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Wyoming will be a leader in reducing CO2 emissions, state official says
Hat tip, the Newseum, which had the front page of the Casper Star-Tribune on display this morning.
Wyoming will be a leader in reducing CO2 emissions, state official says
Heather Richards 307-266-0592, Heather.Richards@trib.com Mar 27, 2017 Updated 10 hrs ago
It may come as a surprise to some in Wyoming that the state is on the forefront of developing technology to reduce the impact of coal and natural gas on the environment.
Most of the nation is focused on the new presidential administration’s actions to peel away environmental regulations that vex coal producers. Hardline environmentalists are busy debating naysayers of climate science, but the largest coal-producing state in the country is quietly researching ways to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide vented from coal-fired power plants, by capturing it and turning it into a usable product.
“A couple years ago the governor said, ‘I’m not going to debate climate science anymore. If society is demanding lower carbon solutions, then that is what we need to provide,’’’ Jason Begger, director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, told members of the Casper business community Monday. “Those debates will continue to happen, but we’re moving the ball forward.” ... Speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Casper, Begger championed the value of Wyoming’s Integrated Testing Center. When completed, the six-bay compound outside Gillette at the Dry Fork Power Station will be the largest pilot scale research facility for carbon capture in the nation and one of the largest in the world. The state Legislature set aside $15 million to design and build the center.
Wyoming’s interest in developing carbon capture is simple. The state has relied heavily on its coal industry and would like to continue to do so. Coal bonus bids funds have built millions of dollars’ worth of school facilities across the state in the last 15 years and contributes $1 billion in tax revenue each year, Beggar said. ... But coal is under pressure from record low natural gas prices and increased investment in renewable technology. And Wyoming is not ready to walk away. ... “Why are we bothering with an investment in coal like this?” Begger asked. The answer is simple mathematics, he explained. Coal still provides a little more than one-third of the electricity for the nation.
....
Follow energy reporter Heather Richards on Twitter @hroxaner
Star-Tribune reporter Heather Richards covers Wyoming's energy industry and related issues.
Heather Richards 307-266-0592, Heather.Richards@trib.com Mar 27, 2017 Updated 10 hrs ago
It may come as a surprise to some in Wyoming that the state is on the forefront of developing technology to reduce the impact of coal and natural gas on the environment.
Most of the nation is focused on the new presidential administration’s actions to peel away environmental regulations that vex coal producers. Hardline environmentalists are busy debating naysayers of climate science, but the largest coal-producing state in the country is quietly researching ways to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide vented from coal-fired power plants, by capturing it and turning it into a usable product.
“A couple years ago the governor said, ‘I’m not going to debate climate science anymore. If society is demanding lower carbon solutions, then that is what we need to provide,’’’ Jason Begger, director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, told members of the Casper business community Monday. “Those debates will continue to happen, but we’re moving the ball forward.” ... Speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Casper, Begger championed the value of Wyoming’s Integrated Testing Center. When completed, the six-bay compound outside Gillette at the Dry Fork Power Station will be the largest pilot scale research facility for carbon capture in the nation and one of the largest in the world. The state Legislature set aside $15 million to design and build the center.
Wyoming’s interest in developing carbon capture is simple. The state has relied heavily on its coal industry and would like to continue to do so. Coal bonus bids funds have built millions of dollars’ worth of school facilities across the state in the last 15 years and contributes $1 billion in tax revenue each year, Beggar said. ... But coal is under pressure from record low natural gas prices and increased investment in renewable technology. And Wyoming is not ready to walk away. ... “Why are we bothering with an investment in coal like this?” Begger asked. The answer is simple mathematics, he explained. Coal still provides a little more than one-third of the electricity for the nation.
....
Follow energy reporter Heather Richards on Twitter @hroxaner
Star-Tribune reporter Heather Richards covers Wyoming's energy industry and related issues.