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Electric grid operators warn U.S. Supreme Court that new Biden Harris EPA rules will cause widespread blackouts

Just the facts.



For grid operators to intervene in a case asking the Supreme Court to remand regulations back to the agency is unprecedented. The operators' main argument is about the impact the EPA's rules will have on grid reliability.

By Kevin Killough
Published: September 29, 2024 10:35pm
Organizations that manage, coordinate and monitor electricity service for 156 million Americans across 30 states are warning that the Biden-Harris administration’s power plant rule will be catastrophic for the nation’s grid. Four regional trade organizations (RTO), as they’re called, recently filed an amicus brief, also known as a friend of the court brief, in support of a multi-state lawsuit against the EPA over the rule.
The EPA released the rules in April. They require coal-fired power plants that will be operating past 2039 to begin implementing carbon-capture technologies in just eight years. New gas-fired power plants will also need to add the technologies, with those operating 40% of their annual capacity or more to add carbon capture starting in 2032.
Isaac Orr and Mitch Rolling, co-founder and researchers with Always On Energy Research, performed an analysis on behalf of the North Dakota Transmission Authority on the impacts the rules would have on the Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator (MISO), an RTO that covers a swath of the center of the U.S.
The researchers say they found a number of problems. The EPA grossly overestimated the ability of intermittent wind and solar to deliver reliable electricity during peak demand periods, according to the analysis, and it also found the agency didn’t perform any reliability analysis on the rules. The result would be blackouts lasting days in some cases.
The RTOs’ amicus brief points out these same problems. It argues that the EPA’s timeline is too short. The requirements for compliance assume feasibility of carbon capture technology that has not been “adequately demonstrated,” the RTOs explain, and the rules would result in vast retirements of coal-fired power plants while preventing investments in baseload generators, such as natural gas-fired power plants, to replace the lost capacity. The RTOs also noted that the EPA performed no reliability operational assessments. Baseload generation refers to the minimum level of constant power supply that a utility or power grid must produce to meet the continuous and consistent demand for electricity.
“It would be absolutely devastating for the grid,” Rolling told Just the News.
Rolling and Orr reached out to several regulatory attorneys, and none of them were aware of another situation in which RTOs filed an amicus brief asking the court to remand regulations back to the agency. The fact the RTOs intervened in the case suggests that they are especially concerned about the rules.
Supporters of the rules, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), argue the rules are necessary to achieve net-zero by 2050. The target is a key goal for anti-fossil fuel advocates, because they say it would limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The criticisms the EPA’s rules have received suggest the goal isn’t achievable without serious threats to the reliability of the nation’s grid. Net zero means cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere.
Rolling said that many grid engineers and planners know that eliminating thermal units — coal- and gas-fired power plants — on the time scale that achieving net zero by 2050 would result in frequent and lasting blackouts. He said, however, there’s a reluctance to be too vocal about it. The industries that contribute to the U.S. electricity supply are interconnected, and there’s pressure to maintain harmony and cooperation, to not rock the boat so to speak, which is a feature of many industries and organizations.
“So they don't say things out in the open, that maybe they should,” Rolling said.
The 2019 blackouts in California, the deadly Texas blackouts in the 2021 Winter Storm Uri, and the Christmas 2022 blackouts in the Southeast, Rolling said, should have been a wakeup call for the country that there are growing risks to our electricity grid. So far, they haven’t deterred the net-zero by 2050 advocates from their agenda.
Rolling said that RTOs and utilities have traditionally been policy takers, as opposed to policy makers. This is leaving a lot of the policymaking up to people who are not as knowledgeable or concerned about the impacts policies can have on the nation’s electricity supply.
“At a certain point, you can't be policy takers. You have to get in the mix of policy. These are the people that know this best. They know their regions the best. They know what their system needs to maintain reliability, and the EPA should listen to them,” Rolling said.
So far, the EPA doesn’t appear to be willing to do that. In its response to the arguments of the plaintiffs, the EPA defended its rule and its authority to enact it. The agency defended carbon capture, pointing to projects the agency claims were successful, and insisted the technology is financially viable. Rolling said he’s talked to engineers that tell him the technology is still in its infancy, but the EPA is trying to force it into primetime.
“We're jumping off a cliff and we're hoping to create the parachute while we're in the air,” Rolling said.

DJU and OL (out for the year) from The Osceola

From our Florida State site here at Rivals.com following the report from ESPN on DJU.

Report: DJ Uiagalelei has broken finger

By: Bob Ferrante - The Osceola

Florida State starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has a broken finger on his right hand and will "miss the next few weeks," according to a report by ESPN.

Uiagalelei and redshirt freshman Brock Glenn are listed as co-starters on FSU's latest depth chart, which was released on Monday. The injury would clear a path for Glenn to make his third career start, against Clemson on Saturday (7 p.m. on ESPN).

It's not clear how much time Uiagalelei could miss, with ESPN reporting "a clear timeline will come with further evaluation."

Uiagalelei injured his hand in FSU's 42-16 loss to SMU on Saturday night. Glenn played in two drives, throwing four passes (one was a drop).

Norvell said earlier on Monday that Uiagalelei would be evaluated in the days leading up to the Clemson game.

"Something we're going to evaluate throughout the course of the week," Norvell said. "See where it goes from there."

ALSO: Richie Leonard is out for the season due to injury
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Anyone From the Westminster Area- Please Advise

I live in the Midlands area and we are wrecked from the storm. I drive a truck “locally “ and will need to spend the day between Westminster (Coffee Rd) and FairPlay.

Fuel is extremely scarce here and I am worried about availability to get home on. Also wondering if the roads are open. Will come down Pearman Dairy thru Oakway etc and will run 59 back to FairPlay. I’m hoping the truck stop there will have diesel.

I know this is a sports board but really appreciate any info before I head out before sun up!

Republican cancel culture

What entertainment will be left for them? What will they eat?





Rumph needs to get these DEs playing better

Matt Luke has turned our average OL into a very solid unit on all levels including 2nd and 3rd string.

I am not seeing the same level of improvement from any of our DEs so far. Denhoff, Patterson, Hoeffler were all 4 star recruits. However, it appears that tge cupboard wasnt stacked for him. Rumph also has lost Davis to Duke and Campbell which really hurts. He needs to really crank things up with teaching and recruiting imo. Hopefully Woods comes back soon and we can get these other guys playing at a higher level before Louisville.

Visiting Tallahassee - Recommendations from a Local

Hey folks - welcome to FSU week! I've been living in Tallahassee for about 8 years now - resharing this list of recommendations for your visit to the area.

Swanky Bars:
Charlie Park - Best service and mixology in town, at the top of the AC Hotel. Overlooks Cascades Park.
Eve on Adams - Rooftop bar in heart of downtown - great view of the city from the center.
Level 8 Lounge - The OG rooftop bar in Tallahassee. A city staple.
Bar 1903 - 1920s Speakeasy/library feel. Interesting selection of libations.

Fine Dining:
The Huntsman - By far my top recommendation for an outstanding dinner. Thoughtful menu that presents unique entrees (e.g. elk, antelope, bison, etc.)
Backwoods Crossing - Hidden gem of Tallahassee, off the beaten path. Thoughtful farm-to-table meals.
Il Lusso - best steaks in town. Really outstanding food, although service in my experience has been spotty.
Cluster & Hops - Another overlooked gem of Tallahassee. Wine shop and European-style restaurant - very quaint, old-town feel. (This is currently closed for relocation, but deserves recognition.)

Other Good Eats:
Sage - great French-inspired food, good service - on the northside of town, a little further away from campus.
Lucilla - Spanish tapas-style restaurant, well-thought combinations.
The Edison - Very cool ambiance, solid American menu. Overlooks Cascades Park.
Savour - French-inspired restaurant in downtown. Old-fashioned ambiance, very service-oriented.
Kool Beanz Cafe - NOLA-themed with big entrees and casual, funky atmosphere.
The Monroe - Relatively new restaurant to Tallahassee. Some fun items on their menu, like a parmesan funnel cake.

Mexican/Tacos:
Maria Maria - Cleanest, most genuine Mexican food you'll find in Tallahassee. Cheese dip and salsa carry their own twists. "Street-style" prep is my preference.
El Concinero - Great if you want some well-crafted cocktails with some tasty tacos.

Pizza:
Gaines Street Pies - Superhero-themed pizza place near campus. Some unique topping combos to expand your pizza experience.
Momo's - Tallahassee Staple, well-known for the massive size of their extra large pizzas.

Asian:
Masa - great Japanese and sushi. Haven't had anything here I didn't like.
Azu Lucy Ho's - diverse selection of Asian dishes from a variety of cultures.
Dao - On the north end of town, away from campus. Szechuan Beef is outstanding.

Dessert:
Au Peche Mignon - French patisserie. Really nicely crafted desserts of all sorts.
Lofty Pursuits - Great ice cream shop well-known for its old-fashioned candy making. Grab a scoop and you might get to see them making candy while you eat.
Tasty Pastry - Another pastry shop on the northside of town. Great cookies for gameday if you want to pick up some fresh treats for your tailgate.
Bar on Betton - Nice little bar with a wide selection of cakes for a great nightcap and dessert.

Breweries:
Oyster City - Best beer of the local breweries. Brewery is actually based in Apalachicola, but has a Tallahassee satellite. Walkable to stadium.
Ology - TLH's most ambitious brewery - their bread and butter is IPAs, sours, and goses. They also have leapt into the distilling market.
Proof - Probably TLH's most accomplished brewery. Their space is pretty cool, and they have a solid menu of food to accompany your suds.

Bars:
The Lounge
- Small bar on the northside. Best selection of bourbons/whiskeys
Madison Social - Probably Tallahassee's equivalent to Tiger Town Tavern, but a little more upscale.
Liberty Bar - Great eats, smart cocktail menu.
Fermentation Lounge - Great watering hole - nice beer selection.
Growler Country - on the northside - excellent beer selection.

Other Recommendations:
BURGERS
- Midtown Caboose - wide array of clever burger creations.
INDIAN - Mayuri - great, authentic Indian eats. The Fire Naan is, well, fire.
OYSTERS - Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack - Interesting oyster menu, and worth going just to get the shirt.
WINGS - Island Wing Company - Solid menu with unique approach - everything is baked, not fried.
BAR EATS - Bumpas Local 349 - Great eats, nice little bar/restaurant.


There are lots of brunch options all throughout Tallahassee - Sage, The Edison, Sweet Pea Cafe, The Egg, Jeri's Midtown Cafe, Canopy Road Cafe, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Lofty Pursuits (treat your kids to ice cream AND pancakes) - tons of options in this department.

OTHER THINGS TO DO:

Parks
- Tallahassee has an extremely good parks and recreation system, and lots of great hiking trails. If you can make time, you should check them out.

Wakulla Springs - HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take the family on the boat tour if you can make time for it - guaranteed to see 10-20 alligators, lots of waterfowl, and a good chance you'll see some snakes and potentially even some manatees, although the best time for manatees is March-Sept. Very cool and relatively inexpensive experience to see North Florida at its best.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions about Tallahassee, and safe travels to everyone!

Insurance Catastrophe in the Mountains for Folks who were Flooded

My son did a lot of Disaster Claims due to Hurricanes and Tornadoes and one factor that killed the insured is most do NOT have Flood Insurance.

I am betting this to be the case in the Mountains of South and North Carolina

This storm with the 1000-year water damage is going to be a financial killer for the folks up there.

Mike Norvell on FSU's QB situation, Brock Glenn replacing DJU late vs. SMU

Mike Norvell on FSU's QB situation, Brock Glenn replacing DJU late vs. SMU

By: Bob Ferrante - The Osceola

Coach Mike Norvell said he was ready to see what Brock Glenn could do in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game, with SMU comfortably in front of Florida State 42-16.

But Norvell said it didn’t have anything to do with DJ Uiagalelei’s third interception, the last one being returned 82 yards for a touchdown.

“In all reality, DJ on the last hit, obviously something with his hand,” Norvell said. “His hand got hit. We’ll see where that’s at. But in all reality I was going to make a change anyway to give Brock an opportunity.”

But some of the same pass protection issues popped up again and again with Glenn in the game. The redshirt freshman was able to fire off a few passes, but he was 0 for 4 on a couple drives with the game's result no longer in question.

Norvell stopped short of criticizing Uiagalelei, offensive linemen or any player specifically by name. Uiagalelei was just 12 of 30 for 222 yards and two touchdowns, but he was under constant duress, misfired at times and saw would-be pass-catchers drop throws.

Norvell said again that the Seminoles' offensive struggles — a fifth straight game with fewer than 300 offensive yards and a fourth consecutive game of scoring in the teens — are not solely on the quarterback.

"It’s real easy to point to the quarterback," Norvell said. "We all look at it, get better. There’s a lot of things that DJ did, putting the ball on guys in challenging situations. There’s times where we had lapses in protection where he thinks he’s protected and we missed that, you get somebody on you running free (at the quarterback).

"There’s some mistakes from guys that they haven’t done that in the moment. … They executed better than we executed."

Norvell frequently mentioned FSU's mistakes in the loss to SMU and often said things he's seeing in practices, Seminoles showing consistently they are executing well and the play is being done right, have instead resulted in mistakes in games.

FSU is stunningly 1-4 through what was considered a lighter portion of the schedule, including losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, Memphis and SMU. The Seminoles are also 1-3 in the ACC.

Coming into the SMU game, FSU was 126th among the 134 teams in the FBS in scoring with an average of 15 points per game. FSU managed just 16 on Saturday, not much of an output and not nearly enough in a game that became a shootout.

Moving forward, will FSU go with Uiagalelei, Glenn or Luke Kromenhoek?

"Some of the things show up tonight, playing quarterback, you can have a freshman, you can have whatever talent in the world, we got to help the quarterback out, too," Norvell said. "And obviously the quarterback has to play at a high level. We’re going to continue to push and evaluate. It’s easy for everybody to point to that one individual and that’s part of the position. DJ knows that."
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