Tag Archives: coal
The Creature of Martin Creek Lake Won’t Die
The Martin Lake coal plant in East Texas is the biggest sulfur dioxide polluter in the nation. And unlike other regional super-polluters, this one is still chugging along.
From above, the Creature takes the shape of a spider: Its eyes are smokestacks, its legs spindly railways stretching from the semicircle of clearcut pines into ...Read More
Report: Power Plants are Leaking Cancer-Causing Toxins into Groundwater Across Texas
An environmental group found that all of Texas’ coal-fired power plants have polluted groundwater with multiple chemicals, including arsenic, which was detected at 13 of the 15 sites.
In 1975, Alonzo Peeler Jr. figured that selling a small section of his ranchland to a power company was a sage financial move. Now 78, the lifelong rancher says...Read More
Despite Trump and Rick Perry’s Best Efforts, Another Coal Plant Eats the Dust in Texas
The impending closure of the 650-megawatt Oklaunion plant is more writing on the wall for the state’s power generators.
Chalk this one up as another loss for the White House. Last month, American Electric Power (AEP) announced that it would close its 650-megawatt power plant in V...Read More
After Failing to Prop Up Coal in Texas, Rick Perry is Trying Again Nationwide
As energy secretary, Perry is proposing to guarantee profits for uncompetitive coal plants in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
In late 2005, then-Governor Rick Perry was in the middle of a protracted battle with a coalition of environmentalists, renewable energy advocates, mayors and lo...Read More
Facing Tougher Pollution Regulations, Texas Coal Plants Want Old EPA Rule Back
In 2011, Texas sued to block an EPA rule. Now nine Texas coal plants are facing more stringent regulations as a result.
Texas’ latest attempt to dodge federal pollution regulations appears to have backfired, as the Environmental Protection Agency is now pushing more stringe...Read More
Editorial: Pressing On in a Media Landscape Under Threat
Even in these tumultuous times, the Observer hasn’t strayed from its mission to produce truth-speaking journalism that inspires change from the top....Read More
Report: Seven Texas Coal Plants Could Close in Coming Years
Some plants are likely to lose hundreds of millions of dollars, Public Citizen says.
The plants will struggle to turn a profit due to low natural gas prices and increasing competition and regulations, according to a new report....Read More
Green Groups Urge Lawmakers: Don’t Leave Taxpayers on the Hook for Coal Cleanup
Following an Observer investigation into loose coal regulations that could put taxpayers on the hook for mine cleanup, green groups are demanding change....Read More
Mine Games
With little more than a promise, the Texas Railroad Commission is trusting a struggling coal industry to pay for the cost of cleaning up old mines.
In mid-2014, Texas’ biggest utility, Energy Future Holdings, was about to file for bankruptcy, and Texas regulators suddenly had a big problem on their hands...Read More
