KUT Morning Newspod September 23, 2011
Photo by KUT News.
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Austin Buys More Wind Power
The Austin City Council has approved another wind power contract. The council Thursday approved a 25-year agreement for 200 megawatts of coastal wind power from a project in Kenedy County, Texas. It’s scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.
The city says this purchase will bring Austin Energy’s renewable energy portfolio to about 30 percent. Wind power advocates say coastal wind power is attractive because winds along the coast blow at peak energy demand times, unlike winds from West Texas which tend to blow at night- when electricity demand is lower.
Texas Claims Unfair Regulation in New EPA Lawsuit
Texas and Kansas have sued the federal Environmental Protection Agency to block a new rule that requires coal power plants to significantly cut back emissions. These pollutants contribute to smog and the soot that the EPA says is blowing into neighboring states. In the lawsuit filed Wednesday, Texas officials claim the deadline to comply is too soon. Texas electric producers and grid managers say the state will not have enough power to keep the lights on. KUT’s Erika Aguilar has details on the Newspod.
Rick Perry Fights Back in 3rd GOP Debate
Texas Governor Rick Perry came out on the offensive in Thursday night’s GOP presidential debate in Orlando. It was an attempt to rebound from a shaky debate performance last week. Gov. Perry remained the top target of his fellow presidential hopefuls – but as KUT’s Ben Philpott reports, Perry seemed more prepared for the criticism.
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