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News Items Related to Matanuska Electric Association's (MEA's)
Proposed Coal-Fired Power Plant, Alaska Coal, Climate Change, Global Warming, ETC.

...more recent news items...

MEA reveals proposed locations for power plant COAL-FIRED: Opponents want the utility to reconsider greener sources of energy. Anchorage Daily News, S.J. Komarnitsky (May 9, 2007) -- "The Matanuska Electric Association is still years away from building a coal-fired plant in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. But opponents are lobbying hard to get the utility to reconsider its plans..."

Chugach balks at wind farm FIRE ISLAND: Cost of project dims luster for this alternative energy. Anchorage Daily News, Elizabeth Bluemink (May 9, 2007) -- "The change in leadership at the state's biggest electric company late last month has caused the utility to take a more critical look at a wind farm proposed for Anchorage's Fire Island..."

MEA vote process a mystery Board members, ratepayers in dark over coal-plant ballot, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 8, 2007) -- [Several Borough Assembly representatives, MEA personnel and MEA board members weigh in on MEA's site selection process -- which remains cloaked in mystery... -ke]

Coal plan draws fire Activist seeks borough help, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 8, 2007) -- "The whole of the Mat-Su Valley will benefit, suffer or both from Matanuska Electric Association's proposed coal-fired and gas-fired electric generators. However, the co-op may not ask all Valley residents where, or even if, they want the generators... To help give representation to all of the Valley's residents, [Bill] Erickson has planned a renewable energy parade to be held near MEA's Palmer headquarters, at 163 Industrial Way. The parade is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m., just before the monthly meeting of the MEA board of directors... For more information about the renewable energy parade, contact Bill Erickson at 232-3153." [Read the entire article for a better understanding of the issues related to MEA only allowing co-op members to vote. -ke]

Sea ice melting faster GOING, GOING, GONE: April's Arctic ice cap was smallest in recorded history. Anchorage Daily News, George Bryson (May 7, 2007) -- "Imagine three-fourths of the land mass of Alaska disappearing in a decade. That's roughly the amount of sea ice that has vanished from the Arctic ice cap in recent years -- and now it's melting faster.

Suck it up, folks. Our air is among the best 8TH IN NATION: Anchorage is a good place to breathe, says American Lung Association. Anchorage Daily News, Julia O'Malley (May 4, 2007) -- "Hey, inhale! You're breathing rarefied air. Anchorage is in the top 10 when it comes to clean air nationwide, says the American Lung Association..." [Ponder possible effects that a coal fired power plant could have on Anchorage's (not to mention the Valley's) air quality. I have seen days when the Valley's glacial silt lifted and transported by the Knik Wind oozes all the way to Anchorage. What if this natural airborne brew also contained coal plant emissions like mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulates? -ke]

State denies request for greenhouse reports GASES: Coalition sought inventory of emissions, hoping for reductions. Anchorage Daily News/The Associated Press (May 4, 2007) -- "A state agency has declined a request by environmental groups to require major producers of greenhouse gases in Alaska to report their emissions..."

Vital costs ignored in MEA's analysis, Frontiersman, Mary Barrett/Spectrum (May 4, 2007) -- "As a health care provider, I am concerned about adverse health effects from mercury emissions if Matanuska Electric Association continues with its plan to build a coal-fired electrical generator. The purported “clean” technology will still emit significant amounts of mercury and carbon dioxide, and there are health concerns and costs to consider..."

Chickaloon residents get reprieve from coal hunters, Anchorage Daily News, S.J. KOMARNITSKY (May 2, 2007) "Chickaloon residents breathed a sigh of relief last week after a Canadian company relinquished its claim on leases for coal exploration on nearly 23,000 acres of surrounding land... But the state agency that owns the property, located off the Glenn Highway north of Sutton, said it might put the leases out for bid again at any time..."

C02 limits in bond measure fail to get past House, Anchorage Daily News, (May 1, 2007) "Alaska lawmakers have elected not to deal with greenhouse gas emissions in a bond package for the Alaska Railroad Corporation... House Bill 229, now on its way to the Senate, authorizes the corporation to issue up to $2.6 billion in bonds, a portion of which could help finance Agrium's coal gasification project..."

Full slate at assembly, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 1, 2007)
"...For borough residents who do not have a voice in the debate over Matanuska Electric Association's planned coal-fired generator, Valley watchdog Bill Erickson has a new petition for them... Even people who are not MEA ratepayers, who may not be named on an MEA bill, would still be affected by the co-op's new generator, Erickson said. MEA is planning to poll its members soon about where to locate the proposed power plant. Erickson thinks anyone who lives in the Valley should be involved in the decision, since it will affect more than just ratepayers..."

MEA reneges on resolution: Power-plant plans to remain secret, despite board vote Also, in the paper copy of the April 29 Frontiersman: read Paul Morley's "Valley Voices" article: De-carbonizing our power grid essential and the editorial: Members short-circuited by MEA. The editorial takes on the refusal of MEA to allow the public to read the full text of their Integrated Resources Plan (IRP): "...Despite the very clear terms of the board resolution rate payers are still being denied access to something that should have been public to begin with... People who value transparency and integrity should be outraged. This action will do nothing to quell mounting criticism of MEA or growing suspicion that the co-op's board and management has something to hide by not releasing the plan. The fact that cost estimates in the public summary of the plan already strain credulity amplify those suspicions..." The Frontiersman Editor suggests action: call the MEA board president Lee Jordan, call your Borough Assembly representative, call the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

Pt. Mac rail link revived, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (April 27, 2007)"The Willow to Port MacKenzie rail spur could get its start with a $300 million Alaska Railroad bond..."

House OKs bond sale by railroad TAX-FREE: The funds would allow Agrium to build a coal gasification plant in Kenai. Anchorage Daily News, Tomo Kizzia (April 26, 2007) "...Agrium is studying whether to build a coal-conversion plant as a way to provide feedstock for its factory in the face of declining natural gas supplies. The tax-free railroad bonds would provide a financing mechanism for the plant and for new rail facilities necessary to haul coal from Healy..."

New initiative addresses climate change in Alaska, Frontiersman, Russel Stigall (April 22, 2007) -- [The link to this article doesn't seem to have been posted on the Frontiersman web site yet... -ke]

MEA coal plan has a price, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (April 22, 2007) "Is Matanuska Electric Association just blowing smoke on the cost of its coal plant carbon?" [Excellent article with a wide-ranging discussion of negative externalities of coal-fired power generation (carbon emissions, mercury) -- projected costs and limits -- and the little that is known about the assumptions that went into the MEA's Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) since only a short executive summary has been released. -ke]

Coal plan is business as usual at MEA (Spectrum), Frontiersman, Michael Janecek (April 20, 2007), p. A-4."I think it's safe to say that in the realm of credibility, MEA management is bankrupt. Its board of directors is either subservient to management or so outnumbered that their voice is just a whisper in the Valley winds..."

Coal comes with health, wildlife and environmental costs COMPASS: Points of view from the community, Anchorage Daily News, Russ Maddox (April 20, 2007) "Mercury has been in the news a lot lately, and for no small reason: Mercury is one of the most poisonous substances on Earth..."

Alaska Railroad cited for Seward coal dust, POLLUTION: Dry air and strong winds sent clouds over the town and harbor, Anchorage Daily News, Rachel D'oro, The Associated Press (April 20, 2007) "The Alaska Railroad failed to prevent unacceptable levels of sooty dust at its Seward coal loading center from drifting across the seaside town, regulators said this week after investigating complaints from scores of residents..."

Regulators cite Alaska railroad after coal dust complaints, Seattle PI, Rachel D'Oro, Associated Press Writer (April 19, 2007)

[Note: I have spotted Rachel D'Oro's AP article "Regulators cite Alaska railroad after coal dust complaints" in the Frontiersman (4/20/07) and the Kodiak Daily Mirror. There definitely seems to be widespread interest in the problem of "fugitive" coal dust. -ke]

Hotter climate ramifications 'faster, larger' than expected NORTH AMERICA: Alaska among the most threatened, according to a new report issued by scientists.Anchorage Daily News, Robert S. Boyd (McClatchy Newspapers), April 18, 2007 "Climate scientists released a grim portrait this week of the likely effects of global warming on the United States and Canada." [The summary of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released April 6, 2007 is referenced in this article. Read my comments. -ke]

Coal mining project puts Chuitna River on endangered list TOP 10: American Rivers Alliance adds the waterway near Cook Inlet, but removes Bristol Bay. Anchorage Daily News, Elizabeth Bluemink (April 18, 2007) "The Chuitna River on the west side of Cook Inlet was named one of the country's 10 most endangered rivers by a national environmental group Tuesday."

Alaska waves may be power of our future ELECTRICITY: Permits to study feasibility of 4 sites have been issued. Anchorage Daily News, Alan Bailey. (April 18, 2007) "The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued preliminary permits for feasibility studies for construction of in-stream tidal power generation facilities at four Alaska locations.

Timing favors Anchorage port in bid for coal transfers AGRICUM: Company wants rail access set up by 2012; Port MacKenzie competes. Anchorage Daily News, ZAZ HOLLANDER (April 18, 2007) "Timing is behind Agrium Inc.'s preference for the Port of Anchorage over Port MacKenzie to ship coal from Healy to the company's Nikiski fertilizer plant."

Chuitna River makes most endangered list Anchorage Daily News, Mary Pemberton (AP), April 17, 2007 "A river that produces some of the largest king salmon in Alaska made this year's list of the 10 most endangered rivers in the United States."

Renewable energy fund beginning of political commitment COMPASS: Points of view from the community, Anchorage Daily News, SEN. JOHNNY ELLIS and REP. BILL THOMAS (April 17, 2007 )

Projects would add high value to coal, Anchorage Daily News, Tim Bradner (April 15, 2007) - "Alaskans are so focused on a possible $30 billion-plus natural gas pipeline that two other projects of significance are largely off the radar screen...One proposal is by Agrium Corp. to do coal gasification at its Nikiski fertilizer plant...The other proposal, still in an initial study stage, is for a large coal-to-liquids plant on the west side of Cook Inlet near the undeveloped Beluga coal fields, using coal from those fields. "

Natives and scientists state their worries about climate warming CLIMATE CHANGES: Rural residents feel impact, express concerns to committee. Anchorage Daily News, Elizabeth Bluemink ( April 14, 2007)

Mat-Su officials dispute best route for Agrium coal CAN'T AGREE: Mat-Su Borough officials prefer the Port MacKenzie route. Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (April 14, 2007)

Watchdog set to bite MEA Co-op's coal plant plans revive dormant Utility Watch Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (April 13, 2007)

Local group fires up to walk on coal Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (April 13, 2007)

Warming can alter state economy COMMISSION: Impact assessment goes beyond just weather, to the bottom line. Anchorage Daily News, Elizabeth Bluemink (April 13, 2007)

Railroad bonds could bail out Agrium in Kenai GAS: Healy coal hauled through Anchorage would energize fertilizer plant. Anchorage Daily News, Tom Kizzia (April 13, 2007) - [An overview from the transportation perspective of moving Healy coal to Kenai to fuel the Agrium fertilizer operation if they were to build a coal gasification plant -- see IGCC technology. Issues related to rail transporting coal by rail through Mat-Su would be similar or the same as for transporting to any large-scale Mat-Su user of coal. -ke]

State aims to reduce emissions CREATING SUBCABINET: Palin's desire to curb contributions to global warming represents shift in emphasis. Anchorage Daily News, Tom Kizzia (April 12, 2007) - "Gov. Sarah Palin plans to explore ways Alaska can reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions as part of a global-warming strategy to be developed by a new subcabinet of top administration officials..."

Bills promote Fire Island wind farm OPPOSITION: MEA wants Railbelt fund divided among utilities for their own use. Anchorage Daily News, Sabra Ayres (April 12, 2007) - "Lawmakers proposing to use $24 million to place windmills on Anchorage's Fire Island are facing opposition from at least one electric company that says such state money would be better spent for more pressing needs..."

Valley power plans, KTUU.COM, Rebecca Palsha (Thursday, April 12, 2007) "...M.E.A. wants a coal plant and doesn't want to use money to build a transmission line that would link up to a wind farm."

[The legislation to fund a transmission line for a wind farm on Fire Island is: SB 44. The Senate Resources Committee is holding a hearing on SB44 April 18 3:30PM. Resources Committee members are: CHAIR: Senator Huggins VICE-CHAIR: Senator Stedman Senator Green, Senator Stevens, Senator McGuire, Senator Wielechowski, Senator Wagoner. -ke]

Petition aims to rewrite power plans, Anchorage Daily News, S.J. KOMARNITSKY (April 11, 2007 )

As the dust settles, Seward City News, Carol Griswold (Sat 7 Apr 2007)

MEA coal plan under fire, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (April 6,2007)

MEA picks 12 potential power-plant sites, Anchorage Daily News, S.J. KOMARNITSKY (March 28, 2007)

MEA decision to go with coal a bad one, Anchorage Daily News, Mark Masteller (March 17, 2007)

Memo seals lips on global warming POLAR BEARS: Alaska scientists traveling out of country directed to not discuss climate change. By ANDREW C. REVKIN The New York Times Published: March 9, 2007

Are you happy with how MEA is run? Frontiersman, Chuck Legge/Valley Voices (March 4, 2007)

While world pursues renewable future, MEA rejects it, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (Feb. 25, 2007) "Alaska renewable energy is a dim light far in the future in Matanuska Electric Association's power production scheme...." [Stigall describes some of Alaska's renewable energy resources along with examples of other places that use renewable energy to meet their power needs. -ke]

Coal exploration could start near Chickaloon 22,647 ACRES: State needs to sign off on company's permit. Anchorage Daily News, S.J. Komarnitsky (January 17, 2007) "A Canadian firm could start exploratory coal drilling on 22,647 acres in the Chickaloon area northeast of Palmer as early as spring if the state approves a permit for the work..."