Matanuska Valley (Alaska) - Is a coal-fired power plant really necessary?

Local news, from Mat-Su to Seward --

katie eberhart — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:56:36 -0800

Power plant on fairgrounds proposed by private firm CLASH: Local utility not keen on project due to its own planned power plant. Anchorage Daily News, S.J. Komarnitsky (July 11, 2007) -- "An Anchorage-based energy company is seeking permission to build a power plant on the Alaska State Fair grounds in Palmer that it says would alleviate a local electric cooperative's need to build a controversial coal-fired plant..."

Why vote when MEA has already decided on coal? Compass: Points of view from the Mat-Su community, Anchorage Daily News, Bill Erickson (July 11, 2007) -- "A friend e-mailed me asking what the best thing members of the Matanuska Electric Association can do with the ballot they received recently from MEA..."

MEA: Don't fix it if it's not broken, Frontiersman, Spectrum / Darin Markwadt (July 10, 2007) -- "So, MEA is finally going to the people. It wants advice concerning its plans to divorce Chugach Electric. It is odd that MEA is finally asking for advice. This is, after all, the same company that threw out 20 percent of the advisory ballots gathered two months ago because MEA did not like what that member-owners had to say. This is the same company that decided in 2006 to build a coal-fired plant without ever going to its membership..."

MEA generates powerful protests, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (July 10, 2007) -- "Calling Matanuska Electric Association's advisory ballot about power generation plants propaganda, local residents gave the cooperative's board of directors an earful Monday..."

ANGDA plans attachable application Spur line could run from either Delta Junction or Glennallen to Beluga River field; volume would depend on authoritys open season Petroleum News, Kristen Nelson (July 8, 2007) -- also "ANGDA commissions Cook Inlet energy study" -- "Heinze said study will compare scenarios such as coal-fired energy with natural gas and what that does to the cost structure. "It has implications: I cant heat my house efficiently with a big coal plant because all it can give me is electrons and I lose all that efficiency.""

Critic asks state to scrutinize MEA's behavior COAL PLANT: Bill Erickson takes issue with plan that had no membership vote. Anchorage Daily News, Zaz Hollander (July 6, 2007) -- "An outspoken critic of the Matanuska Electric Association is asking state regulators to investigate the cooperative's move to build a coal-fired power plant as a violation of by-laws that mandate ratepayer participation..."

MEA members voting on power source BALLOTS IN MAIL: Utility asks if it should build plant or keep buying electricity. Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (July 6, 2007) -- "...Borough Manager John Duffy said the borough is not forcing MEA to choose between building a local power generation plant and buying power from Chugach, as an MEA brochure mailed out with ballots seems to indicate. 'I don't understand what the choice between buying power from Chugach or building their own power has to do with our ordinance,' Duffy said..."

MEA goes to voters again Frontiersman Russell Stigall (July 3, 2007) -- "Matanuska Electric Association member-owners have another chance to vote on their co-op's future electric generation plans..."

Palin vetoes $26.5 million in MEA grants Frontiersman Russell Stigall (July 3, 2007) -- "Matanuska Electric Association watched its third strike cross the governor's plate Friday when Gov. Sarah Palin vetoed $26.5 million from the co-op's Railbelt Energy Fund request. The veto was the third time a governor has vetoed MEA..."

Oil race at top of the world As Russia pursues claim to huge Arctic reserves, U.S. is sidelined Chicago Tribune Alex Rodriguez (June 10, 2007) [Published p. F-4 Anchorage Daily News on 7/1/07] -- "A new Klondike may be waiting at the top of the world, where geologists believe a quarter of the globe's undiscovered oil and natural gas lies trapped within the rock strata underneath the ice-encased Arctic Ocean.//"

Consultant challenges MEA's plant projections Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (June 29, 2007) -- "...Utility and pipeline consultant Mark Foster, at a recent public meeting about the cost of coal, warned attendees that by choosing coal, MEA could kill a project to ship North Slope gas through a pipeline spur to Southcentral Alaska. "The economics of that spur line will be materially undermined if you switch from natural gas to coal," Foster said recently by phone..." [Suggest also reading ANGDA plans... in Petroleum News, 7-8-07 -ke]

Company prepares to drill for methane COLLABORATION: Oil man says surface owners left out of equation in past efforts. Anchorage Daily News, Zaz Hollander (June 29, 2007) -- "...Fowler Oil and Gas Corp. hopes to drill a single pilot well in the Mat-Su on 840 acres owned by Fowler's friend Henry Kircher and three other local families. The four own subsurface mineral rights, too..."

Climate change a pricey matter BILLIONS AT STAKE: Warming may push building costs up, study says. Anchorage Daily News, Dan Joling (The Associated Press June 27, 2007) -- "Climate change could add billions of dollars to the cost of building and maintaining Alaska's public structures over the next 23 years, a university study has concluded..."

Power play: Feud heats up between borough, MEA Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (June 29, 2007) -- "Whether government should regulate the Mat-Su Valley's electric cooperative is fast brewing into a bitter war of words between Matanuska Electric Association and the Mat-Su Borough..."

Borough close to switching on power permit, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (June 26, 2007) -- "A Mat-Su Borough ordinance governing the permitting of power plants could encompass potential environmental impacts and mitigation efforts by future power generation in the Mat-Su Valley..."

Tally it up Greenhouse pollution reporting is good idea; question is how? (editorial) Anchorage Daily News (June 23, 2007) -- "Should Alaska require all major greenhouse gas producers to report how much they pour into the air each year?..."

T-shirts, buttons unite coal use critics RALLY: Organizers say MEA will listen if the community pulls together. Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (June 22, 2007) -- [An informational meeting for the public was held June 20th by MEA Ratepayers' Alliance to provide information on "The True Cost of Coal" -ke]

Groups Vow to Fight Proposed Coal Plant, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (June 22, 2007) -- "Cold, hard cash and coal plants were on the schedule Wednesday evening to examine the economics behind a proposed coal-fired power plant..." [couldn't find a link to this article on Frontiersman.com. Maybe they'll add it later...]

Borough considers power plant regulations, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (June 22, 2007) -- "Is coal the new coal bed methane? A Mat-Su Borough memorandum introduces an ordinance to regulate proposed electrical generation or power plants on both plant operation and impacts on location..."

Talk of Alaska - Tuesday, June 19, 2007 Alaska Public Radio Network ANCHORAGE, AK (2007-06-19) -- "Alaska could be a leader in alternative energy, should that future involve coal? At least one proposed coal project here could prove new industrial-scale technology to capture and store carbon instead of putting it into the atmosphere..."

Top Utilities Looking at Possible Merger Alaska Public Radio Network, Steve Heimel (2007-06-15) -- "Two of the state's largest utilities are looking at a merger. The Chugach Electric Association and Anchorage's government-owned Municipal Light and Power signed an agreement to look into combining operations today. APRN's Steve Heimel tells us more."

Coal should not be part of Alaska's future, Frontiersman, Howard Bess/Spectrum (June 15, 2007) -- "...Even though great strides have been made in developing cleaner coal generating plants, cleaner is not good enough. Coal producers and electrical power producers like to talk about 'clean' coal. Depending on the particular polluting substance, 'clean' means 20-90 percent clean. Truly clean coal is not even on the horizon. For the well-being of us all, we need to bring coal burning to an end as soon as possible..." [Howard Bess brings personal experience and a keen eye to what MEA's plan for coal power might mean within the bigger picture of life in southcentral Alaska. Check Frontiersman.com to see if they've posted a link to this article. -ke]

MEA coal-fired plant plan spurs heated debate, Alaska Journal of Commerce, Margaret Bauman (Web posted Sunday, May 13, 2007) -- "A proposed coal-fired plant to provide much of the electricity for nearly 53,000 customers of Matanuska Electric Association is nowhere near the permitting stage yet, but the prospect has already generated heated debate..." [Interesting article even though it's a month old. Provides some perspective. -ke]

Divided MEA board backs coal power 4-2, Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (June 13, 2007) -- "Two Matanuska Electric Association board members tried but failed Monday afternoon to stop plans by the utility to build a coal-fired power plant..."

Valley farmers' concern grows over MEA coal plan Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (June 10, 2007) -- "Acid emissions from coal-fired power plants can strip calcium and magnesium from farmers' soil. Will sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide from Matanuska Electric Association's proposed coal-fired plant acidify Valley farm land, strip calcium and magnesium from soil and mobilize heavy metal in wetlands, lakes and streams?..."

MEA Glenn plant site squeaks in (POWER: Members rated two Palmer locales the highest, but the vote margin was narrow.) Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (June 9, 2007)

Limited debate leads to poor decisions at MEA (COMPASS: Points of view) Anchorage Daily News, David Cheezem (June 8, 2007)

MEA advisory vote selects gravel pit south of Glenn
RESULTS: Board will review new power plant decision on Monday.Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (June 8, 2007)

'Green' energy backers pleased at progress, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (June 5, 2007), p. A-11.

Valley power play over coal continues PROXIMITY: Possibility of locating energy plant nearby makes arguments more heated. Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (June 6, 2007) -- "Hit the switch and the lights go on. That simple act is such a habit that few think about where their power comes from. Until someone suggests plunking down a coal-burning plant in their neighborhood, near their cabin or their favorite fishing hole. Then it's the talk of the town..."

AP IMPACT: Blame coal: Texas leads in carbon emissions overall (Anchorage Daily News) Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer (June 2, 2007 ) -- "America may spew more greenhouse gases than any other country, but some states are astonishingly more prolific polluters than others - and it's not always the ones you might expect... In sparsely populated Alaska, the carbon dioxide produced per person by all the flying and driving is six times the per capita amount generated by travelers in New York state..."

Scientists discuss warming's effect on boreal forest The Associated Press (May 31, 2007) -- "Climate change provides opportunities as well as challenges, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks vice chancellor for research..."

Coal plant critics urge MEA to say no TOO LATE? Group wants to get members' opposing ballots; utility says those won't count. Anchorage Daily News, Rindi White (June 1, 2007) -- "Matanuska Electric Association is asking its members to help select the sites for two new power plants, one coal-fired, the other gas-fired, but anti-coal groups say MEA should be asking whether, not where, that plant should be built. "They're sort of asking for window dressing after the main event has passed," Utility Watch president Jim Sykes said Tuesday..."

Bitter critic is wrong; MEA reaches out to public Compass: Points of view from the Mat-Su community, Anchorage Daily News, Tuckerman Babcock (June 1, 2007) -- "Look over Dan Tucker's recent Compass piece (Friday, May 25) or his recent quotes in the paper and you will be lucky to find even a shred of truth to a single allegation... MEA is proud of a very open public process and excited about the future of finally having local generation to serve the people of Eagle River and the Mat-Su...."

[Read Dan Tucker's Compass piece referred to by Mr Babcock: MEA's 'open' process has become anything but Compass: Points of view from the community, Anchorage Daily News, Dan Tucker (May 25, 2007) -- "Leave it up to the Matanuska Electric Association administration and a board majority to figure another way to 'tell them to go to hell and have them look forward to the trip.'..." It would be nice if as part of the "very open and public process" MEA released the 70 page Integrated Resources Plan to which they constantly refer to as the reason they must build a coal-fired power plant now. For an alternative to Mr. Babcock's Opinion on the openness of the MEA process, visit MEA Rate Payers Alliance and utilitywatch.org, especially the Truth Squad page. -ke]

MEA coal plans balance needs, cost and ecology, Anchorage Daily News, COMPASS: Points of view, Lorali Carter (May 30, 2007) -- "A significant amount of misinformation is being spread about Matanuska Electric Association's new power generation plans..." [I suggest reading this (and all) articles with a critical eye. For instance, Ms. Carter says: "New 'clean coal' technology uses a process called 'circulating fluidized bed,' or CFB, that significantly reduces emissions. By using CFB clean coal technology MEA will reduce emissions by about 83 percent compared to coal plants not using this technology." Page 16 of the slide show from the February meetings posted on the MEA web site does not suggest this conclusion but rather shows that IGCC coal technology pollutes less than CFB. Ms Carter also states: "MEA's plant will be far more advanced than most of the coal generation plants in the U.S. today." Well there are apparently a lot of antiquated and heavy polluting coal plants in parts of the U.S. that are probably "grandfathered in" or their owners are buying pollution allowances, but this seems like a red herring argument. And she says: "The CFB technology greatly reduces the emissions from the plant, allowing MEA to meet the stringent federal and state standards." This of course raises a lot of questions about regulatory standards relative to coal plants (for example, see the American Lung Association description of the gutting of the Clean Air Act). Ms Carter's opinion piece should be read with Pete Houston's counterpoint "Big issues still loom over MEA power plant plan" -- these appeared on the same page of the Anchorage Daily News Mat-Su section May 30, 2007 (see link below). -ke]

Big issues still loom over MEA power plant plan, Anchorage Daily News, Peter Houston (May 30, 2007) -- "I just checked the Matanuska Electric Association Web site and as far as I can tell, that was it for public process. The votes on the proposed coal power plant will be counted June 7 and MEA will then proceed with its plan. What can we do now? Write letters to the editors of every paper you can think of. Then send letters to your representatives and the governor. Contact info for just about everyone is on our Web site at www.mearatepayers.com. Come to the next board meeting..." [MEA Rate Payers president Pete Houston provides counterpoint to MEA's claims that a coal-fired power plant will make them independent, that coal is cheaper, and that local generation is more reliable. -ke]

Hearing generates energy against coal-burning plants PUBLIC COMMENT: Most speakers oppose MEA plans for new power. Anchorage Daily News, Andrew Wellner (May 30, 2007) -- "Rita Campbell said she moved to Alaska from Los Angeles to get away from smog... Campbell and about 70 others showed up at [Pioneer Peak Elementary School] for one of three public comment sessions the utility scheduled that day to gather input on its proposed sites in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough for two new power generating plants, one powered by coal and the other by natural gas. MEA plans to have the plants online by 2015. Of the 35 or so who spoke at Pioneer Peak school, all but a handful oppose building the coal-fired power plant at all...'

MEA's problems bigger than coal, Frontiersman, Katie Wieliczkiewicz/Spectrum May 29, 2007 -- "On May 14, I attended a meeting that worried me. It was a meeting that was deciding part of my future. I am concerned that at the meeting, held by the Matanuska Electric Association board of directors, the board did not listen to the public's comments about tomorrow. The decisions and acts of the board have caused me to wonder why everything is so secretive..."

Report critical of MEA plan, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 27, 2007) -- "Possible miscalculations in Matanuska Electric Association's proposed new power plants may end up costing ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars..." [Information about utility consultant Mark Foster's report analyzing what is known from the Executive Summary of Matanuska Electric's plans for a coal fired power plant. The whole MEA report continues to be secret. -ke]

Author well-credentialed, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 27, 2007) -- "Opponents of Matanuska Electric Association's plan to build power plants in the Valley say the cooperative has some questions to answer about the proposal. MEA, on the other hand, has been disinclined to answer questions about the plan. Board of directors president Lee Jordan, at the May 14 board meeting, offered a possible explanation. The people who question what we're doing ... I question their credentials. I don't see the degrees after their names, the initials after their names, he said..." [Note online version of article is truncated as of when I posted this 5/30/07 -ke]

MEA's public process far from public, Frontiersman, Peter Houston/Spectrum (May 25, 2007) -- "I just checked the MEA Web site, and as far as I can tell, that was it for public process. The advisory votes will be counted on June 7 and MEA will then proceed with its plan to build two power plants - one coal-fired - here in the Valley..."

MEA's 'open' process has become anything but Compass: Points of view from the community, Anchorage Daily News, Dan Tucker (May 25, 2007) -- "Leave it up to the Matanuska Electric Association administration and a board majority to figure another way to 'tell them to go to hell and have them look forward to the trip.'..."

MEA isn't listening to members on alternate power COMPASS: Points of view, Anchorage Daily News, Pete Houston (May 11, 2007) -- "As we take a deep breath of clean fresh air, a lot of people in Mat-Su and Eagle River are wondering how long it will last if MEA builds a coal-fired power plant. As a concerned parent, citizen and MEA owner-member, I have joined with others in starting the MEA Ratepayers Alliance to try to find answers to some of our questions. Our objective is to represent the best interests of the people who pay the bills at MEA as well as our neighbors and children who will share the impact of the future generation plans but have no voice at MEA..."

Pete Houston outlines what the MEA Ratepayers Alliance wants:

1. A fair and open process. Unlock the still secret Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for public review. Stop the process until the owner-members are adequately informed and can responsibly participate. Allow the public to weigh in on whether or how to meet future energy needs.

2. Seek other options. Negotiate with other utilities; employ demand-side incentives to reduce the load as well as integrating renewables to carry part of the load.

3. Cooperate with the other utilities to jointly explore possibilities for gas and renewable energy options.

...read the rest of the article; more information at the MEA Ratepayers Alliance web site...

Coal plant fuels call for ouster DEVIL IN MEA DETAILS? Ratepayer pushes petition to remove two board members. Anchorage Daily News, Joseph Ditzler (May 23, 2007) -- "A disgruntled ratepayer and member of the Matanuska Electric Association is circulating a petition to recall two board members for withholding information from MEA members..."

MEA lays out plan, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 20, 2007) -- "Public feedback continued to be negative for Matanuska Electric Association on Saturday..."

MEA energizes bureaucracy, not renewables, some say RULES: Residents and power provider are at odds over ease of starting small-scale projects. Anchorage Daily News, Zaz Hollander (May 18, 2007) -- "A number of Matanuska-Susitna Borough residents say the Matanuska Electric Association erects more hurdles than it removes for the type of small-scale renewable energy encouraged elsewhere..."

Volcano energy may help meet needs ALTERNATIVES: Alaska is seeking applications for geothermal leases. Anchorage Daily News, Alan Bailey (Petroleum News) May 17, 2007 -- "...The state Department of Natural Resources is now calling for applications for geothermal leases next to the Augustine Volcano in the lower Cook Inlet and Mount Spurr, an active volcano on the west side of the Inlet..."

Parade mocks plan to build coal, gas plants, Anchorage Daily News, Joseph Ditzler (May 16, 2007) -- "...At 3 p.m. the Renewable Energy Parade, 80-some strong, uncoiled itself and fell in behind a pickup truck pressed into duty as a float, a model of a geothermal-power-producing volcano rising from its bed. The protesters carried homemade signs bearing messages: 'MEA: We need more options,' 'Coal is a four-letter word' and 'Coal is not cool...'"

Coal opponents take message to street, MEA board Meeting, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 15, 2007) -- "...More than 60 ratepayers and concerned citizens braved blustery weather to march in opposition to Matanuska Electric Association's proposed coal-fired electric generator..."

Members can show MEA a better way Frontiersman editorial (May 13, 2007) -- "...Valley residents who cut a check to Matanuska Electric Association each month will not be so fortunate when it comes to ballots they find in their mailboxes this week. The local member-owned cooperative has decided, with virtually no input from its ratepayers, to end its contract with energy-supplier Chugach Electric and build two power plants in the Valley, one of which will be coal-fired..."

Ratepayers to MEA: It's time to listen, Frontiersman, Pete Houston [Spectrum] (May 13, 2007) -- "Savor a deep breath of clean spring air. People in Mat-Su and Eagle River are wondering how long it will last if MEA builds a coal-fired power plant..."

MEA facing power play, Frontiersman, Russell Stigall (May 13, 2007) -- "Local activist groups want Matanuska Electric Association member-owners' opinions to count. All opinions. On a ballot to decide the location of MEA's proposed electric generators, Jim Sykes, of public advocacy group Utility Watch, says ratepayers are not being allowed to choose from all options, since none of the above or space for write-in votes are not options..."

Valley power plant locations up for vote ktuu.com, Rebecca Palsha Thursday (May 10, 2007) "A coal-fired power plant and a natural-gas fired power plant are going to be built in the Mat-Su Borough and Valley residents get to decide where to put them.Fire Island Generation Plans: Earth, Wind, Power Anchorage Daily News, p. B-2 (May 10, 2007) -- "Cook Inlet Region Inc. announced Wednesday that it has formed a partnership with enXco Development Corp., a California-based wind power company, to develop the state's largest wind energy project on Fire Island..."

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)

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 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) -- "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)

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)

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 [The summary of the Intergovernmental Panel on Cloimate 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)

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)

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)

Chuitna River makes most endangered list Anchorage Daily News, Mary Pemberton (AP), April 17, 2007

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)

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)

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)

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)

Valley power plans, KTUU.COM, Rebecca Palsha (Thursday, April 12, 2007)

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

As the dust settles, Seward City News, Russell Stigall (Sat 7 Apr 2007)

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

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

Stories Worth Noting

K Eberhart — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:16:51 -0800

Jeff Goodell: Big Coal's Dirty Secrets Fresh Air from WHYY, June 21, 2007 (heard on KSKA) -- "Jeff Goodell's book Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future, now out in paperback, argues that the U.S. is more dependent than ever on coal..."

What's in the Senate Energy Bill? NPR.org, June 22, 2007 -- "The Senate passed a new energy bill late Thursday night that aims to boost the nation's use of renewable energy and promote energy efficiency. That's in sharp contrast to the energy bill passed two years ago..."

State rejects coal plants, citing cost and risks, HeraldTribune.com, Kate Spinner (June 6, 2007) -- "In a decision that surprised environmentalists, [Florida] state utility regulators Tuesday turned down a proposal to put two new coal power plants near Lake Okeechobee. Signaling a shift in the state's energy policies, the Public Service Commission told Florida Power and Light that building the coal plants would not be worth the risks and cost, especially with the potential for new taxes on the carbon emissions that coal plants produce..."

The Big Thaw, National Geographic, Tim Appenzeller (June 2007) -- "From Greenland to Antarctica, the world is losing its ice faster than anyone thought possible. Can humans slow the melting?"

Comment, Human Nature, The New Yorker, Elizabeth Kolbert (May 28, 2007), pp. 23-24 -- "...the Administration has done its best to gut the safeguards put in place after Silent Spring. When, for instance, the E.P.A. proposed new rules on mercury emissions from power plants, the proposal turned out to contain several paragraphs lifted, virtually verbatim, from an industry lobbyists memos. (With minor changes, those regulations are now in effect.) Just last month, the Administration proposed new rules on the retrofitting of old power plants. The more or less explicit purpose of the rules is to accommodate a power company, Duke Energy, that the E.P.A. had itself sued for violating the Clean Air Act. Also last month, the E.P.A. announced that it would once again delay taking action on two drinking-water contaminants, perchlorate, an ingredient of rocket fuel, and M.T.B.E., a fuel additive..." [Also see American Lung Association excerpt and link. -ke]

Mercury Matters, Linking Mercury Science with Public Policy in the Northeastern United States, Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, January 2007. -- "...Mercury emissions to the atmosphere are the largest source of mercury pollution globally and in most areas of the Northeast. Watersheds throughout the nation receive mercury that is emitted from the smokestacks of coal-fired power plants and other sources and then deposited to the Earth. Some of the mercury eventually runs off into nearby rivers and lakes where, under the right conditions, it can bioaccumulate up to 1 million times as it passes from water to fish, wildlife, and people..." (from Key Findings, page 4) [Mercury Matters is based on studies recently published in the journal BioScience and takes a readable and hard look at the interrelationships between coal-fired power plants and mercury hotspots in ecosystems. Since the CFB technology that MEA plans to use is not a mercury-free technology and there are obviously important ecosystems in the Matanuska Valley and Cook Inlet Basin, I recommend a careful reading of this report and related materials. Besides a link to the Mercury Matters Report, this Hubbard Research Foundation web page also includes links to press releases, comments (negative) from EPRI and Hubbard Foundation/researcher responses, and a powerpoint presentation of findings. -ke]

United Nations, Supreme Court, Congress and Governor Palin weigh in on Climate Change

katie eberhart — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 13:35:44 -0800

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)

Searching the Library of Congress Thomas bill tracking web site using the terms "global warming" and "safe climate" showed eight bills with obvious content related to protecting the climate, regulating emission of greenhouse gases, and dealing with global warming. See search results.

United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the Summary for Policymakers from the Fourth Assessment Report "Climate Change 2007" (April 6, 2007).

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, MASSACHUSETTS ET AL. v. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ET AL. Docket 05-1120, Argued November 29, 2006Decided April 2, 2007 (Supreme Court index page)

"Clean" Coal -- Myth or Fact?

katie eberhart — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:31:00 -0800

First posting (Apr. 7, 2007): looking at the current status of "clean" coal power production in the U.S. and Alaska, how the technology is changing, and plans to build a coal-fired power plant in the core area of the Matanuska Susitna Borough.