COAL: The Trump administration has rejected the coal industry’s push for a rarely used emergency order to protect coal plants that say they are overburdened by environmental regulations and market stresses. (Associated Press)
ALSO: A federal agency announced Monday that it has stopped a study examining whether people face greater health risks as a result of living near surface coal mining in Central Appalachia to review its funding. (Herald Leader)
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NUCLEAR: Santee Cooper has heard from two companies interested in buying a share in its abandoned Summer nuclear project, though neither seems likely to join the project. (Post and Courier)
UTILITIES: Mississippi Power’s report on resolving the issues related to its failed Kemper “clean coal” plant was filed by Monday’s deadline, but stated a settlement has not been reached. (Sun Herald)
COAL ASH: A firm has filed a lawsuit against Duke Energy over coal-ash byproducts, saying the utility is reneging on a supply agreement. (Triangle Business Journal)
WIND: Several companies developing wind farm projects in North Carolina are taking a wait-and-see approach following the enactment of an 18-month moratorium on such projects, but are still working on their development. (Outer Banks Sentinel)
SOLAR:
• North Carolina – the country’s second largest producer of solar energy – weathered Monday’s solar eclipse without any significant adverse effects to customers. (Washington Examiner)
• An analysis explains why the U.S. solar industry doesn’t want government protection following Georgia-based Suniva’s call for tariffs against foreign manufacturers. (Wired)
COAL: It isn’t likely that any major coal-fired plants will be built, even though the Trump administration vowed to revive the declining coal industry. (E&E News)
STORAGE: A North Carolina startup company announced it is filing for bankruptcy protection and shutting down its factory to build small batteries that help power companies save energy or shift to wind and solar power. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY: The chairman of Santee Cooper’s board of directors outlines why the company started and stopped the Summer nuclear project. (The State)