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Xcel Energy Proposes Power Plants in Southeast ND
May 17, 2013 10:27 am | CommentsXcel Energy is proposing two natural gas-fired power plants in southeastern North Dakota to help meet electricity needs during times of peak demand in the upper Midwest in coming years. The plants would be built near Hankinson, about 70 miles south of Fargo, if they are approved by regulators.
NRC to Discuss Review of Va. Nuke Plant
May 17, 2013 10:10 am | CommentsThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission has scheduled a meeting in Virginia to field questions on the agency's assessment of the safety performance last year at the Surry nuclear power plant. The meeting is scheduled for May 23 in Surry. NRC staff will be available to answer questions.
Ill. 'Fracking' Bill Ready for Vote
May 16, 2013 10:31 am | CommentsSupporters of high-volume oil and gas drilling say a bill to regulate the practice in Illinois is ready for a vote after last-minute negotiations over hiring and environmental concerns. The House bill was introduced in February with strong support but became stalled over an amendment requiring energy companies to hire Illinois-licensed water well drillers.
Arizona Land Swap for Copper Mine Gets Committee Approval
May 16, 2013 10:21 am | CommentsFederal legislation that would allow plans for a copper mine in southern Arizona to move forward has cleared one of its congressional hurdles. Arizona Democratic U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar say their legislation passed Wednesday in the House Natural Resources Committee.
Residents Protest Refinery in China
May 16, 2013 10:01 am | by ARITZ PARRA, Associated Press | CommentsMore than 2,000 people in southern China unfurled banners and shouted "Protest! Protest!" on Thursday to oppose plans for a petroleum refinery, in a large environmental rally that local authorities allowed to go forward in order to let the public vent frustration.
Mo. Rendering Plant to Cleanup 2,500 Animal Carcasses
May 16, 2013 9:41 am | CommentsState officials say up to 2,500 animal carcasses are buried in a trench near a closed cattle rendering plant in southwest Missouri. The owner of the former Halfway Packing Company in Polk County has signed an agreement to clean up environmental hazards on the property.
Fertilizer Plant Operator Defends Safety
May 16, 2013 9:28 am | CommentsThe developer of a proposed southern Indiana fertilizer plant said Wednesday the project will be safe and not handle explosive materials like a Texas plant where a deadly explosion occurred last month. All of the products made at the Ohio Valley Resources LLC proposed for the Ohio River city of Rockport will be liquid, non-flammable and non-explosive.
BP Challenges 'Fictitious' Claims from Oil Spill
May 16, 2013 9:18 am | CommentsBP is seeking to stop paying millions of dollars in what it calls spurious compensation claims stemming from the catastrophic 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The company warned Thursday that the excessive claims are jeopardizing its financial prospects.
NRC Chief: No Commitment on Hearing at Cal Nuke
May 15, 2013 9:53 am | CommentsThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission has not decided whether it will hold a public hearing on a plan to restart the troubled San Onofre nuclear power plant in California, the nation's top nuclear regulator said Tuesday. NRC Chair Allison Macfarlane is aware of strong public interest in California and among some members of Congress for a public hearing, but said agency officials still are working to determine the best way to inform the public.
Texas Firefighters Focused Concern on Toxic Gases
May 15, 2013 9:39 am | by NOMAAN MERCHANT, Associated Press; RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI, Associated Press | CommentsWhen they saw 30-foot flames licking the sky inside a massive fertilizer plant, firefighters in this tiny Texas town rushed to evacuate nearby buildings and raced to spray water on tanks of chemicals, hoping to prevent a catastrophe. They were more concerned with preventing toxic gas from leaking out of the facility and drifting into nearby homes.
Company Seeks to Change NM Uranium Mine Status
May 15, 2013 9:29 am | CommentsMining regulators are being asked to hold a public hearing regarding a permit proposal that calls for changing the status of an idle uranium mine in western New Mexico. The Mount Taylor mine has been on standby status for more than 20 years.
Texas Plant Explosion Findings to be Released
May 15, 2013 9:20 am | CommentsState and federal agents will release this week the findings of an investigation into a deadly explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant. The State Fire Marshal's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will announce their findings on Thursday.
Japan Watchdog to Halt Test Reactor Over Safety
May 15, 2013 9:17 am | by MARI YAMAGUCHI, Associated Press | CommentsJapan's nuclear watchdog announced Wednesday that the nation's trouble-plagued next-generation test reactor will not be allowed to restart due to safety violations, dealing a setback to the country's pro-nuclear government. The Nuclear Regulation Authority's decision is the latest blow to the Monju fast-breeder reactor and Japan's nuclear fuel cycle program.
Dispute Over Pa. Gas Drilling Fees
May 15, 2013 9:14 am | by KEVIN BEGOS, Associated Press | CommentsGov. Tom Corbett's energy executive is questioning research that suggests Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale impact fee will generate billions of dollars less in long-term revenue than the same natural gas production in West Virginia. But, a Democratic candidate for governor said the math is correct.
Bankrupt Oregon Ethanol Plant Now Exports ND Crude
May 14, 2013 10:35 am | CommentsAn ethanol plant on the Columbia River that was built with the help of $36 million in Oregon state loans and tax credits is now being used to store and ship crude oil from North Dakota. It was built at a cost of $200 million for Cascade Grain at the Port of St. Helens' Port Westward Industrial park near Clatskanie. The owner filed for bankruptcy in 2009, less than a year after startup.
