With mega-emitters closed, coal’s ‘cleaner fleet’ persists Source: By Benjamin Storrow, E&E News reporter • Posted: Wednesday, December 9, 2020
At first glance, 2020 looks to be another big year for coal retirements. The 9.4 gigawatts of coal capacity shut down this year is the fourth-highest annual total since 2009, federal figures show.
But dig a little deeper, and it becomes apparent that the 36 retirees this year were relatively small emitters. The 385 million tons of carbon dioxide generated between 2010 and 2019 by units retiring this year is the smallest such figure since 2017, according to an E&E News review of federal data.
Total coal emissions will still be down this year. American coal plants were already running less, and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed even more to the sidelines.
SHANE CORDELL, LITTLE RIVER – FACULTY
Coach Shane Cordell’s record as a high school football and girls basketball coach at his alma mater speaks for itself. In 29 years as the high school football coach he compiled a record of 204-94 (.685) and played in the state championship game seven times, bringing home three titles (1981-1A, 1996 and 1999 – 8-Man 1A DI). He was the first Kansas coach to play for and then coach a state championship at his alma mater. His 34 years with the girls basketball program posted a record of 604-225 (.729). The Redskins captured four straight Class 1A state titles (1995-1998). Along the way they had three undefeated seasons and a 91-game winning streak. The basketball court at Little River HS is named after Cordell. As a coach and educator he has had a lasting impact on students and the community of Little River.