Plans for a gas-turbine power plant at Duke University ran into another delay Tuesday, with administrators saying they’ll hold off on asking campus trustees to green-light the $55 million project.
Duke Energy Gas Expansion
Duke Energy is planning a massive increase in its burning of natural gas to produce electricity. This would be a climate disaster because of the large amounts of super-potent methane that leak unburned from gas operations, particularly fracking. Recent science from the United Nations and others show that new gas infrastructure is incompatible with the goal of preventing catastrophic climate change. Read more here and in the news items below about NC WARN’s work to block Duke’s fracking gas future.
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Groups Contest Fracked Gas Pipeline by Duke Energy and Dominion — News Release from NC WARN
More than 20 citizen groups and statewide nonprofits told federal regulators late yesterday that the environmental review process for a proposed $5.6 billion fracked gas pipeline is incomplete, fatally flawed and that it unlawfully represents a moving target due to continuing, sweeping additions by Dominion and Duke Energy.
Duke University eyes biogas, not fossil fuels, for new power plant — Southeast Energy News
House Bill 467 stinks — News & Observer
Duke researchers warn of methane’s dangers, while the university presses for a new natural gas plant — NC Policy Watch
The scientists who work on climate issues at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University belong to an esteemed crowd. Their studies on the environmental, economic and public health perils of fracked natural gas have been featured in major peer-reviewed journals. Their findings on the role of methane leaks from natural gas in harming human health and driving climate change have earned the school scientific renown… And yet Duke University is proposing to build a $55 million, 21-megawatt natural gas plant on West Campus.
As neighbors complain of foul odors, NC lawmakers delay bill to protect hog farmers — News & Observer
Activists want voice as Duke University considers campus power plant — News & Observer
Activists from two environmental groups faulted Duke University for not being more transparent in its handling of a proposal to build a gas-turbine power plant on campus. But at a forum Monday at Duke, representatives of the National Resources Defense Council and N.C. Waste Awareness and Reduction Network made clear they also want a seat at the table in the university’s in-house debate about whether to build the 21-megawatt facility in cooperation with the state’s primary electric company, Duke Energy.
Proposed power plant for Duke campus already generating heat — WRAL
Opponents of a power plant that has been proposed for Duke University’s campus say it is unneeded and would expand the use of natural gas obtained through the controversial process of “fracking.” Duke agreed last year to allow Duke Energy to build the 21-megawatt combined heat and power plant. A meeting for people to speak in favor of or against the $55 million plant took place Monday night and while the discussion remained peaceful, attendees made it very clear they felt the process was flawed from the beginning.
Flagrant Foul called by Duke University Neighbors due to Backroom Dealing over Duke Energy Fracked-gas Power Plant — News Advisory from NC WARN
Neighbors of Duke University plan to call a “flagrant foul” against the president of the basketball powerhouse at a Monday meeting that was quietly arranged just days ago by the administration. Durham residents are angry that university officials have blocked open debate about a Duke Energy proposal for a campus power plant that would burn fracked gas.
Outgoing Energy Regulator Urged his Agency to Improve its Review of Gas Pipelines — News Release from NC WARN
The showing of need made by the Commission should be based on more than the contracts between two parties who are, in the case of the proposed ACP, two of the owners of the pipeline. The impacts of fracking, and venting and leakage of methane throughout the natural gas infrastructure, should enter into every decision made by the Commission.