G.M. Plans to Develop Electric Cars With Chinese Automaker - NYTimes.com

Keith Bradsher

"Tuesday’s announcement was being made as the Chinese government was putting heavy pressure on foreign automakers to transfer electric car technology to joint ventures in China. But G.M. took pains to say that its joint-venture agreement was not connected to its plans to begin importing its new American-made Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric hybrid to China this year"

S.C. group fighting biomass pollution - Local / Metro - TheState.com

Sammy Fretwell

"The S.C. Coastal Conservation League, one of the state’s largest environmental groups, says the federal government should not exempt biomass plants from pending carbon dioxide rules. The league on Monday joined an Aug.15 lawsuit challenging the federal exemption.
"

Duke Energy, Progress Energy to cut 2,000 jobs - Business Courier

John Downey

"Duke Energy and Progress Energy will tell North Carolina regulators this week that they expect to eliminate 2,000 positions after the companies merge.
That is 500 more than a rough estimate of 1,500 – about 5 percent of their combined work force – that a witness provided to the N.C. Utilities Commission in pre-filed testimony for next week’s hearings on the merger."

'via Blog this'

Tax Plan to Turn Old Buildings ‘Green’ Finds Favor - NYTimes.com

By JUSTIN GILLIS

Published: September 19, 2011

"In the past three years, half the states have passed legislation permitting energy retrofits financed by property-tax surcharges, and hundreds of cities and counties are considering such programs. While the situation poses some risks, and programs aimed specifically at homeowners have run into a snag, many jurisdictions are moving forward with plans to focus on commercial properties."

'via Blog this'

Progress on hook for $24M - Local/State - NewsObserver.com

John Murawski

"The Public Staff blamed the costs on substandard performance at the plant near Hartsville. As a result of the forced shutdowns, Progress had to spend extra to generate electricity using less efficient power plants, and to buy power from other utilities.

"

'via Blog this'

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 78, Escapes Smoky Plane by Sliding Down Exit Chute - News - ABA Journal

"Although she is the U.S. Supreme Court's oldest member, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg still keeps up an active travel schedule.

It was unusually active today, however, because Ginsburg, 78, had to exit a smoky plane at Dulles International Airport by sliding down an emergency exit chute, along with other passengers, reports the Associated Press.

Ginsburg wasn't injured. But a couple of other passengers were, apparently none of them seriously."

[This post has nothing to do with utilities, but I just could not pass it up]

SCANA chief says nuclear plant safe - Business - TheState.com

Jeff Wilkinson

"Marsh said a 90-day assessment conducted by the industry has shown that existing and planned reactors in the United States are safe from a Fukushima-like disaster and V.C. Summer in particular is designed beyond the specifications of the largest earthquakes experienced or expected in the area.
"

'via Blog this'