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This book examines the impact of developments in the energy industry, and the associated political dynamics, in West Virginia. It describes how culture and politics can block progress towards a just, low-carbon energy transition, and the environmental and economic consequences for West Virginians.
List of contents
Introduction: "the lost decade"; 1. The rise of environmental regulations under Obama's EPA; 2. The shale gas revolution; 3. The rise of renewable energy; 4. The Ds of today's electric utility industry: Decarbonization and decentralization; 5. From "friends of coal" to the "war on coal:" how West Virginia went from blue to red; 6. "Leadership" from Washington, DC: the congressional delegation that could have but didn't; 7. "Manchin in the middle"; 8. The failure of the public service commission to serve the public; 9. The role of the legislature in West Virginia's failed energy policies; 10. Bailing out the coal industry on the backs of West Virginia electric ratepayers; 11. Coal operators get rich and West Virginia gets to clean up the mess; 12. What the future could hold if the leaders choose to lead.
About the author
James M. Van Nostrand is the Charles M. Love, Jr. Endowed Professor of Law at West Virginia University College of Law and Director of its Center for Energy and Sustainable Development. He has forty years' experience in a variety of roles in the energy industry, including positions as a regulator, energy lawyer, and director of a New York-based environmental nongovernmental organization.
Summary
This book examines the impact of developments in the energy industry, and the associated political dynamics, in West Virginia. It describes how culture and politics can block progress towards a just, low-carbon energy transition, and the environmental and economic consequences for West Virginians.
Foreword
A cautionary tale for the many other jurisdictions around the world that are resisting the transition to clean energy resources.
