Meter Reading: Debating the Nat Gas Boom, the Battle over Haze, and More

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New tax credits for wind power were announced in Houston Thursday.

Deputy energy chief visits Houston, promotes energy policies – “The Obama Administration promoted its “all-of-the-above” energy approach in Houston Thursday with dual announcements supporting natural gas vehicles and a federal tax credit for wind power.” — Fuel Fix

The Natural Gas Boom: Doing More Harm Than Good? – “The rush to extract natural gas has helped the economy pick up in places like Pennsylvania, but it also has raised questions that scientists can’t yet answer about potential health and environmental problems.” — NPR

ERCOT, Reliant announce two new programs to promote conservation when supply runs tight – “The Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced a wholesale price forecasting service designed to help industrial customers cut back usage to avoid price spikes. Reliant Energy also announced a program to pay customers to conserve on days when Texas electricity demand swells.” — Dallas Morning News

EPA Moves to Cut Haze, Gets Hazed by States – At National Parks this summer, ” many visitors [are] likely to find their view of the natural landscapes softened, if not significantly obscured, by haze or smog from civilization. An amendment to the Clean Air Act passed 35 years ago was designed to ensure that when visitors get to their destinations, they are able to see the parks’ vistas.” – New York Times