February 2012

Activu Moves into New Headquarters in Award-Winning Green Facility to Accommodate Business Growth and Expanded Research and Development

(Digital Journal 2-27-2012) Significantly larger facility will support Activu’s growing market acceptance as a leader in intelligent visualization and collaboration solutions in North America and abroad. Stunning new office space has won awards for architecture, interior design, environmentally sustainable construction and energy efficient design • Underscores Activu’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and to providing a high-quality work environment for its staff

Study on beneficial uses of CO2 from lignite-based power plants completed

(Prairie Business 2-25-2012) Carbon dioxide capture from lignite-based power plants has three potential opportunities for beneficial use, according to a recently completed study by the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The beneficial uses of purified carbon dioxide include: mineralization, greenhouse gas agriculture and enhanced oil recovery.
 

EPA's bad rules have finally united a divided Congress

(The Detroit News 1-26-2012)   Regulations that would cost businesses billions thwarted: Lost amid the coverage of partisan squabbles in Washington is the bipartisan record being built in the House of Representatives.  Republicans and Democrats in the House are coming together to pass meaningful legislation — with strong bipartisan majorities — that will save jobs and strengthen the economy.
 

Industry Seeks Role in Defining EPA Coal Ash Reuse Risk Analysis

(Waste Business Journal 1-10-2012) The American Coal Ash Association (ACAA), representing companies that reuse ash in products such as cement, is asking the US EPA to heed its suggestions for EPA's pending risk study on ash reuse that will inform the agency's long-stalled Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) final rule on coal waste disposal. Among other things, the industry group is urging EPA to assess the risks of ash use in products as well as any alternative ingredients that may replace the ash should manufacturers choose to do so.

Competing Forces Clash over Coal Ash

(Energy Biz 1-24-2012) Issue tied to presidential outcome: Two competing forces with regard to how coal ash is regulated are headed for a collision. Environmentalist groups have just said that they would sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force prompt action while U.S. lawmakers from coal-producing states are working to head off those attempts.