> Incentive proposed to expand gas pipelines

CASPER, Wyo. – Natural gas companies are quick to drill wells and increase production in the Rockies, but they haven’t been as quick to invest in pipelines to export gas out of the region, according to the Wyoming Pipeline Authority.

Based on the authority’s recommendation, state legislators are drafting a bill that would extend a limited severance tax break to producers in hope that it will speed up their investment in pipeline infrastructure.

Gov. Dave Freudenthal has said he doesn’t support the proposed severance tax break, and remains unconvinced that subsidizing pipeline infrastructure will actually speed up construction. But Pipeline Authority officials say they intend to rally pipeline companies and major natural gas producers behind the bill.

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http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/10/24/news/wyoming/25-pipelines.txt

Western Kansas coal plant denied

TOPEKA | Citing concerns about global warming, Kansas’ top regulator today denied a long-awaited permit to build a controversial coal plant in western Kansas.

“I believe it would be irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the potential harm to our environment and health if we do nothing,” said Rod Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a news release announcing the decision.

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http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/322904.html

Coal on hold: Dozens of plants delayed due to costs, climate concerns

BILLINGS – At least 16 coal-fired power plant proposals nationwide have been scrapped in recent months and more than three dozen have been delayed as utilities face increasing pressure due to concerns over global warming and rising construction costs.

The slow pace of new plant construction reflects a dramatic change in fortune for a fuel source that just a few years ago was poised for a major resurgence. Combined, the canceled and delayed projects represent enough electricity to power approximately 20 million homes.

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http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/10/21/business/biz47.txt