Coal plants delay closures as demand for electricity rises

Some of the nation’s largest coal plants are postponing planned retirements due to increasing electricity demand and policy uncertainties, despite the long-term decline of coal as an energy source.

Dan Gearino reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Operators of several major U.S. coal plants, including the Bowen plant in Georgia, are reconsidering retirement timelines due to forecasts of higher power demand.
Recent policy shifts, such as potential rollbacks of environmental regulations under the Trump administration, are creating uncertainty for plant owners.
New coal plant construction remains unlikely, as renewable energy and natural gas dominate new power development.

Why this matters:

Extending the lifespan of coal plants means higher greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change. Despite short-term delays, coal is still being replaced by cleaner energy sources, but these pauses slow the transition.

insideclimatenews.org

Coal plants delay closures as demand for electricity rises

Rooftop solar is in a slump. Are dark days ahead?

In the midst of Florida’s insurance crisis, what recourse do residents have?

US cities use art, shade and education to beat the heat

China, climate crisis and Cop31: five takeaways from the Pacific Islands Forum

Experts warn Colorado River crisis demands immediate water cuts across the West

A/C saves lives during heat waves. Will Los Angeles require it for rentals?

Trump's EPA plans to stop making companies report their emissions

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.