv595710679 #yiv595710679 .X0uMP p {margin:1em 0;} Dear MoveOn member, Great news: The Clean Air Act is safe, for now. The Murkowski amendment, which would have blocked limits on global warming pollution from coal plants and other big polluters, was withdrawn yesterday in the face of rising opposition from the White House and key senators. This was an amazing turnaround in just a few days. It just wouldn't have happened without thousands of phone calls and about a quarter-million petition signatures from MoveOn members and other allies—plus a big push from EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. You can read all about it on The Wall Street Journal website: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=84774&id=17340-9116415-WxBnsBx&t=1 Without question, the coal industry will come after these crucial limits on coal pollution again. Without the Bush administration to protect them, the coal industry is bent on repealing key sections of the Clean Air Act before President Obama can enforce the law. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid deserves credit. President Obama and EPA Administrator Jackson deserve credit. And so do you. Please send a quick note of thanks to Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, who led efforts to block Murkowski's amendment. You can post a message on his website here: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=84777&id=17340-9116415-WxBnsBx&t=2 Thanks for all you do.–Steven, Kat, Eli, Anna, and the rest of the team Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here. PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to James Sconyers on September 25, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

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Fw: [energy activists] Updates and ACTION: Stop Obstructionist Amendments!
by Jim Sconyers 24 Sep '09

24 Sep '09

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. --- On Wed, 9/23/09, Christina.Yagjian(a)sierraclub.org <Christina.Yagjian(a)sierraclub.org> wrote: From: Christina.Yagjian(a)sierraclub.org <Christina.Yagjian(a)sierraclub.org> Subject: [energy activists] Updates and ACTION: Stop Obstructionist Amendments! To: Christina.Yagjian(a)sierraclub.org Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 5:34 PM The Senate is currently considering their 2010 Interior appropriations bill. This bill aims to invest in a clean energy economy, support a cleaner, healthier environment, and pave the way for comprehensive climate legislation this year. Not surprisingly, numerous obstructionist amendments have been offered to derail these goals. Please call your senators and ask them to oppose all weakening amendments to the Interior appropriations bill. Find your Representative: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd Warm Regards, Christina Marie Yagjian National Conservation Organizer Sierra Club, Global Warming and Energy 202.675.7911 __________________________________________________________________ INFORMATION BELOW Senate Climate Bill Senate Interior Appropriations Bill United Nations Special Session on Climate Change Latino Partnerships Materials CLIMATE BILL Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and John Kerry (D-MA) are closer to introducing the initial draft of their version of comprehensive climate legislation. The majority of the bill has been sent to legislative council for review and we expect it to be introduced next week. The Environment and Public Works Committee will likely take up the bill some time in the second half of October. Unlike the bill that passed the House earlier this year, we expect that the bill that Boxer will introduce will not limit the EPA?s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources like coal plants and oil refineries under the Clean Air Act (CAA). This is something that we are pleased with. We are still not sure how Max Baucus (D-MT) and Arlen Specter (D-PA) will react to leaving EPA authority over coal plants in the bill. Meetings with staff have not gone well. Assuming that Boxer is successful, we expect the issue of EPA authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the CAA will come under attack as the Senate debate gets underway, however, and we will work to defend it as the bill moves to the Senate floor. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has agreed to lead a ?dear colleague? letter in defense of CAA authority for the Senate floor debate. We will circulate the draft letter when it is finished. Phone bank to build support to strengthen and pass a Senate climate bill this year: Sierraclub.org/climateleaders INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS The Senate is currently considering the 2010 Interior appropriations bill. The bill which passed out of the Appropriations Committee provides the tools necessary to invest in a clean energy economy, support a cleaner, healthier environment, and pave the way for comprehensive climate legislation this year. Not surprisingly however, numerous obstructionist amendments have been offered to undermine this work. The Sierra Club is most concerned with an amendment filed by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) which will strip all funding for the EPA to fight global warming. Call your senators and ask them to oppose all weakening amendments to the Interior appropriations bill. These amendments undermine our work to improve the health, security, and economic strength of our communities through investments in a clean energy future. Find your Representative: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd Please see attached letter to the Senate from the environmental community to review additional amendments that we are watching. UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL SESSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE By Justin Guay In what was billed as a much needed momentum boost for the international negotiations on climate change the United Nations hosted a special session on climate change this week. The Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), a block of low lying islands who are ground zero for climate change impacts framed the event with their new motto ?1.5 to stay alive? referring to the need to keep global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius to ensure their future survival. Sadly, key countries who were supposed to deliver at this summit, primarily the United States and China, failed to do so. The promise of ?game-changing? announcements were fulfilled with vague promises by the Chinese to ?cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by a notable margin by 2020? as well as a lack of new commitments from President Obama. True leadership at the summit came from the ?Japanese Obama?, Prime Minister Hatoyama, who reiterated Japan?s commitment to a 25% emissions reduction cut as well as unveiling his ?Hatoyama Initiative? which calls on developed countries, including Japan, to contribute new and additional public financing and promote the transfer of low-carbon technologies. The failure of the United States to seize this critical opportunity to provide momentum for Copenhagen demonstrates the need to demand action from the Senate. This is the only way to allow the President to make strong declarations in international forums. We can't afford these opportunities to keep passing by. LATINO PARTNERSHIPS MATERIALS Thanks to those who joined last night?s energy activist call. As promised, below are materials that should help in your work with Latino communities. First National Poll on Latinos and the Environment: http://www.sierraclub.org/ecocentro/survey/default.aspx Latinos and Global Warming Fact Sheet: http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/factsheets/globalwarming-latinos.pdf

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PATH Public Hearings and Sierra Club members
by James Kotcon 22 Sep '09

22 Sep '09

All: If you are planning to attend any of the public hearings on PATH, it is recommended that you speak as individuals, rather than as representing the Club. It is important that members testify as individuals, AND that you mention that you are a Sierra Club member who is affected by PATH, and how you personally will be affected. (i.e., you live nearby, you will have scenic impacts in areas where you recreate, you live downwind of the power plants that will supply the line, you live near coal mines that supply coal to supply the line, you have children that will face global warming issues that will be exacerbated because of the PATH line, etc.). But the PSC has ruled that intervenor testimony won't be accepted at public hearings and it is critical that we serve all other intervenors with any official testimony on behalf of the Club. Go to the hearings, speak out, but do it carefully. Jim Kotcon PM >>> See below. Do you know if any Sierra Club members are planning on testifying? We would want them only to testify on their own behalf as individual citizens, not as representatives of Sierra Club, but they can mention that they are members. Elena Saxonhouse Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second St., 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-5765 (415) 977-5793 (fax) ----- Forwarded by Elena Saxonhouse/Sierraclub on 09/22/2009 04:04 PM ----- wburns(a)burnslegal.net 09/22/2009 04:03 PM Please respond to wburns(a)burnslegal.net To "William V. DePaulo" <william.depaulo(a)gmail.com>, "Abigail Dillen" <adillen(a)earthjustice.org>, "Elena K. Saxonhouse" <elena.saxonhouse(a)sierraclub.org>, "Willard R. Burns" <wburns(a)burnslegal.net> cc Subject Fw: Public Hearings Set Bill: You should consider having some of the Sierra Club members who will be directly affected by the PATH line testify at some of the public input hearings to ensure that the record shows the SC has standing - i.e. have SC members testify that they are SC members and how they will be directly affected (going through or near their property, rate increases, viewshed, their kids or they use the area or play nearby, etc.). Wil Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: Patience Wait <waitp(a)stoppathwv.com> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:39:05 To: <wburns(a)burnslegal.net> Subject: Public Hearings Set To all our friends helping us try to STOP THE PATH PROJECT: The West Virginia Public Service Commission has scheduled two days of hearings in Jefferson County next week. PATH will disrupt hundreds of people's lives in Jefferson County, and many more elsewhere in West Virginia. Our rates will go up, but we will get none of the electricity. Electricity demand is dropping, but the power companies want to push it through anyhow because they'll make a guaranteed 14.3% profit! It will continue - even expand - the use of coal to generate electricity, even though states up and down the East Coast are trying to increase investment in renewable resources. And despite the power companies' advertising, it WILL NOT strengthen the grid - if anything, long-distance transmission makes the grid more unreliable, according to testimony before Congress in 2008!! If you want to express your views on the Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline project, these hearings (and others scheduled around the state) are your only chance to participate and make your feelings known! The hearings are scheduled for the Frank Arts Center, on the west campus of Shepherd University. The schedule is: Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 12:30 and 6:30 Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 8:30 a.m. The 140 intervenors in the case from Jefferson County - including the Jefferson County Commission - are not allowed to testify. So it's up to all the other citizens of the county to show up and give voice to your opposition to this project. Go to www.stoppathwv.com for more information and to find many of the arguments against PATH. You also can check out http://calhounpowerline.wordpress.com for a great summary of information on the case! If you have family, friends, co-workers who still don't know about PATH, we're holding a Citizens Information Meeting this Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Sam Michaels Park community center from 3-5 p.m. We will have maps and handouts that show everything that's wrong with this project - wrong for Jefferson County, wrong for West Virginia, and wrong for the country! We send our heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who have donated to StopPATH WV Inc. We are in desperate need of funds to pay for expert witnesses and legal fees to help stop PATH from destroying our community. Please consider making a donation to our fight, no matter how small. Checks can be made payable to StopPATH WV Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 203, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. We appreciate your generosity and spirit of community as we all come together to perserve our environment, health, safety, property values, historic and cultural resources, property rights and the very character of our community. "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together." - Vesta M. Kelly Patience Wait and Keryn Newman You have received this e-mail because you opted to do so. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list please click here http://www.fatcow.com/utils/UnSubscribeMe.bml?Name=moo.keryn&List=biglist1&… .

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Fw: Re: Upcoming public hearing in WV on mountaintop removal
by Jim Sconyers 22 Sep '09

22 Sep '09

On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 2:51 PM, <aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org> wrote: Dear WV Chapter : I wanted to be sure you all know about the upcoming hearing in Charleston on October 13 (more details below). It is very important, in my view, that we turn out as many as possible to support the administration's proposal to modify the nationwide permit such that it can't be used for MTR. If you have questions, please let me know. Best, Aaron Aaron Isherwood Senior Staff Attorney Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second Street, 2d Floor San Francisco, CA 94105-3441 Phone: (415) 977-5680 Fax: (415) 977-5793 CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL COMMUNICATION/WORK PRODUCT This e-mail may contain privileged and confidential attorney-client communications and/or attorney work product. If you receive this e-mail inadvertently, please reply to the sender and delete all versions on your system. Thank you. ----- Forwarded by Aaron Isherwood/Sierraclub on 09/16/2009 11:39 AM ----- "Mary Anne Hitt" <maryanne.hitt(a)sierraclub.org> 09/16/2009 11:36 AM Please respond to <maryanne.hitt(a)sierraclub.org> To <#coal(a)sierraclub.org> cc Subject Upcoming public hearings on mountaintop removal Coal fighters, I wanted to be sure everyone was aware of these upcoming public hearings on mountaintop removal, especially those are already working on mountaintop removal as part of their work plans and campaigns. More details about the hearings and the proposed rule, including specific hearings locations and times, are pasted below. The focus of the hearings is the Army Corps’ decision to stop issuing rubber-stamp permits called “nationwide permits” in Appalachia, a type of permit that was designed to be used for projects with minimal environmental impact. During the Bush Administration, the Army Corps regularly granted nationwide permits for valley fills, even after federal judges found that the practice was illegal. 1. October 13, 2009, in Charleston, West Virginia 2. October 15, 2009, in Cambridge, Ohio 3. October 13, 2009, in Pikeville, Kentucky 4. October 13, 2009, in Knoxville, Tennessee 5. October 15, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 6. October 15, 2009, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia If anyone would like to put together a quick call to strategize around these hearings, please reply to me off list and I would be happy to coordinate a call. Mary Anne Contents Federal Register Vol. 74, No. 174 Thursday, September 10, 2009 Engineers Corps NOTICES Public Hearings: Proposed Suspension and Modification of Nationwide Permit (21) , 46582–46583 [E9–21792] [TEXT] [PDF] ~~~~~~~~ SUMMARY: In the July 15, 2009, issue of the Federal Register (74 FR 34311) the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a proposal to take two actions concerning Nationwide Permit 21, which authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States for surface coal mining activities. The two proposed actions are to suspend NWP 21 to prohibit its use to authorize surface coal mining activities in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, and then to modify NWP 21 to make that prohibition permanent until NWP 21 expires on March 18, 2012. In the July 15, 2009, notice we also offered commenters opportunity to request a public hearing. In the August 13, 2009, issue of the Federal Register (74 FR 40815), we extended the comment period to September 14, 2009. We have received several requests to hold public hearings, and have determined that hearings would afford us the opportunity to gain additional information to assist us in reaching decisions on these two proposed actions. Therefore, we will be holding public hearings in each of the six affected states. Written comments to supplement the hearing records may be submitted until October 26, 2009. .... .... The public hearings will be held on the following dates and at the following locations: 1. Huntington District: October 13, 2009, in Charleston, West Virginia at the Charleston Civic Center, Little Theatre. The public hearing will start at 7 p.m. Additional information on this public hearing will be available at: http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/permits/ publicnotices/wv/. 2. Huntington District: October 15, 2009, in Cambridge, Ohio at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. The public hearing will start at 7 p.m. Additional information on this public hearing will be available at: http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/permits/publicnotices/oh/. 3. Louisville District: October 13, 2009, in Pikeville, Kentucky at the East Kentucky Expo Center. The public hearing will start at 7 p.m. Additional information on this public hearing will be available at: http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/. 4. Nashville District: October 13, 2009, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The public hearing will start at 7 p.m. Additional information on this public hearing will be available at: http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/cof/ special_notices.htm. 5. Pittsburgh District: October 15, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The public hearing will start at 7 p.m. Additional information on this public hearing will be available at: http:// www.lrp.usace.army.mil/or/or-f/public_notice.htm. 6. Norfolk District: October 15, 2009, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia at Mountain Empire Community College. The public hearing will start at 7 p.m. Additional information on this public hearing will be available at: http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/technical%20services/ Regulatory%20branch/PN/PN.asp. Specific information for each public hearing, including the addresses of the hearing locations, will be posted on the district Web sites listed above. -- Mary Anne Hitt Deputy Campaign Director Beyond Coal Campaign Sierra Club 304-876-7064 (w) 540-239-0073 (c) maryanne.hitt(a)sierraclub.org www.sierraclub.org/coal

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Fwd: NY Times: States can sue utilities over emissions
by James Kotcon 22 Sep '09

22 Sep '09

Holy Moly! This may be a game changer, or at least another hole in the rapidly crumbling dike of denial. JBK >>> Vickie Wolfe <ibtreehugger(a)gmail.com> 9/22/2009 12:30 PM >>> http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/science/earth/22carbon.html -- ```````````````````````````````````````````````````` Vickie L. Wolfe PHONE: (304) 744-8777 E-MAIL: IBTreehugger(a)gmail.com ```````````````````````````````````````````````````` "It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save our environment." -Ansel Adams Every step in human progress, from the first feeble stirrings in the abyss of time, has been opposed by the great majority of men. Every valuable thing that has been added to the store of man's possessions has been derided by them when it was new, and destroyed by them when they had the power. They have fought every new truth ever heard of, and they have killed every truth-seeker who got into their hands. --H. L. Mencken

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FYI - Ken Ward's COAL TATOO reference to Raleigh Herald story on arrest of drunk who assaulted Kayford Mountain 4th of July gathering, and Ralegih Herald article itself
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 18 Sep '09

18 Sep '09

Drunken nonsense update: Arrest in Kayford incident *by* Ken Ward Jr. Remember the drunks who showed up and disrupted the July 4 celebration<http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/2009/07/06/drunken-nonsense-is-this-w…>at mountaintop removal activist Larry Gibson’s place up at Kayford Mountain? Well, State Police have apparently made an arrest in the incident, according to this story<http://www.register-herald.com/policecourts/local_story_260224624.html>in the Beckley Register-Herald: *Adam Pauley, 24, of Daniels, was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and assault (verbal), Lt. S.F. Van Meter said. Sgt. M.A. Smith of the Whitesville detachment arrested Pauley Thursday, and Pauley was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond.* *The charges against Pauley stem from an alleged July 4 incident, Van Meter said. On that day, Larry Gibson was hosting a party at his Kayford Mountain home in Raleigh County’s Coal River area. The people attending were anti-mountaintop removal activists. Pauley showed up at the party uninvited and reportedly caused a disturbance.* Thanks to a Coal Tattoo reader who pointed this story out to me … and if you don’t recall, here’s the video<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjc7Jg_gMy0&feature=player_embedded>of what happened (careful — the language is pretty bad). 1 comment 1<http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/2009/09/18/drunken-nonsense-update-ar…> *Nanette *{ 09.18.09 at 11:03 am } Thank you, thank you, thank you Ken!!! We have gotten so much heat over this by coal people who said that this was all made up! Somtimes the wheels of justice turns slowly, but finally an arrest has been made!!! ------------------------------- *MAN ARRESTED FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT HOLIDAY PARTY* *The Register-Herald -- Fri - Sept 18, 2009* A Raleigh County man was arrested Thursday after State Police say he crashed a July 4 party while intoxicated and caused a disturbance. Adam Pauley, 24, of Daniels, was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and assault (verbal), Lt. S.F. Van Meter said. Sgt. M.A. Smith of the Whitesville detachment arrested Pauley Thursday, and Pauley was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond. The charges against Pauley stem from an alleged July 4 incident, Van Meter said. On that day, Larry Gibson was hosting a party at his Kayford Mountain home in Raleigh County’s Coal River area. The people attending were anti-mountaintop removal activists. Pauley showed up at the party uninvited and reportedly caused a disturbance. No further information was available on the incident. — Amelia A. Pridemore -- 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 This electronic mail is intended to be received and read only by certain individuals. It may contain information that is privileged or protected from disclosure by law. If it has been misdirected, or if you suspect you received this in error, please notify me by replying and then delete this message and your reply. These restrictions apply to any attachment to this email.

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SIERRA CLUB MOTION TO INTERVENE, RULE 24 (c) STATEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 17 Sep '09

17 Sep '09

ATTACHED ARE THE PLEADINGS FILED IN LOGAN COUNTY AND SERVED ON PARTIES IN CHIEF LOGAN PARK CASE ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: William V. DePaulo, Esq. <william.depaulo(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 9:09 PM Subject: SIERRA CLUB MOTION TO INTERVENE, RULE 24 (c) STATEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS To: "Timothy M. Miller" <tmm(a)ramlaw.com>, acb(a)ramlaw.com, Raymond.S.Franks(a)wv.gov, lgeorge(a)larrygeorgelaw.com, "Tom W. Rodd" < trodd(a)calwelllaw.com> Cc: William DePaulo <william.depaulo(a)gmail.com> Counsel: Attached are pleadings served by fax tonight on Cabot Oil & Gas Corp, the Lawson Heirs, Inc and the DEP. They will be filed tomorrow with the Logan County Circuit Court. Best regards, 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 This electronic mail is intended to be received and read only by certain individuals. It may contain information that is privileged or protected from disclosure by law. If it has been misdirected, or if you suspect you received this in error, please notify me by replying and then delete this message and your reply. These restrictions apply to any attachment to this email. -- 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 This electronic mail is intended to be received and read only by certain individuals. It may contain information that is privileged or protected from disclosure by law. If it has been misdirected, or if you suspect you received this in error, please notify me by replying and then delete this message and your reply. These restrictions apply to any attachment to this email.

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WVEC Fall Conference Schedule and Registration
by Grubb, Karen 17 Sep '09

17 Sep '09

Here are the handouts for the upcoming WV Environmental Council Fall Conference. Please consider attending this fun and informative weekend meeting September 25-27. Karen Grubb WV Sierra Conservation Chair

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FW: [energy activists] ACTION: "Congress, 'Don't Stand in the Way of EPA Action on Climate Change!' "
by Grubb, Karen 17 Sep '09

17 Sep '09

-----Original Message----- From: Christina.Yagjian(a)sierraclub.org [mailto:Christina.Yagjian@sierraclub.org] Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:54 AM To: Christina.Yagjian(a)sierraclub.org Subject: [energy activists] ACTION: "Congress, 'Don't Stand in the Way of EPA Action on Climate Change!' " PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR LISTS! Congress, "Don't Stand in the Way of EPA Action on Climate Change!" The Senate is currently considering legislation that will fund the EPA for the next year, and opponents of action on climate change are looking to prevent the EPA from acting to curb global warming pollution or accurately measure the potential climate impacts of biofuels. It is vital that both Congress and EPA work quickly together if we are to make real progress on global warming. Prohibiting EPA from addressing global warming pollution ignores science and undermines existing laws. It also takes away some of our country's most valuable tools for curbing global warming. Tell the Senate to move us towards a clean energy economy, and not to stand in the way of EPA action on climate change: http://tinyurl.com/nntmom Warm Regards, Christina Marie Yagjian National Conservation Organizer Sierra Club, Global Warming and Energy 202.675.7911

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FW: PATH Schedule WV, VA, MD
by Grubb, Karen 16 Sep '09

16 Sep '09

From: Elena.Saxonhouse(a)sierraclub.org [mailto:Elena.Saxonhouse@sierraclub.org] Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 12:57 PM To: adillen(a)EARTHJUSTICE.ORG; alana.wase(a)mdsierra.org; daveol(a)earthlink.net; glenbesasc(a)earthlink.net; Grubb, Karen; rmarmet(a)pecva.org; william.depaulo(a)gmail.com Subject: PATH Schedule WV, VA, MD (Bill, please forward to WV Highland Conservancy) Maryland October 9: Deadline for PATH to inform PSC whether it will re-file an application [No other deadlines set] Virginia October 14 - Our direct testimony due December 22 - PATH rebuttal testimony January 12, 2010 - Written comments due January 19, 2010 - SCC hearing begins West Virginia Public hearings: 9/22/2009, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm & Wednesday 9/23/2009, 8:30 am in Shepherdstown, WV at Shepherd University, Frank Arts Center, 260 University Drive 9/28/2009, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm in Sutton, WV at Days Hotel & Conference Center in Flatwoods, 2000 Sutton Lane, 1-79, Exit 67 10/2/2009, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm in Charleston, WV at Culture Center State Theater, Plaza Level of the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd E 10/13/2009, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm in Davis, WV at Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center, Spruce Room, Route 32 N, Canaan Valley State Park 10/22/2009, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm in Buckhannon, WV at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Campus Center Social , Hall, 59 College Avenue November 13 - Our direct testimony due February 8-February 23, 2010 - PSC Hearing June 21, 2010 - PSC decision Elena Saxonhouse Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second St., 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-5765 (415) 977-5793 (fax) Elena Saxonhouse/Sierraclub 09/15/2009 04:38 PM To adillen(a)EARTHJUSTICE.ORG, rmarmet(a)pecva.org, william.depaulo(a)gmail.com, <alana.wase(a)mdsierra.org>, <daveol(a)earthlink.net>, <glenbesasc(a)earthlink.net>, <Karen.Grubb(a)fairmontstate.edu> cc Subject Reminder - Important PATH call tomorrow Link <Notes:///882574D3007C8366/DABA975B9FB113EB852564B5001283EA/C21C039D7D03 85768825762C0055DE97> Hi everyone, Please remember we are having a PATH call tomorrow with Sierra Club chapter leaders from WV, MD, and VA to update them on the overall legal strategy, and discuss how their organizing strategy fits in with the legal proceedings. The call-in info is: 1-866-501-6174 2030289# Attorneys please call in at 1 pm ET if you can, everyone else at 1:30 ET. Thanks! Elena Saxonhouse Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second St., 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-5765 (415) 977-5793 (fax) Elena Saxonhouse/Sierraclub 09/09/2009 08:39 AM To Willard Burns, Abigail Dillen, William DePaulo, Rob Marmet cc Subject PATH call today 1pm ET Sorry for the late reminder - let's check in today at 1pm ET. Same call-in info: 1-866-501-6174 2030289# Elena Saxonhouse Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second St., 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-5765 (415) 977-5793 (fax)

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Fwd: Notice of Joint Agency/Public/Tribal Meetings
by James Kotcon 16 Sep '09

16 Sep '09

The attached announcement describes a publi hearing for a hudropower project proposed for the Robert C Byrd Lok and dam ner Apple grove, mason County, WV. The hearing is Oct. 1. Anyone interested in attending? I have not looked over the detail, but would like to support a project that meets the criteria for Low Impact HydroPower. JBK

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PATH - PART 5 OF 5
by William DePaulo via YouSendIt 15 Sep '09

15 Sep '09

You have a priority delivery from YouSendIt Click here to download file: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/740136301/5939ebd80e48978565915781156ab021 Sent by: william.depaulo(a)gmail.com File to pick up: PATH DISK 4 - 2009-09-11.zip File will remain active for: 14 days File too big for email? Try at http://www.yousendit.com YouSendIt Inc. : http://www.yousendit.com Terms of Service: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/termsofservice Privacy Policy : http://www.yousendit.com/cms/privacypolicy DMCA Policy: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/dmca Opt Out: http://www.yousendit.com/blocking.php?action=optout&email=EC@osenergy.org&k…

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PART 4 OF 5
by William DePaulo via YouSendIt 15 Sep '09

15 Sep '09

You have a priority delivery from YouSendIt Click here to download file: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/740136009/ac6c6e99faddaab5bb0f0517fc54f5db Sent by: william.depaulo(a)gmail.com File to pick up: PATH DISK 3 - 2009-09-09.zip File will remain active for: 14 days File too big for email? Try at http://www.yousendit.com YouSendIt Inc. : http://www.yousendit.com Terms of Service: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/termsofservice Privacy Policy : http://www.yousendit.com/cms/privacypolicy DMCA Policy: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/dmca Opt Out: http://www.yousendit.com/blocking.php?action=optout&email=EC@osenergy.org&k…

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PART 3 OF 5
by William DePaulo via YouSendIt 15 Sep '09

15 Sep '09

You have a priority delivery from YouSendIt Click here to download file: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/740135597/25e5f11288adf8296aeea566c3e59ae5 Sent by: william.depaulo(a)gmail.com File to pick up: PATH DISK 2 - 2009-09-09.zip File will remain active for: 14 days File too big for email? Try at http://www.yousendit.com YouSendIt Inc. : http://www.yousendit.com Terms of Service: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/termsofservice Privacy Policy : http://www.yousendit.com/cms/privacypolicy DMCA Policy: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/dmca Opt Out: http://www.yousendit.com/blocking.php?action=optout&email=EC@osenergy.org&k…

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PATH - PART 2 OF 5
by William DePaulo via YouSendIt 15 Sep '09

15 Sep '09

You have a priority delivery from YouSendIt Click here to download file: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/740135187/f39f831a3112c7fecd9514fe17f7237f Sent by: william.depaulo(a)gmail.com File to pick up: PATH DISK 1 - 2009-09-08.zip File will remain active for: 14 days File too big for email? Try at http://www.yousendit.com YouSendIt Inc. : http://www.yousendit.com Terms of Service: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/termsofservice Privacy Policy : http://www.yousendit.com/cms/privacypolicy DMCA Policy: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/dmca Opt Out: http://www.yousendit.com/blocking.php?action=optout&email=EC@osenergy.org&k…

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PATH DISCOVERY RESPONSE TO SIERRA-WVHC DISCOVERY REQUESTS - PART 1 OF 5
by William DePaulo via YouSendIt 15 Sep '09

15 Sep '09

You have a priority delivery from YouSendIt Attached is the first of five links to download the various responses by PATH to the Sierra-WVHC<wbr /> discovery requests at the PSC. The second thru fifth links will follow. Click here to download file: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/740134753/ab52bbb4c8e9e06634a35e845ebdddce Sent by: william.depaulo(a)gmail.com File to pick up: PATH - DISCOVERY OBJECTIONS AND File will remain active for: 14 days File too big for email? Try at http://www.yousendit.com YouSendIt Inc. : http://www.yousendit.com Terms of Service: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/termsofservice Privacy Policy : http://www.yousendit.com/cms/privacypolicy DMCA Policy: http://www.yousendit.com/cms/dmca Opt Out: http://www.yousendit.com/blocking.php?action=optout&email=EC@osenergy.org&k…

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New York Times article on Water Quality
by James Kotcon 13 Sep '09

13 Sep '09

This article is really cool. If you check out the database link on the article, the permit for the MEA power plant on Beechurst Avenue was last inspected in 1992. Inspections for every other permit in the Morgantown area are even older, if they happened at all. In fact, it looks like the last time WV-DEP did an inspection of an NPDES permit anywhere in WV was over 10 years ago, and then they "inspected" Canaan Valley State Park. JBK http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/us/13water.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

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Fwd: Bruce Nilles' blog post: "MTR Permits Violate Clean Water Act"
by James Kotcon 13 Sep '09

13 Sep '09

WOW!!! EPA said Friday that everyone of 79 pending MTR permits will violate water quality standards. We need to comment on this to press. Letters to the editor anyone? Is the Manchin Administration "soft on crime"? JBK >>> Heather Moyer <Heather.Moyer(a)SIERRACLUB.ORG> 9/11/2009 12:10 PM >>> Howdy folks-- Bruce Nilles' latest blog post (co-written by Mary Anne Hitt) is now available. It's entitled "EPA: All Pending MTR Permits Violate Clean Water Act." Please comment and Recommend - and forward to your local lists. Grist - http://www.grist.org/member/11566/ Daily Kos - http://www.dailykos.com/user/Bruce%20Nilles Huffington Post - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-nilles Compass - http://sierraclub.typepad.com/compass/coal-director/ Opposing Views - http://www.opposingviews.com/tags/environment SF Green - http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/contribute/sn/persona?plckPersonaPage=Persona… Climate Crossroads - http://connect.sierraclub.org/post/ClimateCrossroadsBlog/epa_all_pending_mo… Also posted on - SE Green, Alltop Green, and Alternet ____________ Heather Moyer Media Writer Sierra Club (202) 675-6276 www.sierraclub.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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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Fwd: Coal Front Group Loses Another Member
by James Kotcon 10 Sep '09

10 Sep '09

>>> Virginia Cramer <virginia.cramer(a)SIERRACLUB.ORG> 9/9/2009 3:36 PM >>> FYI, went out to reporters earlier today. Here's a link to the Greenwire story on it that is posted on the NYT right now. <http://tiny.cc/85opM> http://tiny.cc/85opM - ginny View a web <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=lN6b5fWn0aGKzE56VbO5Zw..> version of this email. <http://www.sierraclub.org/raw/images/blackpixel.gif> <http://www.sierraclub.org/raw/images/blackpixel.gif> <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=8JliS_pQUay6CHCfYjvgaQ..> Press Room: For Immediate Release <http://www.sierraclub.org/raw/images/blackpixel.gif> Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet <http://www.sierraclub.org/raw/images/tagline_white.gif> <http://www.sierraclub.org/root_images/spacers/space.gif> September 9, 2009 Contact: Virginia Cramer, 804-225-9113 x 102 Coal Front Group Loses Another Member Just a week after the nation’s third largest utility, Duke Energy announced it was of the terminating its membership in the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, French giant Alstom power today followed suit. The company, which makes pollution control technologies for coal plants, cited “questions that have been raised about ACCCE’s support for climate legislation” as the reason for leaving. In response, Bruce Nilles, Director Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign issued the following statement. “The coal industry has been actively fighting clean energy jobs legislation using any means necessary, including contracting with groups connected to admitted forgery scandals and ethically questionable astroturf campaigns. Today’s announcement by Alstom is just more confirmation that ACCCE has gone too far—that the thin veneer of concern about the future of our country has cracked to reveal only concern for preserving the dirty status quo for coal. “We cannot let our clean energy economy be sacrificed to extreme coal interests that have only their bottom line, not the best interests of the American people, at heart. We need a clean energy jobs bill that benefits everyone, not just coal. We hope that other companies who consider the public interest part of their mission will resign from or at least condemn groups like ACCCE and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for their efforts to kill clean energy jobs.” ### <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PixelServer?j=nySMyr60nP0qS0Dm1_1LFw..> <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=qvpF0i-xV-AMGM0Tr2nuRA..> Click here to sign up for Raw <http://www.sierraclub.org/root_images/spacers/space.gif> <http://www.sierraclub.org/raw/images/blackpixel.gif> Sierra <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=bWV2pEMxmFRBe28lHGSGPw..> Club | 85 Second St., San Francisco, CA 94105 | Change Media <mailto:sierra.news@sierraclub.org?subject=Media Type> Type | Contact <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=-zBe5mxTc5YOIeyTStPxFw..> Us | Visit the <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=1MihNjex4qh1chAHPnfnHQ..> Press Room Update My <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=en0hhRZhGRfm-ZWI2o5BvQ..> Profile | Manage <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/CO?i=6c22YpOS3O0LyRp155dV17w9MTyd3me1&cid =1961> My Email Preferences | Update My <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=C1sThtiaJmYf6XpW_DuOzA..> Interests | Unsubscribe <http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=f6GYZ34GLAUVoZ-gxvRflw..> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 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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Informed discussion of competing interests of gas v coal in cap & trade legislation
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 07 Sep '09

07 Sep '09

-- 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 This electronic mail is intended to be received and read only by certain individuals. It may contain information that is privileged or protected from disclosure by law. If it has been misdirected, or if you suspect you received this in error, please notify me by replying and then delete this message and your reply. These restrictions apply to any attachment to this email.

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Fwd: New Bills/Laws & Resources -- 9-24
by James Kotcon 06 Sep '09

06 Sep '09

You might find some of this useful. JBK >>> Paula Carrell <Paula.Carrell(a)sierraclub.org> 9/3/2009 7:50 PM >>> --------------------------- cc:Mail Users----------------------------- ** Remember to DELETE the 'Sender: ...' lines above before REPLYing ** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTENTS 1. Learn about the "Smart Grid" 2. N. Carolina debates Wind on mountain ridges 3. Recycling Compact Fluorescent Bulbs -- Maine 1. Is it smarter than a 5th grader? Ivy Main, a volunteer leader in Virginia, unearthed the below-noted reports. Completely TMI, but still you might share them with your Energy Committee and encourage them to poke around a bit for some basic education. The states' role is ensuring that *renewable* energy can get on the grid through strong state interconnection standards. Both the Department Of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued reports this summer on the nation's energy grid. The DOE report is "Smart Grid System Report," at http://www.oe.energy.gov/DocumentsandMedia/SGSRMain_090707_lowres.pdf contains a good discussion of the status of the smart grid. It also explains the relevance of interconnection standards to the smart grid and describes the overlapping federal/state jurisdiction in this area, making it clear that a lot of states are lagging on adopting acceptable interconnection standards. (See the section starting on page 20.) The FERC document, at http://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/comm-meet/2009/071609/E-3.pdf announces a policy to promote and set standards for transmission system upgrades. FERC claims it has authority to set standards for transmission, but it is apparently not saying these are mandatory. 3. The wind blows where it chooses . . . The North Carolina State Legislature spent some time this past session talking about wind as well as contributing to it. The legislation before them was S 1068, which can be found at http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/Senate/PDF/S1068v3.pdf Molly Diggins says about the bill, "North Carolina's greatest wind resources are off-shore, but there are also commercially viable resources in the mountains and on the coast (sounds). The state currently has no commercial wind and also lacks and environmental permitting process. The bill before the legislature is well-thought out and well-crafted. It is written in two sections--wind on the coast and wind in the mountains. Other Atlantic coastal states may want to review the bill thoughtfully. And here's the view of the "Charlotte Observer" Editorial Board from Aug. 08, 2009: Senate right to block ridgetop wind farms Should North Carolina allow huge wind turbines on its mountain ridges to help meet future energy needs? We don't think so. But it also ought not short-circuit the potential for wind power projects in other mountain areas that may not spoil the views millions of Americans revere. We start with this proposition: One of the wisest things the legislature did in the 1980s is to adopt the mountain ridge law. It bans certain development on ridgetops in Western North Carolina to prevent the spoilage of the state's magnificent vistas. Among the things prohibited are tall condo projects and other structures that alter the viewscape. It's a good law. But controversy has risen over whether its provisions halt development of large wind turbine farms that, under a new sustainable energy law lawmakers adopted a few years ago, would help provide alternative power sources. The goal is to produce 12.5 percent of the state's energy requirements by 2021 with renewable sources such as solar and wind. To meet that goal, many environmentalists argue, the state must use available resources, including the Western N.C. winds that blow most steadily along ridgetops. We don't believe mountaintops are an appropriate place to put wind farms, collections of dozens of wind turbines that can tower up to four hundred feet high, measured from their base to the tips of their rotors. We believe the best spot is along parts of North Carolina's windswept coastline, either offshore or in its more protected sounds. In many of those areas, wind farms could be constructed that do not substantially mar the view and which could take advantage of more reliable winds than many mountain areas. We think Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, D-Dare, has this one right: The coast would be ideal for concentrations of wind farms that could produce significant amounts of electricity. He has talked with Duke Energy about such a possibility in our offshore areas, he says. That's why we like several things about a bill the Senate passed 45-1 Thursday. It sets up a careful process for assessing and issuing permits for coastal area wind farms. And it reasserts the value of the mountain ridgetop law by banning commercial windmill operations. It does allow smaller windmills for residential use. But we'd like to see legislators find a way to encourage the development of emerging wind turbine technology that might be appropriate for some Western N.C. slopes. That includes devices that use much less intrusive turbines than the three-rotor turbines found on many Western United States and European wind farms, for example. There may not be time left in the current legislative session for the House to make suitable revisions to the Senate bill that would allow research and development of mountain wind projects to go forward. But legislators should put their minds to finding a way, before they reconvene next year, to develop appropriate wind energy projects in Western N.C. that do not threaten the very landscape that North Carolinians hold so dear. 3. The Brightest Bulb Maine's LD 973 provides a free and easy way for consumers to recycle compact fluorescent bulbs and sets a standard for the amount of mercury that can be contained in them. Bill text: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/chappdfs/PUBLIC272.… ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To get off this list, send email to: LISTSERV(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Make the message text (not the Subject): SIGNOFF CONS-FRED

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Re: [EC] {GT} Some Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label
by Chris Haddox 03 Sep '09

03 Sep '09

thanks, jim. i saw this, or another similar article, recently. i agree that the focus on energy is not strong enough. i can dig up some other articles that strive to show leed buildings are not always performing as expected. some are, some do better, some do worse. unfortunately, our states' first leed building, the dep building, has no benchmarking or tracking of energy costs (at least that is the word from a very knowledgeable inside source). when i asked rep. martin to get the dep's numbers for energy, he replied with the same story.....no one is keeping track of that information. chris J. Chris Haddox, MBA, LEED AP, GA/R Visiting Assistant Professor, Sustainable Design Division of Design & Merchandising West Virginia University 704M Allen Hall Box 6124 Morgantown, WV 26505 E-Mail: chris.haddox(a)mail.wvu.edu Phone: (304) 293-3657 Program Website: http://www.design.wvu.edu >>> "James Kotcon" <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu> 09/03/09 11:28 AM >>> This article suggests, among other things, that on-going energy monitoring and management are critical to meeting the environemtnal goals of LLED-certified buildings. Enjoy. JBK SCIENCE / ENVIRONMENT | August 31, 2009 Some Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label By MIREYA NAVARRO Builders covet a green certification, but many buildings do not save as much energy as their designs predicted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/science/earth/31leed.html?emc=eta1 ---------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS E-MAIL This e-mail was sent to you by a friend through NYTimes.com's E-mail This Article service. For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help(a)nytimes.com. NYTimes.com 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018 Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MorgantownGreenTeam" group. To post to this group, send email to morgantowngreenteam(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to morgantowngreenteam+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/morgantowngreenteam?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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Some Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label
by James Kotcon 03 Sep '09

03 Sep '09

This article suggests, among other things, that on-going energy monitoring and management are critical to meeting the environemtnal goals of LLED-certified buildings. Enjoy. JBK SCIENCE / ENVIRONMENT | August 31, 2009 Some Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label By MIREYA NAVARRO Builders covet a green certification, but many buildings do not save as much energy as their designs predicted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/science/earth/31leed.html?emc=eta1 ---------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS E-MAIL This e-mail was sent to you by a friend through NYTimes.com's E-mail This Article service. For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help(a)nytimes.com. NYTimes.com 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018 Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

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new wind farm proposed for southern WV
by Frank Young 02 Sep '09

02 Sep '09

Blank This would be in southeastern Raleigh County- closer to Hinton than to Beckley.- Frank --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- County plans hearing on Pluto wind farm proposal. A property owner in Pluto is preparing to make his case this month for the advent of a wind farm, installing as many as 18 turbines to generate electricity as an example of clean, renewable energy in Appalachia. Earl Long will get the floor Sept. 15, the next meeting of the Raleigh County Commission, to outline his proposal. Actually, the idea had been advanced earlier, but after Tuesday’s meeting, commission president John Humphrey said, “We felt they were not quite prepared to present everything.” “We need to set it up for a public hearing and to let anyone in that area come in and say whatever is on their mind,” Humphrey said. “I’m not here today saying this will happen. We’re saying we need to let the public know first of all and give them an opportunity to share concerns for a wind farm.” Some months ago, an environmental group used economic data in support of another proposed wind farm on the opposite end of Raleigh County as an alternative to coal production. Long told reporters the idea in his region is being promoted through a management team known as Jobs Project in Williamson, “working to get renewable energy throughout southern Appalachia, the coalfields.” Some 200 acres would be put up for the project by Long and some of his relatives. “It’s going to be a joint effort,” he said. “It will be known as Angel Winds.” To date, no opposition has been voiced to either Long or the commission. “We’re going to have a community awareness meeting, let the people know what we’re doing,” he said. “Most of the neighbors are in favor so far, but we haven’t spoken to everyone.” Long said the project would generate some 20 megawatts of power annually. “It will be put back into the main power grid and offset the carbon from coal-fired power plants,” he said. If not for love, then what? There is no wealth but life. (John Ruskin 1819-1900) http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_244222653.html

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PATH letter Washington Times
by Grubb, Karen 01 Sep '09

01 Sep '09

Mike Costello <http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=25817887&ref=nf> I might not always be the biggest fan of the Washington Times, but congrats to my mom, Nancy Williams, for getting published in the Citizen Journalism section. Check out her article about the destructive PATH powerline. <http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=144448957256&h=ljsg6&u=GqBVV& ref=nf> <http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=144448957256&h=ljsg6&u=GqBVV& ref=nf> <<Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)>> CITIZEN JOURNALISM: High-voltage opposition to a power plan - Washington Times <http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=144448957256&h=ljsg6&u=GqBVV& ref=nf> Source: www.washingtontimes.com Proposed power line opposed by residents in three states.

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Green Party speaks up against Verizon support of MTR rally
by Frank Young 01 Sep '09

01 Sep '09

Here is one more reason why I am proud to be a Green Party / WV Mountain Party member. Frank Young Subject: Is it True? From: Brent McMillan Date: 9/1/2009, 11:53 AM To: Dennis.Strigl(a)verizonwireless.com Is it true that Verizon Wireless is co-sponsoring a pro-mountaintop removal rally on a strip mine site on labor day in West Virginia? Please take note: We are one of your customers and we most certainly do not approve! Global Warming is real and is happening now! Perhaps you should read the recent, "Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States" report that was recently released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The report summarizes the science of climate change and the impacts of climate change on the U.S. now and in the future. I urge you to demonstrate some real leadership (and future focus) and withdrawl your sponsorship of this event. Sincerely: Brent McMillan, Executive Director Green Party of the United States 202-319-7191 brent(a)gp.org __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Working since 1967 for the conservation and wise management of West Virginia's natural resources Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity Visit Your Group Give Back Yahoo! for Good Get inspired by a good cause. Y! Toolbar Get it Free! easy 1-click access to your groups. Yahoo! Groups Start a group in 3 easy steps. Connect with others.. __,_._,___

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FW: Money for media presentations - PATH
by Grubb, Karen 31 Aug '09

31 Aug '09

FYI From: Frank Young [mailto:fyoung@mountain.net] Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 10:38 AM To: keryn(a)stoppathwv.com; Sally Wilts Cc: pwaitster(a)gmail.com; o6redleg(a)aol.com Subject: Re: Money for media presentations Hi Sally & Keryn & all, As Keryn notes below, WV Highlands Conservancy (WVHC) is the fiscal agent for the Stop PATH video / audio project- as the National Trust for Historic Preservation grant could only go to a 501(c)3 organization. And yes, WVHC is an IRS designated tax-exempt organization. If you need our tax-exemption number, I can send it to you separately. I would send that number in this message, but there is one e-mail address here I do not recognize. I will produce a Word file invoice that includes our tax-exempt number, and send it to you. Thank you, Sierra Club, for the generous contribution. And I agree with Keryn that as it is SC and the NTHP that is putting up the direct $$$ for this, it is fitting that SC and NTHP receive appropriate recognition. Also, I think I recall from being on the SC Energy Committee call that your funds can be used only for production costs, and not for air time, right? Let us know for sure on that. And I would say that yes, the grant will be used for grassroots public education about a conservation issue. And as the gatekeeper for these funds, I will insist that they be used for that purpose. Please make the check payable to WV Highlands Conservancy, and send it to me at Rt. 1 Box 108 Ripley WV 25271. That is not WVHC's usual address; but I need to know what funds are coming in for this purpose to see that it is credited to the proper line item in WVHC's budget. Thanks again. Frank Young, coordinator WVHC Stop PATH sub-committee ----- Original Message ----- From: Keryn Newman <mailto:keryn@stoppathwv.com> To: Sally Wilts <mailto:sallywilts@yahoo.com> Cc: pwaitster(a)gmail.com ; fyoung(a)mountain.net ; o6redleg(a)aol.com Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 8:44 AM Subject: Re: Money for media presentations Hi Sally, We very much appreciate the WV Chapter of Sierra Club's generous donation to our campaign to counter the misleading advertising being aired by the PATH companies. All donations we have collected for the media campaign have been in the name of West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. WVHC is the official organization that received the grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Please make donation check payable to WVHC and mail to Frank Young. By copy of this email, I'm asking Frank if he can create and send the invoice. The grant is for the purpose "....to help produce advertisements about proposed powerlines in West Virginia, which will have a broad and negative impact on nationally significant historic resources, as well as environmental and recreational resources." I don't think there would be any problem with adding a "sponsored by WV Sierra Club" somewhere in the ad, along with the required credit to the National Trust. Keryn Newman StopPATH/Jefferson County On Sun Aug 30 16:16 , Sally Wilts sent: Hi Keryn, I am the treasurer of the WV Chapter of Sierra Club. The Executive committee voted to give your group $1000 to use for expenses of broadcasting the media that you have had produced with grant from WVHC. The board asks that you present an invoice of some sort to us and they are wondering if Sierra Club will get any credit for this donation. Is Stop Path WV a nonprofit? Do you have a taxpayer ID number? The national SC has to account for all donations to IRS. Would you say the money was being used for grassroots public education about a conservation issue? Let me know if you need clarification and if I have the scenario about right.

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Beech Ridge wind farm TAC - First meeting
by Frank Young 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Sierra Club energy committee: As per below, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Beech Ridge wind farm is coming together. Studies should commence late winter / early spring 2010. The wind farm is expected to become partially operational (about 69 turbines) before the end of December, 2009. Frank Young wind energy sub-committee ----- Original Message ----- From: Miner, Laura To: Bystriansky, Steve ; Groberg, Dave ; wtidhar(a)west-inc.com ; dyoung(a)west-inc.com ; emelton(a)psc.state.wv.us ; laura_hill(a)fws.gov ; craigstihler(a)wvdnr.gov ; fyoung(a)mountain.net ; Cynthia D. Ellis ; ross.conover(a)glenville.edu Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 2:33 PM Subject: Beech Ridge TAC - First meeting When: Thursday, September 10, 2009 9:00 AM-1:00 PM (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada). Where: 611 Nicholas Street, Apt 5, Rupert, WV Note: The GMT offset above does not reflect daylight saving time adjustments. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Please join us at the first meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Beech Ridge Post-Construction Monitoring Program. For those who cannot attend in person, we will have conference call capability (instructions to follow). Preliminary Agenda (EST): 10:00 Introductions including an overview of the Beech Ridge development 10:15 Overview of PSC Order and discussion of the TAC role and guidelines 10:45 Outline of Monitoring Protocol with Q&A and Discussion 12:00 Lunch (catered or at a nearby establishment) 1:00 Site tour (optional) 2:00 Adjourn Additional materials to follow before the meeting (such as draft protocol and TAC guidelines). Preliminary membership: PSC Earl Melton FWS Laura Hill (or designee) DNR Craig Stilher BWEC TBD Sierra Club Frank Young Brooks Bird Club Cynthia Ellis Glenville State College Ross Conover (unconfirmed) Consultant: WEST, Inc. Wendy Tidhar WEST, Inc. David Young Beech Ridge: Vice President David Groberg Asset Manager Steve Bystriansky Program Manager Laura Miner

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Fwd: Public News Service-WVNS story for August 28, 2009 City of Morgantown Saving Mone
by James Kotcon 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

FYI. News story that went out. Let's chalk this one up as a victory. JBK >>> "Public News Service" <wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org> 8/28/2009 10:40 AM >>> Public News Service-WV August 28, 2009 City of Morgantown Saving Money and Cutting Carbon CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Even in a state where electricity is relatively cheap, local governments can save money and reduce their carbon footprints by conserving energy - and local officials in Morgantown say they're proving it. The municipal government is in the middle of a long-term effort to reduce energy use by 20 percent and save money in the process. Morgantown City Manager Dan Boroff lists a number of changes to be made in the next eight months, that are expected to pay off for years. "A new air conditioning system at the airport; a new chiller system at ice rink; new lighting throughout the parking garages, even down to the stop lights in the city, replacing them with LED systems." All that, plus new boilers and insulation for city buildings are on the ambitious agenda. It is a $2.7 million investment, not including hybrid or fuel-efficient replacements for the city fleet as old vehicles are retired. Boroff says Morgantown is guaranteed to make its money back over 15 years - or the contractors have to pay back the difference. According to Mayor Bill Byrne, theirs was a hardheaded business decision that also had environmental advantages. "We had an opportunity to both save money and improve the quantity of carbon that we put into the environment. We're doing it for economic reasons, and also, because it's positive for the environment." A study released this summer found nationwide, homes and businesses could reduce energy use by nearly one-fourth though steps like upgrading appliances and sealing leaky air conditioning and heating ducts. The study found returns would double the investment in 11 years. Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/10297-1 --- To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to remove(a)publicnewsservice.org and put the word "remove" in the subject line.

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PATH - DISCOVERY REQUESTS FOR SIERRA CLUB AND WEST VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Attached are six sets of discovery requests submitted to PATH today in the West Virginia proceeding, and on behalf of the Sierra Club and the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. The requests are the product of all of the lawyers and consultants assisting these clients, but principally Wil Burns. -- 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 This electronic mail is intended to be received and read only by certain individuals. It may contain information that is privileged or protected from disclosure by law. If it has been misdirected, or if you suspect you received this in error, please notify me by replying and then delete this message and your reply. These restrictions apply to any attachment to this email.

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Fwd: News links re cap and trade
by James Kotcon 18 Aug '09

18 Aug '09

I had an inquiry for a response to the developing stories about the forged letters and astroturf campaigns by fossil fuel companies against the Cap and Trade Bill (see the web sites below). Does anyone have any juicy sound bites that brings up some local West Virginia angles? JBK http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/08/sensitive_oil_industry_me… http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/lobby_firm_sent_forged_cl…

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Fwd: Good time to pitch a story
by Paul Wilson 18 Aug '09

18 Aug '09

assume others got this? paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: West Virginia News Service WVNS <wvnsnews(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Aug 18, 2009 at 2:42 PM Subject: Good time to pitch a story To: Hi Friends, Dan Heyman here. I've got space for some stories at the moment, so if you have anything you think might be news worthy, now would be a good time to pitch it. best, drh -- West Virginia News Service (WVNS) Toll Free: 1-800-317-6705 Fax: 540-301-0801 E-mail: wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org -- 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

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Fw: Montana Consumer Counsel v. FERC Telebriefing
by cindyrank 18 Aug '09

18 Aug '09

Thought some of you might be interested ---- or know someone who is and can use the 1 CLE. cindy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Montana Consumer Counsel v. FERC August 21, 2009 10:00 AM PDT, 11:00 PM MDT, 12:00 PM CDT, 1:00 PM EDT Download or view the program agenda here. Ms. Rank: We are pleased to present a one-hour expert analysis by phone of the recent appellate case, Montana Consumer Counsel v. FERC, which is the first to review FERC's revised guidelines for granting market-based rate authority to a wholesale electricity seller. In this decision, a Ninth Circuit panel rejected a challenge to FERC's grant of market-based rate authority to several affiliates of PPL Corporation (PPL Companies) in a control area covering most of Montana. In doing so, the Court stated that it felt a need to "afford great deference" to FERC's rate determinations and expressed reluctance to "second guess [FERC's] judgment on questions of policy within its expertise." Although the ruling is unpublished and generally not considered binding precedent, it should offer insight into how the Court will approach its pending review of the general market-based rate policies in FERC Order Nos. 697 and 697-A. In this one-hour teleconference, one neutral moderator and two prominent energy lawyers close to the case will discuss the practical implications of the decision on the electric energy industry and its ratepayers, as well as cost recovery implications for transmission planning and development. Register quickly. You can call in from anywhere. Intended Audience Attorneys, industry executives, representatives of customer and environmental intervenors, and state officials involved in FERC wholesale ratemaking or transmission planning and development Registration Register here or call us at (800) 854-8009 Tuition Tuition is $125 per caller and $50 each for any additional people on the same line who desire continuing education credit. 1.0 CLE Credit Available in the Following States: a.. AK b.. AZ c.. BC d.. CA e.. GA f.. IL g.. MO h.. MS i.. NC j.. ND k.. NM l.. NV m.. NY n.. TX o.. UT p.. VA q.. WA r.. WV s.. WA t.. Other credits available, please call I hope you can join us. Kate Johnson President Note: If you do not want to receive email notice of upcoming professional education programs, or want to limit the topics you receive, you can safely tell us by replying to this email. You also can give us a quick call at (800) 854-8009 or go to LSI News Assistant. LSI News, Inc. 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98104

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7th Circuit opinion overturning FERC rule that was basis for pass thru of transmission line costs to WVa in FERC cases involving TRAIL and PATH
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 17 Aug '09

17 Aug '09

Some of you may have already seen the attached opinion by Judge Posner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which is based in Chicago and is the intermediate appellate court between US District Courts and the Supreme Court. In essence, Posner struck down the FERC rule that allowed PJM to recoup the costs of construction of a new high voltage electric transmission line -- even in part -- from utilities that derived no discernible benefit from the line. Importantly, the court deemed the value associated with "reliability" -- the chief benefit cited as justification for the TRAIL and PATH lines in W. Va. -- to be negligible and, in any event, insufficient to justify the pass thru of costs to utilities who received no other tangible economic benefit. Although the decision repeats, in a very different context (one relating to recoverable transmission rates, not authority to construct transmission lines) many of the arguments we made last year in TRAIL and will make this year in PATH, it will be some time before we will use the decision in our own case. Additionally, there was a powerful dissent, quoting the conflicting opinion of then Judge John Roberts in a DC Circuit case which reached the opposite outcome, obviously for the purpose of highlighting the fact that there is now a "conflict of decisions among circuits" (one of the grounds SCOTUS uses to decide whether to hear an appeal) and attempting to draw the attention of now Chief Justice John Roberts. Stand by.... -- 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 This electronic mail is intended to be received and read only by certain individuals. It may contain information that is privileged or protected from disclosure by law. If it has been misdirected, or if you suspect you received this in error, please notify me by replying and then delete this message and your reply. These restrictions apply to any attachment to this email.

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Fwd: Federal court could stop PATH/TrAIL
by James Kotcon 16 Aug '09

16 Aug '09

Bill Howley sent me the link below. The story is on his blog. This could mean lower electric rates for WV, and it means back to the drawing board for financing TrAIL. JBK >>> Bill Howley <billhowley(a)hughes.net> 8/15/2009 7:15 PM >>> This just came in on the Sierra Club listserv. Here's my post on The Power Line <http://calhounpowerline.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/blockbuster-federal-court-…>. This could be big news. Bill Blockbuster Federal Court Decision Could Doom PATH & TrAIL 2009 August 15 Here is the news from SNL, a financial news Web site: In a decision that could significantly hamper efforts to build major new transmission facilities nationwide, a divided three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit on Aug. 6 overturned a FERC order signing off on the PJM Interconnection LLC’s postage-stamp rate design for new transmission lines operating at voltages of 500-kV or more. After reviewing the arguments, the majority said the stakes are high, noting, for example, that under FERC’s decision, Commonwealth Edison Co. [an Illinois utility] may be required to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to help pay for the proposed “Project Mountaineer,” when under the old policy it wouldn’t have had to pay a dime. The problem, according to Judge Richard Posner, who penned the court’s decision in which Judge John Tinder joined, is that FERC never looked at the consequences of switching to the new pricing policy. “No particulars are presented concerning the contribution that very high-voltage facilities are likely to make to the reliability of PJM’s network. Not even the roughest estimate of likely benefits to the objecting utilities is presented,” Posner recalled. Posner suggested that the new policy is unfair to customers in the western portion of PJM, where power plants are located relatively close to their customers and relatively low-voltage, mainly 345-kV, transmission facilities are used. In contrast, generating plants that serve the eastern portions of PJM are generally located long distances from load, and therefore 500-kV and even higher-voltage transmission facilities are used to deliver the power. Yet, FERC never took this disparity into consideration, Posner maintained. Instead, he said, the agency relied on the fact that the eastern utilities that created PJM many years ago agreed to share the costs of certain facilities through pro rata sharing agreements. “The fact that these utilities thought it appropriate to share costs in 1967 says nothing about the advantages and disadvantages of such an arrangement in the larger, modern PJM network,” the judge wrote. “The fact that one group of utilities desires to be subsidized by another is no reason in itself for giving them their way.” The case was in the Seventh Circuit Federal Court in Minnesota because public utilities commissions in Illinois and Ohio had sued PJM over their rate scheme for Project Mountaineer, which included both TrAIL and PATH lines. As noted on Who Pays for PATH, more than 40% of the costs of TrAIL and PATH will be paid for by rate payers west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Seventh Circuit says that can’t happen. There are two alternatives. Either only east coast utilities pay for PATH and TrAIL because they are getting the power, or AEP and Allegheny Energy pay for PATH and TrAIL because they are getting the profit.

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WVEC announcement/Please forward widely!
by Grubb, Karen 14 Aug '09

14 Aug '09

West Virginia Environmental Council Join America's #1 Populist Jim Hightower at WVEC's Annual Fall Conference It's Our 20th Anniversary Celebration! Friday, September 25th - Sunday, September 27th Holly Gray Park, Sutton WV (Braxton County) - Exit # 67 off I 79 Please join us as we celebrate our 20-year history and build from it to pass strong environmental policy in 2010. Founded in 1989 to be the legislative arm for the environmental movement in West Virginia, WVEC now marks 20 years of policy work at the legislature as we continue to be your voice at the capitol. Conference will feature: * Key-note address- by JIM HIGHTOWER, nationally known progressive commentator and co-Editor of America's hottest newsletter, the Hightower Lowdown. We expect to hold a Friday evening reception for Jim. And Saturday morning Mr. Hightower will deliver the Keynote Address for our 20th birthday celebration! * The best of West Virginia's environmental movement as we hold educational workshops on top issues, and organizing training to help improve the effectiveness of your organization; Setting our 2010 Legislative Priorities - incorporate your voice into our organization through discussions and electing representatives of the regions in WV to our Board of Directors; Saturday evening offers a panel of our founders discussing the fascinating history of WVEC. * The weekend will have it's fun, too: Our traditional Silent Auction (bring a contribution or two and be prepared to outbid your friends of course); Booths on environmental issues / Artists / Green Businesses; Recreational Outings as we enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Holly Gray Park, fishing lessons and more; Saturday Night Birthday Bash (musicians to be announced). Please come out to build your connection with the statewide environmental movement in WV, your organization's connection with our lobbying resources - and simply have a great time with our most special guest, Jim Hightower! Registration: Only $15 adult / $10 seniors, students, low income. Youth ages 12 and under receive free registration. Sleeping accommodations: On-site - includes bunk beds in cabins ($10 per night) and unlimited camping ($5 per tent, per night). Please see the registration form <http://www.wvecouncil.org/calendar/WVEC_2009_Fall_Conf_Registration_For m.pdf> at http://www.wvecouncil.org <http://www.wvecouncil.org> . Cost details and off-site accommodations in the area are listed on the registration form. Meals: Breakfasts Saturday & Sunday: $5 each Lunches Saturday & Sunday: $5 each Saturday night dinner - Pot Luck ... Please brings a dish to share. The full Agenda for the weekend will be sent out and posted on our website in August as details are completed. Please stay tuned ...... Download Registration form here. <http://www.wvecouncil.org/calendar/WVEC_2009_Fall_Conf_Registration_For m.pdf> : http://www.wvecouncil.org <http://www.wvecouncil.org> West Virginia Environmental Council Representing West Virginia "Special Interests"- People Who Want to Breathe Clean Air and Drink Clean Water 2206 Washington Street East, Charleston WV 25311 (304) 414-0143 www.wvecouncil.org <http://www.wvecouncil.org/>

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