February 15 NEC Energy News
¶ “2024 Budget Calls on NYPA to Help Develop Renewables” • New York’s 2024 executive budget seeks to advance renewable energy through the New York Power Authority. The agency could use funds from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to help the state meet its energy-efficiency goals. Some observers feel it is a step in the wrong direction. [Public News Service]
¶ “Fukushima: Japan Insists Release Of 1.3 Million Tonnes Of ‘Treated’ Water Is Safe” • As Japan prepares to mark the 11 March anniversary of the Fukushima Disaster, one of its most troubling legacies is about to come into full view with the release of more than 1 million tonnes of “treated” water from the destroyed nuclear power plant. [The Guardian]
¶ “Russian Nuclear Exports Are Surging – And A Door Has Opened In SA” • Russia’s nuclear exports have surged since the invasion of Ukraine, boosting the Kremlin’s revenue and gaining influence over a new generation of global buyers, as the US and its allies shy away from sanctioning the industry. Now, Russia aims to strike a deal with South Africa. [News24]
¶ “Nuclear Exec Would Have Made $100 Million From Sale Of Plants At Heart Of Bribery Trial, Lobbyist Says” • FirstEnergy Solutions executive John Kiani stood to personally gain $100 million from the sale of two nuclear plants at the center of the bribery case against the former Ohio House speaker, according to testimony of a company lobbyist. [Cleveland.com]
¶ “Bid To Keep California Reactors Running Faces Time Squeeze” • An attempt to extend the life of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant has run into a predicament. It will take federal regulators until late 2026 to act on an application to extend its operating life, but the plant is scheduled to shut down permanently by mid-2025. [KRCR]
¶ “10.5% Of New Vehicle Sales Now Electric Vehicle Sales In Colorado” • Last year, 10.5% of new vehicles sold in Colorado were EVs. That’s a great result in the USA, which as a whole is closer to 6% or 7% of new vehicle sales being electric. Colorado got to this place with an extra helping of incentives for people who go electric. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “EV Revolution Activated: GM Puts $650 Million Into Securing Its US Lithium Supply” • The latest news from GM is that it has signed a deal with Lithium Americas to get lithium sourced from the US – a $650 million deal. They are investing together in the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada, with GM investing $650 million in the lithium firm. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “EU Fit For 55: Zero CO2 Emissions For New Cars And Vans In 2035” • The European Parliament approved legislation setting the path towards zero CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in 2035. New intermediate emissions reduction targets for 2030 are set at 55% for passenger cars and 50% for vans. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Building More Virginia Data Centers Requires Increased Pollution Controls” • Three years after Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality gave the go-ahead for data centers to install 139 diesel generators at data centers with no pollution controls, DEQ is proposing that over 100 more should be given variances on air pollution. [Virginia Mercury]
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