Sept. 7-14, 2009
CAPP NEWS ROUNDUP
September 7, 2009 through September 14, 2009
Industry News
Manufacturing community supports CPS Energy’s expansion of nuclear power
San Antonio Business Journal
September 4, 2009
The San Antonio Manufacturers Association is strongly supporting CPS Energy’s plans to expand the South Texas Project nuclear power plant.
The New Nukes
By Rebecca Smith
The Wall Street Journal
September 8, 2009
If there ever were a time that seemed ripe for nuclear energy, it's now. For the first time in decades, popular opinion is on the industry's side. A majority of Americans thinks nuclear power, which emits virtually no carbon dioxide, is a safe and effective way to battle climate change, according to recent polls. At the same time, legislators are showing renewed interest in nuclear as they hunt for ways to slash greenhouse-gas emissions.
EPA seeks tougher rules in Texas
By Anton Caputo and Gary Scharrer
San Antonio Express-News
September 9, 2009
The Environmental Protection Agency says many of the air pollution rules that Texas uses to control its industry don't comply with the Clean Air Act. At issue is the flexible permitting process Texas has used to regulate roughly 140 facilities since 1994. These include some power plants and many of the facilities associated with the petrochemical industry and other heavy industries.
The natural gas whiplash
By Tom Fowler
Houston Chronicle
September 10, 2009
The ongoing decline in natural gas prices chips away at some parts of the industry while providing opportunity to others. http://blogs.chron.com/newswatchenergy/archives/2009/09/the_natural_gas.html
Winter utility bills may be no sweat
By Vicki Vaughan
San Antonio Express-News
September 12, 2009
CPS Energy's winter forecast is still a few weeks away, but chances are the utility's natural gas customers will get a break on their heating bills.
Texas groups revving up research into wind power
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy
Austin American-Statesman
September 13, 2009
Universities and businesses across Texas are expecting to spend millions in the next few years honing the blades, gearboxes and generators that make up turbines designed to harness power from the wind.