ENERGY/EPA/NUCLEAR ENERGY: “A Trump administration proposal aimed at shoring up coal-fired and nuclear power plants across the nation has generated opposition from an array of energy and consumer interests, including some who are often at odds on energy policy.
Oil and gas companies, wind and solar power producers, some public utilities, electricity consumers and environmentalists—rarely natural allies—are all publicly opposing the Energy Department’s proposal. The plan would effectively guarantee profits for some nuclear and coal-fired power plants, prompting critics that also include former federal regulators to call it a bailout for struggling plants that undermines competitive markets.
The Trump administration, in its proposal late last month, asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to implement market reforms to better reward power plants that can continue running in extreme weather, during attacks or other crises. The effort, led by Energy Secretary Rick Perry, is rooted in the argument that if nuclear and coal-fired plants keep going out of business, there is an increased national security risk and chance of power shortages.“
-Timothy Puko, “Trump Plan for Coal, Nuclear Power Draws Fire From Environmental, Oil Groups,” The Wall Street Journal online, Oct. 22, 2017 09:00am