Environment

State Engineer Discusses Approval of Water Rights for Proposed Nuclear Plant

The fate of a proposed nuclear power plant in Utah’s Emery County is now in the hands of the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, following the state’s approval of two water rights applications for the Blue Castle Holdings project on the Green River. Although some environmental and citizens’ groups have been swift to condemn that decision, Utah State Engineer Kent Jones with the Division of Water Rights says they had to be approved under law if certain criteria were met.

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Environment

Water Rights Approved for Nuclear Plant

Utah State Engineer Kent Jones has approved water rights from the Green River for Blue Castle Holdings’ proposed nuclear power plant in Emery County, much to the dismay of environmental groups. Matt Pacenza, Policy Director of the anti-nuclear group HEAL Utah, says the decision was the only opportunity for a Utah official to reject the plan. He says the company now faces two hurdles, the easier of which will be getting permission from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Environment

Mixed Reviews for Uranium Mining Moratorium

Conservationists, tourism-dependent businesses and some farmers, ranchers and recreationists are applauding the Interior Department’s decision to adopt a 20-year moratorium on new uranium mining claims on a million acres of public lands near Grand Canyon National Park. But it’s left many Utah lawmakers on the federal and state level furious.

City Views

CityViews 12/14/11: Going Solar

Segment 1: How can you harness the power of the sun? We’re talking about solar technology and how residents and businesses are finding ways to make it easier and more affordable. Guests: Sarah Wright, Utah Clean Energy Benjamin Turner, Utah Solar Association “Solar Power 101” is a free public forum where you can learn more…

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Local News

Expert Studies Links Between Energy Sources, Air Pollution

If you want to know more about where the pollution you see hanging over the Wasatch Front every winter comes from and how it affects your health, Dr. Mark Jacobson’s research can help you out. Jacobson, Director of Stanford University’s Atmosphere and Energy Program, was in Salt Lake City this week for a fundraiser for HEAL Utah, a green-energy advocate.

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Environment

BLM Releases Report on Controversial Strip Mine Expansion

The Bureau of Land Management is taking public comments on a proposed coal strip mine expansion outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. The BLM released a draft environmental impact statement on Friday considering the impact of leasing about 3,500 acres of federal land in Kane County, expanding current mining operations from private lands to public. Keith Rigtrup with the BLM’s Kanab field office says expanding the mine, which is operated by Alton Coal Development, has many advantages.

Environment

Politics Up Close: Rocky Anderson Wants to Form New Party

Former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson pulls no punches when giving his thoughts on the state of the Democratic Party, describing it as both “spineless” and “gutless.” Citing the party’s unwillingness to fight for universal healthcare, lack of opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and over-reliance on corporate money, the former mayor has quit for good.

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Environment

State Expands Renewable Energy Rebate

The Utah Office of Energy Development has made more funds available for its Renewable Energy Rebate Program as a result of its popularity. The state has added an additional $200,000 in rebate money to the original $1 million for the installation of solar photovoltaic, thermal, and wind energy systems. Office of Energy Development Director Samantha Mary Julian says although the program is funded through one-time federal stimulus money, the state will continue to seek grants to keep the project alive.

Environment

30-Kilowatt Solar Array Installed on Leonardo’s Roof

The Leonardo science, technology and art museum on Salt Lake City’s Library Square now features 148 solar panels on its roof, paid for by Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program and the voter-approved bond used to remodel the building. Leonardo Executive Director Peter Giles notes that energy is an important part of the museum’s visitor experience.

Local News

Chevron Settles With City and State Over Oil Spills

After months of negotiations, Chevron has reached a proposed settlement with Salt Lake City and the state of Utah over two oil spills that plagued the city last year. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the settlement is expected to cover the damages to property and waterways, but at least one doctor is worried that none of the money is being set aside for long-term health damages.

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