Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Radioactive Water Leaking From Fukushima: Why Millions Of Lives Are At Stake

Radioactive Water Leaking From Fukushima: Why Millions Of Lives Are At Stake


http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-08-17/radioactive-water-leaking-fukushima-what-we-know

Can Nuclear Energy and Fossil Fuels be Mixed to Meet Energy Needs?

Can Nuclear Energy and Fossil Fuels be Mixed to Meet Energy Needs?


http://shalestuff.com/controversy-2/nuclear-energy-fossil-fuels-mixed-meet-energy-needs/article08763

Yucca Mountain and the Rule of Law

Yucca Mountain and the Rule of Law


http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/16/yucca-mountain-and-the-rule-of-law/

US Court Rules on Yucca Mountain


US Court Rules on Yucca Mountain

World Nuclear News
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission acted illegally by abandoning the review of the licence application for the Yucca Mountain waste repository, the US Court of Appeals has ruled.


http://carnegieendowment.org/2013/08/15/us-court-rules-on-yucca-mountain/giix

Even with lessons from blackout, US grid still faces looming challenges



Even with lessons from blackout, US grid still faces looming challenges

 

http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/washington/even-with-lessons-from-blackout-us-grid-still-21434250?sf618494=1

Clean up Fukushima or else

Clean up Fukushima or else


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2013/08/17/reader-mail/clean-up-fukushima-or-else/#.Ug_Gr204Sw0

White House Report Calls for Increased Electric Grid Resilience

White House Report Calls for Increased Electric Grid Resilience


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/08/16/white-house-report-calls-for-increased-electric-grid-resilience/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=49e5e09cfa-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-49e5e09cfa-407304281

ROSATOM performs Fast-Acting Boron Injection System for nuclear safety

ROSATOM performs Fast-Acting Boron Injection System for nuclear safety


http://energybangla.com/2013/08/17/2877.html#.Ug-GyGTwJ74

Killing Yucca Mountain illegally

Killing Yucca Mountain illegally


http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/sherman-frederick/killing-yucca-mountain-illegally

Pentagon-Sponsored Report: Civilian Nuclear Reactors at Risk of Attack

Pentagon-Sponsored Report: Civilian Nuclear Reactors at Risk of Attack


http://www.nationaljournal.com/global-security-newswire/pentagon-sponsored-report-civilian-nuclear-reactors-at-risk-of-attack-20130816

Report: United States Solar Energy Market is Thriving

Report: United States Solar Energy Market is Thriving


http://theenergycollective.com/nrdcswitchboard/260771/report-us-solar-market-thriving?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Book Review: 'High Tide on Main Street' by John Englander

Book Review: 'High Tide on Main Street' by John Englander
http://theenergycollective.com/davidhone/261761/book-review-high-tide-main-street?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Release of memos won’t solve any nuclear waste mystery, nor make it easier to tamp down tensions

Release of memos won’t solve any nuclear waste mystery, nor make it easier to tamp down tensions


http://www.politicsinstereo.com/2013/08/16/release-of-memos-wont-solve-any-nuclear-waste-mystery-nor-make-it-easier-to-tamp-down-tensions/

State releases memos detailing negotiations on pending nuclear ...

State releases memos detailing negotiations on pending nuclear ... Las Vegas Sun
Nevada has long accepted low-level waste, but the radioactive material from Oak Ridge, Tenn., has been deemed more dangerous than what is typically stored ...http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/aug/16/state-releases-memos-detailing-negotiations-pendin/

Dangerous Operation at Fukushima's Reactor No. 4 Could Ignite "Atomic Chain Reaction"

Dangerous Operation at Fukushima's Reactor No. 4 Could Ignite "Atomic Chain Reaction"
by Jacob Chamberlain
"Attempt to remove fuel rods from crippled building could cause "unprecedented" disaster. "http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/08/14-6

Tepco's handout on new groundwater system installation

Tepco's handout on new groundwater system installation

 
Tokyo Electric Company has released a Press handout explaining the near-shoreline system being installed to "pump-up" groundwater in order to try and keep it below the top of the underground soil-solidified wall at Fukushima Daiichi.
 

Anyone Can Write A Story About Nuclear Terrorism

Anyone Can Write A Story About Nuclear Terrorism


http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2013/08/17/anyone-can-write-a-story-about-nuclear-terrorism/

NRG Energy Inc (NRG), Duke Energy Corp (DUK), Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA): The Future of Electric Energy

NRG Energy Inc (NRG), Duke Energy Corp (DUK), Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA): The Future of Electric Energy


http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/nrg-energy-inc-nrg-duke-energy-corp-duk-tesla-motors-inc-tsla-the-future-of-electric-energy-221719/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InsiderMonkey+%28Insider+Monkey%29

A Method to Egypt’s Madness

http://consortiumnews.com/2013/08/15/a-method-to-egypts-madness/


A Method to Egypt’s Madness

August 15, 2013
The bloody assault on Egyptians protesting the ouster of democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi has the look of madness – as the military pushes Islamists toward more violence – but there is a sick logic if the generals see more Islamic extremism as their lock on U.S. aid, writes ex-CIA analyst Paul R. Pillar.

By Paul R. Pillar
There were other ways of dealing with the camping-out protestors in Cairo. The Ministry of Interior had even talked about other ways — about some combination of tear gas and leaving open an exit route so the protestors could disperse. And surely it must have occurred to the Egyptian generals that the action they in the end took, just like the event in Tiananmen Square in 1989 that this week’s event so readily evokes, would leave a lasting bloodstain on their legacy.

Egypt’s Counter Revolution

http://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2013/08/16/adam-shatz/egypts-counter-revolution77

Egypt’s Counter Revolution

16 August 2013
So this is how it ends: with the army killing more than 600 protesters, and injuring thousands of others, in the name of restoring order and defeating ‘terrorism’. The victims are Muslim Brothers and other supporters of the deposed president Mohammed Morsi, but the ultimate target of the massacres of 14 August is civilian rule. Cairo, the capital of revolutionary hope two years ago, is now its burial ground.

Friday, August 16, 2013

A Nuclear Submariner Challenges a Pro-Nuclear Film By ANDREW C. REVKIN

A Nuclear Submariner Challenges a Pro-Nuclear Film


http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/a-nuclear-submariner-challenges-a-pro-nuclear-film/?_r=1&

Update, 12:24 p.m. | James E. Hansen just sent this reaction:
I have a Ph.D. in physics, which included nuclear physics courses, but I have never imagined that this training makes me expert on nuclear power. Therefore I consult regularly with some of the top nuclear power experts in the world. When I write something about nuclear power, it is based on good science, which cannot be said of the piece by Miller that you published.
I discuss the potential contributions of nuclear power in a paper that I am writing now. Miller did get one thing right: I am motivated — by a love of the life on our planet and a desire to pass that on to future generations.

Energy Dept. hacked; 14,000 employees affected

Energy Dept. hacked; 14,000 employees affected


http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/317405-energy-dept-hacked-14000-employees-affected

vt. Yankee opponents rail against court

Vt. Yankee opponents rail against court The Recorder
Area anti-nuclear activists, who have been hoping to see the Vermont Yankee ... Especially after the nuclear meltdown accident at Fukushima, Japan, she said, ...http://www.recorder.com/home/8080014-95/vt-yankee-opponents-rail-against-court

sia's Nuclear Summer

Asia's Nuclear Summer Wall Street Journal
Start with Japan, site of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The latest news is that the crippled ...http://stream.wsj.com/story/latest-headlines/SS-2-63399/SS-2-302317/

World's largest wind energy system built in China

World's largest wind energy system built in China Hydrogen Fuel News
China is quickly establishing itself as a formidable force in the renewable energy scene. The country has shows a great deal of interest in various forms of clean ...http://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/worlds-largest-wind-energy-system-built-in-china/8513446/

Tom Franch: “Cybersecurity and Nuclear Power Sector”

Tom Franch: “Cybersecurity and Nuclear Power Sector” - See more at: http://us.arevablog.com/2013/08/16/mark-franch-cybersecurity-and-nuclear-power-sector/#sthash.A1J0bDGd.dpuf
Tom Franch: “Cybersecurity and Nuclear Power Sector” 
http://us.arevablog.com/2013/08/16/mark-franch-cybersecurity-and-nuclear-power-sector/

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2013/08/16/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-weekly-review-081602.aspx#.Ug6Bx204Sw0

Foreseeing Trouble in Exporting Natural Gas

Drumbeat: August 16, 2013


Foreseeing Trouble in Exporting Natural Gas


http://www.theoildrum.com/node/10192?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theoildrum+%28The+Oil+Drum%29

Nuclear News Round Up (12th – 16th Aug 13)

Nuclear News Round Up (12th – 16th Aug 13)


12th Aug 2013
13th Aug 2013
15th Aug 2013
16th Aug 2013

Nuclear Dawn in the Desert

Nuclear Dawn in the Desert

By Bill Linton, principal, Linton Consulting
Market Overview: The MENA Region (Middle East and North Africa )

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/npi/print/volume-6/issue-4/nucleus/nuclear-dawn-in-the-desert.html

Connection of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant unit with grid likely by month-end'

Connection of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant unit with grid likely by month-end'


http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/power/connection-of-kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-unit-with-grid-likely-by-month-end/articleshow/21858012.cms

Iran appoints pragmatist Salehi to head nuclear program


Iran appoints pragmatist Salehi to head nuclear program


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/16/us-iran-nuclear-idUSBRE97F09L20130816

ANs Update: Fukushima Daiichi: Current Hurdles, Options, and Future Expectations

Fukushima Daiichi: Current Hurdles, Options, and Future Expectations

By Will Davis on Aug 15, 2013 07:00 pm

by Will Davis This week, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station’s long history was further appended by the approval of decommissioning plans for the site by Japan’s nuclear regulator, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA). This approval both clearly sets guidelines for safety … Continue reading
Read in browser »
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Building a Foundation for the Future of Nuclear Security by Erika Suzuki, Bethany Goldblum and Jasmina Vujic

Building a Foundation for the Future of Nuclear Security


http://blogs.fas.org/pir/2013/08/building-a-foundation-for-the-future-of-nuclear-security/

President’s Message: Innovative Ideas to Reduce Nuclear Dangers by Charles Ferguson

President’s Message: Innovative Ideas to Reduce Nuclear Dangers



http://blogs.fas.org/pir/2013/08/presidents-message-innovative-ideas-to-reduce-nuclear-dangers/

Deterrence and Assurance: Reassessing the Nuclear Posture by Hans Kristensen

Deterrence and Assurance: Reassessing the Nuclear Posture


http://blogs.fas.org/pir/2013/08/deterrence-and-assurance-reassessing-the-nuclear-posture/

The History of the U.S. Nuclear Stockpile 1945-2013

The History of the U.S. Nuclear Stockpile 1945-2013
PDF Version

The United States has produced approximately 66,500 nuclear weapons from 1945 to mid-2013, of approximately 100 types. The historic high of the U.S. stockpile was reached in 1967 with 31,255 nuclear warheads. This article examines three main factors which led to the growth and diversity of the U.S. nuclear program: rivalry between the branches of the armed forces, belief that the United States could achieve security through superiority with nuclear weapons and a hyperactive definition of deterrence. By Robert S. Norris.http://blogs.fas.org/pir/2013/08/the-history-of-the-u-s-nuclear-stockpile-1945-2013/

China Begins Using Arctic Shipping Route That Could 'Change The Face Of World Trade'

China Begins Using Arctic Shipping Route That Could 'Change The Face Of World Trade'


http://www.businessinsider.com/china-begins-using-arctic-shipping-route-that-could-change-the-face-of-world-trade-2013-8?utm_source=alerts&nr_email_referer=1

Electricity for All What Universal Energy Access Will Take


Electricity for All


What Universal Energy Access Will Take


http://thebreakthrough.org/voices/roger-pielke-jr/electricity-for-all?utm_source=August+9+newsletter&utm_campaign=August+15+newsletter&utm_medium=email

Bracing for the Cloud Digital Economy Requires Massive Amount of Electricity


Bracing for the Cloud


Digital Economy Requires Massive Amount of Electricity


http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/economic-growth/bracing-for-the-cloud/?utm_source=August+9+newsletter&utm_campaign=August+15+newsletter&utm_medium=email

Climate Security Why Zero Carbon Technology Is the Key


Climate Security


Why Zero Carbon Technology Is the Key


http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/climate-security?utm_source=August+9+newsletter&utm_campaign=August+15+newsletter&utm_medium=email

Nuclear Energy: The Leading Strategy for Reducing Carbon-Dioxide Emissions Position Statement 44 Revised June 2006 AMERICAN NUCLEAR SOCIETY

Nuclear Energy: The Leading Strategy for Reducing Carbon-Dioxide Emissions
Position Statement 44
Revised June 2006
AMERICAN NUCLEAR SOCIETY
Outreach Program (708) 352-6611
Federal Affairs (708) 352-6611
www.ans.org
1 of 1
Nuclear Power: The Leading Strategy for
Reducing Carbon Emissions
Position Statement
Revised June 2006
The American Nuclear Society believe sthat one of the most effective wa
ys to reduce global carbon-dioxide emissions in the future is by making increasing use of nucl
ear energy to replace fossil fuels. This technology is the only one with near-zero carbon-dioxide
emissions that has been proven capable of delivering, reliably and sustainably, the large quantities of energy
needed by an industrial society. Also, the energy from nuclear fission isessentially inexhaustible, just as is the energy fr
om sources traditionally considered "renewable." 
 
Other energy technologies withlow carbon-dioxide emissions, such as wind, solar, and hydro, should be used where
appropriate. However, they have a limited capability and, with the exception of hydro, produce energy
intermittently, requiring backup power generators or storage facilities. Their land-use requirements are high, and
they have nonnegligible external costs, such as degradation of the environment, displacement of populations,
destruction of natural habitats, and diversion of natural resources from other socially useful applications.
 
Nuclear power plants produce about 7%of the world's overall energy and 16% of the electricity. Without the
nuclear contribution, the increase in carbon-dioxide emissions over the past few decades would have been much
greater. However, carbon-dioxide emission are still increasing as our economies grow, and urgent action is required
if carbon-dioxide emissions are to be reduced. Countries with a vigorous program of nuclear energy production have greatly reduced their carbon-dioxide emissions. France, for instance, with about 42% of its over
ll energy and about 78% of itselectricity produced bynuclear plants, emits the lowest tonnage of carbon
dioxide per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) among theworld’s major industrial nations—about half
that of the United States and Canada. Globally, most of the carbon-dioxide emissions are due to using energy for purposes other than generation of
electricity (space heating, process heat,transportation, etc.). For that reason
it is essential that the application ofnuclear energy be expanded to other areas, if necessary, by means of special
-purpose reactors. Electric transportation, synthetic transportation fuels, extraction of oil from ta
r sands, and desalination are especially promising areas of opportunity.Therefore, to minimize futre carbon-dioxide emissions,
the American Nuclear Society strongly recommends the following course of action:
Assure the continued safe operation of the existing nuclear power plants and facilitate the extension of their
operating life;
Develop and deploy advanced nuclear power plants, including fast-neutron reactors;
Increase the contribution of nuclear energy as part of a balanced energy mix and expand its use beyond
electricity generation;
Promote electrically driven public transportation systems and encourage the continued development and
increased use of electrical energy in all forms of transportation.

The American Nuclear Soicety, founded in 1954, is a not-for-profit scientific and educational
society of over 10,000 scientist engineers, and educators from universities, gover
nment and private laboratories, and industry.
i


http://www.ans.org/pi/ps/docs/ps44.pdf

RWE to Close 3.1 GW of Conventional Generation Across Europe on Profit Woes 08/15/2013 | Sonal Patel

RWE to Close 3.1 GW of Conventional Generation Across Europe on Profit Woes


http://www.powermag.com/rwe-to-close-3-1-gw-of-conventional-generation-across-europe-on-profit-woes/?hq_e=el&hq_m=2729121&hq_l=3&hq_v=30108e0773

State Has No Authority to Shutter Vermont Yankee Reactor, Federal Court Rules

State Has No Authority to Shutter Vermont Yankee Reactor, Federal Court Rules


http://www.powermag.com/state-has-no-authority-to-shutter-vermont-yankee-reactor-federal-court-rules/?hq_e=el&hq_m=2729121&hq_l=2&hq_v=30108e0773

Federal Court Orders NRC to Continue Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste License Review 08/13/2013 | Sonal Patel

Federal Court Orders NRC to Continue Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste License Review


http://www.powermag.com/federal-court-orders-nrc-to-continue-yucca-mountain-nuclear-waste-license-review/?hq_e=el&hq_m=2729121&hq_l=1&hq_v=30108e0773

Hitachi Combustion Turbines

Hitachi Combustion Turbines


http://www.hitachipowersystems.us/products/power_generation_equipment/power_island_equipment/turbines/combustion_turbines/index.html

National Academy Of Sciences ‘Misled The World’ When Adopting Radiation Exposure Guidelines Science 2.0 (John M)

National Academy Of Sciences ‘Misled The World’ When Adopting Radiation Exposure Guidelines Science 2.0 (John M)http://www.science20.com/news_articles/national_academy_sciences_misled_world_when_adopting_radiation_exposure_guidelines-118411

Penn Energy's Top Oli & Gas News 8/16

Top Oil & Gas News
Illinois natural gas pipeline leaks, causes explosion
A natural gas pipeline exploded in northern Illinois late Aug. 12, causing a massive fire in a cornfield and forcing the evacuation of 80 nearby homes. The pipeline was carrying gas byproducts ethane and propane and ruptured in Erie, Ill., around 11 p.m., creating a fire with flames about 300 feet high.
Full Article

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PennEnergy Video News Update
From Uruguay's oil discovery, to Statoil's hurdles in Tanzania, to API's ethanol concerns, all of the week's biggest headlines are in the PennEnergy Video News Update.
Full Article

This Week's Most Popular Oil & Gas News
Uruguay makes oil discovery
API calls on EPA to lower 2014 ethanol mandate
Lack of infrastructure delays Statoil gas production in Tanzania
New jackets installed on Claire Ridge offshore oil production platform
10 lessons learned implementing a Stage-Gate in oil & gas
Eni talks oil & gas assets in Mozambique
New methods used for laying gas transmission pipeline Haute de France II
Offshore oil & gas infrastructure coming from Kongsberg for Statoil
Siemens tech heads to gas processing plant in Indonesia
TransCanada reaches gas transmission & shipping settlement

Energy Insights
Energy and Environmental Economics: The Biofuels Renewable Fuel Standard – EPA to the Rescue
The Renewable Fuel Standard has become controversial this year because for the first time it will be difficult to meet the required RFS levels. The oil industry and other lobby groups have argued that the RFS should be scrapped, while the pro-biofuels lobby has argued that it is working and can be made to function as it was intended.
Full Article

DOE Launches Largest Federal Wind Energy Project

DOE Launches Largest Federal Wind Energy Project


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/08/15/doe-launches-largest-federal-wind-energy-project/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=495e9bcc72-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-495e9bcc72-407304281

Energy Quote of the Day: Utility Model Faces Business Challenges

Energy Quote of the Day: Utility Model Faces Business Challenges


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/08/15/energy-quote-of-the-day-utility-model-faces-business-challenges/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=495e9bcc72-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-495e9bcc72-407304281

Climate Change Will Cause More Grid Disruptions

Climate Change Will Cause More Grid Disruptions


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/08/15/climate-change-will-cause-more-grid-disruptions/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=495e9bcc72-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-495e9bcc72-407304281

Power Enginerring News Updates 8/16

Top Stories
NRC violates law in Yucca delay, court says
Court rules that the NRC must continue its review.
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Calpine brings two natural gas-fired plants online
Both plants generate up to 928 MW of gas-fired generation.
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Government-owned wind energy project breaks ground
Siemens will build the plant under a performance-based contract.
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Fluor gets green light to begin natural gas-fired power plant construction
Company can begin building Brunswick County gas-fired power plant.
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In Case You Missed It
Shutting down SONGS may cost more than $4bn
PJM: Coal-fired power plant closures may affect reliability
Analyst would scrap Vogtle if he could do it over
MidAmerican names five sites in Iowa for wind energy
NRC to probe Entergy's finances at request of anti-nuclear groups
Two Massachusetts solar power projects sold
Rolls-Royce to expand nuclear consulting business
Texas PUC Chair Nelson weighs capacity, reserve market issues
Trina Solar supplying solar PV modules
Joint investors purchase Texas wind project
Low cooling water levels prompt nuclear unit shutdown
Xcel Energy proposes 150 MW wind energy project
Apple iPhone maker considers entry into solar power
SolarCity to acquire Paramount Solar
EPC contractor picked for pollution control project on coal-fired unit
The Week's Most Read Articles
Inside the Tennessee Valley Authority
Associate Editor Denver Nicks talks with president and CEO Bill Johnson.
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Hydroelectric power bills now federal law
Both bills can help develop 60,000 MW of U.S. hydropower.
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Genscape: Electricity demand falls to lowest level since 2009
Electricity demand fell 3 percent from last July, according to report.
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ANO Entergy
Entergy brings nuclear unit back online after fatal accident
Unit underwent extensive restoration efforts before restarting.
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Re-Energizing Nuclear Power
Nuclear industry must do more to sway public opinion.
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What's trending this week
Weekly Coal Production Update
The Weekly Coal Production (WCP) Report provides estimates for U.S. coal production by state based on railroad car loading data.
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