Report: More than 200 coal-fired generators slated for shutdown

The Daily Caller ^ | Sept. 21, 2012 | Michael Bastasch

[Free ThinkerNY]

Within the next three to five years, more than 200 coal-fired electric generating units will be shut down across 25 states due to EPA regulations and factors including cheap natural gas, according to a new report by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE).

“This is further evidence that EPA is waging a war on coal, and a war on affordable electricity prices and jobs. EPA continues to ignore the damage that its new regulations are causing to the U.S. economy and to states that depend on coal for jobs and affordable electricity,” said Mike Duncan, president and CEO of ACCCE, in a statement.

However, ACCCE notes that EPA policies may have played a role more than 4,800 megawatts of announced closures not included on in their report which would bring total shutdowns to 241 coal generator in 30 states — more than 36,000 MW of electric generation or 11 percent of the U.S. coal fleet.

The most affected states include Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, which will see a combined 103 coal-fired generators shut down.

[KantianBurke]

Fancy seeing you on this thread. What’s the matter? Your check from the RNC bounce? Why not just hit up your former God Dubya for money?

[KantianBurke]

“it’s reprehensible to gloat over other people suffering from Obama’s war on coal now.”

Not when the defenders of coal want to use government $$$ for their own benefit. Even removing EPA regulations, coal wouldn’t be able to survive natural gas’ low cost. Enter government subsidies. No thanks.

[palmer]

Even removing EPA regulations, coal wouldn’t be able to survive natural gas’ low cost.

At least you admit there is a war on coal and it is driving up costs for coal electric consumers (I am one to some extent).

Not when the defenders of coal want to use government $$$ for their own benefit.

Coal gets some government money, but that's mostly for synfuel production. You can read the breakdown here: http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/energy/subsidies/ Outside of those amounts they get less than 1/2 billion Obama wasted on Solyndra. It's rather disingenuous of you to suggest that coal is subsidized when it is clear that coal electric production is harmed far more than it is subsidized.

[KantianBurke]

“I am one to some extent”

Its telling that the major proponents of government money for coal production are those who stand to gain financially from such intervention. Forget of course that everyone else loses by big government. Screw them right? Free market bad!

[palmer]

It's amazing that you can ignore simple facts like the vast majority of government money for coal goes to synfuels, not to subsidize my electric bill., and then accuse me of financial gain. That might amount to a penny on my electric bill because coal producers are "given" tax writeoffs that are automatic in any other industry.

Regardless of my situation, you lost any credibility you might have had by declaring your own little war on coal in this thread. You probably have a stealth agenda to support the Obama / Gore war on coal but don't want to admit. I'm sorry I called you an idiot, when you are probably an agent instead.

[KantianBurke]

Even if every environmental regulation was removed from coal production (good luck with THAT occurring) coal can't match natural gas' low cost. Coal is being priced out of the market. Period. Us consumers who have more money in our pockets welcome that. And its interesting that you rightly blast the Solyndra debacle but can turn right around and demand government assistance with a straight face for your industry of preference. Guess its not big government when you profit from it huh?

[palmer]

You keep implying I am profiting from coal subsidies. Perhaps you don't understand that the synfuels efforts having nothing to so with my electric power. Even if we consider the entire $700m in remaining coal subsidies as subsidizing electric power, and make generous assumptions the drawdown of coal there's still about $40b worth of coal electricity being generated. That's less than 2% subsidy. On my $400 annual bill we are paying $7 in subsidies.

Perhaps you can do the same for your annul gas bill. Use the Texas report I linked above and other sources and tell me your final $ and % federal subsidy on your own gas bill Unfortunately the Texas report lumps oil and gas as $3b and I don't know the breakout to heating and electricity and whatever else you are using natural gas for.

[KantianBurke]

I’m implying your support of coal is simply due to your wish to have your coal dependent home heating costs go down free market be damned. As I indicated earlier the only way that will happen is by government intervention be it increased regulations - say for fracking - or coal subsidies. I’m not willing to have my pocket picked so you have more cash in yours.

[bert]

to be anti coal is to be anti America....... it is simple as that