In This Issue
-
Legal & RegulatoryObama Names Jaczko to Head NRC
As expected, President Obama has named Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Gregory Jaczko, an ally of Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), as chairman of the NRC, almost certainly dooming the Yucca Mountain, Nev., site for disposal of spent nuclear fuel.
-
Supply ChainsIs Unconventional Gas the New Energy Super Supply?
Gas found in shale deposits and recently discovered natural gas hydrates may be game-changers when it comes to supplying natural gas to the United States.
-
Commentary
Learning from Past, Failed Energy Laws
It’s not easy writing energy legislation, as the experience of the past demonstrates. Nor are the results always in the public interest.
-
Legal & Regulatory
Cap-and-Trade or a Carbon Tax for Greenhouse Reductions?
What makes more sense to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants—a cap-and-trade regime or a carbon tax? It’s a contentious issue among those who generate power and among academic economists and policy makers.
-
Commentary
Why I Am a Climate Realist
I was one of the scientists counted as supporting the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 1996 report. It turns out that effort was bogus and intellectually dishonest.
-
Commentary
Regulatory Effectiveness: Is It Measurable?
A [state utility regulatory] commissioner asked recently, “By what metrics can I assess my commission’s performance?” That’s a tough question.
-
Commentary
America’s Many Energy Policies
It’s not that the U.S. doesn’t have any energy policy, says this veteran of energy politics and head of a major Washington energy and environmental think tank. It’s that we have too many, and they aren’t coordinated and coherent.
-
HR
TREND — Power Companies Push Hiring Military Vets
Many U.S. power companies are focusing their hiring efforts on military veterans. According to human resources HR experts, it makes a lot sense—beyond pure patriotism. Vets are motivated, experienced, often well-trained, and instilled with team-work. Plus, there is a great need to replace the retiring “baby boomers” generation who have populated many key industry jobs. In some cases, there’s even a financial incentive for hiring vets.
-
Legal & Regulatory
White House Announces Cyber Security Plan
The Obama administration has unveiled its long-awaited policy on cyber security of government and private-sector communication and distribution systems. Is it less than meets the eye, as some critics argue?
-
Smart Grid
Electrical Manufacturers Warn Against “Aggressive” Smart Grid Strategy
Clashes between industry and the Department of Commerce on backward compatibility of standards could stifle and delay the development of a “smart” electric transmission and distribution grid.