Meter Reading: Chesapeake Cutting Back More in Barnett, Perfect Storm Sinking Coal, and More

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Coal power plants may be on a long, steady decline.

Perfect storm sinking coal-fired generation, report says – “A perfect storm of lower natural gas prices, new emission rules and weak national demand for electricity is causing many utility companies to ditch coal-fired power generation, according to a new report.” — Fuel Fix

Balancing protection of aquifer, quarries – “The San Antonio-based Edwards Aquifer Authority and the Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association, based in Austin, are in the midst of a rule-making process that would balance aquifer protection with continued quarry operations to help accommodate future San Antonio-area business and population growth.” – San Antonio Express-News

Chesapeake to cut 70 jobs, reduce Barnett work force to 700 – “Chesapeake Energy said Tuesday that it will cut 70 employees in North Texas, or about 8 percent of its area workers, reflecting reduced drilling activity caused by low natural gas prices.” – Businessweek