Dominion Energy moved one step closer to breaking ground on its proposed Wise County, VA CFB
(circulating fluidized bed) coal plant yesterday as the State Corporation Commission approved the company's construction plans for the $1.8 billion project.

This is good news for the people of Virgina as the plant will provide them with much needed baseload energy, helping to reduce electricity costs as well as avoid rolling blackouts and power shortages. As media reports have suggested, shortages and rolling blackouts are predicted to hit Virginia, Maryland, and the DC area in as little as four years if serious investments in generating capacity are not made.

The plant will also address many environmental issues by using low-NO_X CFB technologies, burning waste coal, and adding post combustion emissions reduction measures such as particulate filters and desulphurization measures.

Kudos to Dominion for their work in getting this plant underway.

Today's Sydney Morning Herald has an article on a new CO₂ sequestration project that is being developed in the Australian state of Victoria. This is an exciting project that demonstrates the commitment of industry and government around the world to move forward with a "no regrets" policy of improving efficiencies and reducing emissions, regardless of the disagreements that may exist over the science of climate change.

Kentucky Miner's Protest Kentucky Miner's Protest As many as 2,000 Kentucky miners rallied at the state capital yesterday to protest a bill aimed at stopping a mining technique known as "mountaintop removal." If passed, thousands of miners could be put out of work and the economic well-being of the area could be severely impacted.

This WKYT.com report provides a short description and video of the miner's actions.

Kudos to the miners for standing up for their way of lives and for defending the mining industry's proactive actions to reclaim mine sites as wel as its provision of thousands of jobs and economic stability to the area.

It's always time to stand up behind the men and women who help keep the American coal mining industry running.

Good for you!!

This article about a recently tested emissions reduction device for coal plant is worth taking a second look at.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission ruled last Friday (1-25-08) in favor of a Duke Energy proposal to build a 630 MW IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) clean coal plant in Edwardsport, IN. In comparison to the "arbitrary" and contested ruling by the Kansas EPA, the 440 page document bears the optimistic heading, "Notice of Decision: Approval - Effective Immediately.

Congratulations to two Foundation Coal mines for being awarded the 2007 Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards. Your commitment to the safety and well-being of your workers is worthy of commendation and helps the general public to realize how important safety is within the industry.

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, Md., Jan 11, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:FCL) today announced that two mines operated by West Virginia affiliates, the Laurel Creek Mine #5 and the Paynter Branch Mine, have each earned the Mountaineer Guardian safety award for 2007. The awards were presented by the West Virginia Coal Association and the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training at the 35th West Virginia Coal Mining annual symposium on Jan. 10, 2008.

The annual award is offered only to select mines and mining-related entities that meet strict safety criteria. The award recognizes those organizations that manage fatality-free operations, superior internal safety programs, cooperative teaming with authorities and minimal safety violations.

You can read the rest of the Foundation Coal news release here.