Good Monday morning!

In the news today and from the weekend…

Grid:

• Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that Hawaiian Electric acknowledges its equipment sparked a wildfire in Maui, but claims the blaze that leveled Lahaina ignited hours after the utility had de-energized its lines.
• The Texas Tribune reports Texans faced conservation pleas from ERCOT for four consecutive days. Houston was absolutely baking at 108°F over the weekend, so it was pretty miserable.
• Axios reports that Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to make landfall on Florida as a major Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday, but high winds and storm surge flooding are expected to affect the region starting late Tuesday. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) declared an emergency for much of the state over the weekend as Idalia is expected to become a hurricane today and make landfall between Tampa and Tallahassee.

Mining:

• Inside Climate News reports that frontline communities in southern California’s “Lithium Valley” welcome the industry’s economic benefits, but worry about potential environmental impacts to the Salton Sea.
• Arizona Daily Star reports that a Utah startup plans to break ground on its lithium-iron phosphate battery cell manufacturing facility in Tucson, Arizona, in October.

In the news today…

Emergency Management:

• The Hill reports that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said he would work with committees to investigate the federal government’s response to the recent Maui wildfires that killed at least 115 people and left 850 people missing. President Joe Biden visited Maui earlier this week and approved a federal disaster declaration for the island, along with deploying several hundred Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel.

Grid:

• Associated Press reports that a deadly heat wave blankets the central U.S. from Texas to Minnesota, threatening power grids and other infrastructure.
• Argus reports power grid operators across the US midcontinent have issued several reliability-related advisories this week as above-average average temperatures blanket the region.

EPA:

• Inside EPA reports environmentalists, frustrated by EPA’s recent decision to drop its reconsideration of Trump-era federal ozone standards in favor of a time-consuming statutory review, face an “uphill battle” to speed up the process, as their legal options may be limited at this stage, one informed environmental attorney says.

In the news today…

Grid:

• Reuters reports that Grid operator MISO notifies utilities in its 15-state region to prepare all power generation sources to meet demand during this week’s heatwave.
• KSNW reports Southwest Power Pool officials say the regional grid operator experienced record-high demand on Monday because of the excessive heat.
• Wisconsin Public Radio reports that We Energies may delay Wisconsin coal plant retirements slated over the next two years to meet new capacity requirements and forecasted demand from a Microsoft data center.
• FarmWeek reports that an Illinois appeals court halts further work on the proposed Grain Belt Express transmission line through the state as it weighs the project’s constitutionality.
• E&E Energywire reports sea changes in how electricity is produced, transmitted and used are coming too fast for grid operators to manage adequately, according to a report issued Tuesday by a top-level committee of utility sector executives.

Carbon Capture:

• Reuters reports that the Iowa Utilities Board kicked off a hearing that could last weeks for the largest carbon capture and storage pipeline in the United States, as residents voiced their concerns about possible ruptures in the $5.5 billion project. The 2,000-mile pipeline, proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions, would transport as much as 18 million tons of captured carbon dioxide from 35 Midwest ethanol plants to a North Dakota underground storage site.

Good Monday morning!

In the news today and from the weekend…

Grid:

• The Wall Street Journal carries an editorial arguing that utilities are prioritizing growing renewable power to meet government mandates over grid resilience—hardening their systems and reducing risk from fires and extreme weather events. A fraying electric grid is a nationwide problem. Consultants at Marsh McLennan estimate that more than $700 billion will need to be spent to replace aging transmission lines and maintain grid reliability. Sixty percent of U.S. distribution lines have surpassed their 50-year life expectancy. The average age of large power transformers is 40 years, twice their planned life span. Grid upgrades to achieve the net-zero promised land will cost another $2.5 trillion by 2050, according to a Princeton University study. Something will invariably give. And as we’ve seen in California and Hawaii, it may be safety.
• The Associated Press reports that President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will visit Maui today to meet with survivors of the wildfires that ripped through Lahaina on Aug. 8, which have killed more than 100 people. As of Sunday, about 85% of the area affected by the wildfire had been searched. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said about 2,000 people didn’t have power and 10,000 were without telecom connectivity.

Congress:

• Washington Post reports that the White House is torn over Joe Manchin’s fury at climate law he crafted. As White House officials weigh how much to give in to his demands, a rift grows between president and senator from West Virginia.

WOTUS:

• Inside EPA reports the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of the Biden administration’s final rule defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) as a result of the Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA, clearing the way for the rule’s release and likely new challenges from industry groups concerned over its narrow scope and amendment process.

Minerals:

• E&E Energywire reports the forces creating a new American electric vehicle manufacturing industry are apparent in the cornfields here, where two factories are rising 1 mile apart.

Coal:

• Freight Waves reports coal isn’t dying yet globally, just in the West. It’s still alive and kicking in Asia — and still growing globally as a result.

In the news today…

Grid:

• Washington Post and Associated Press report that a security video of what appears to be a tree falling on a power line in Maui suggests the incident was the source of at least one of the island’s devastating wildfires, as the death toll surpasses 100.
• Axios reports that Hawaiian Electric is facing at least three lawsuits that allege the utility bears some responsibility for the devastating wildfires on Maui, which have led to at least 99 deaths so far. The lawsuits generally claim the utility, which said it does not comment on pending litigation, failed to shut off power to power lines despite high-wind warnings and wildfire risks, though the cause of the fires remains unknown.
• Utility Dive reports that the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed greenhouse gas emissions standards for power plants could hurt grid reliability, with the potential for “significant power shortages,” according to major U.S. grid operators.
• Michigan Radio reports that widespread blackouts spanning Michigan to the East Coast 20 years ago led to the adoption of many more safety and oversight measures to prevent such an incident again.

Coal:

• Bloomberg reports that India plans to build more coal-fired power capacity to feed its booming energy demand even as it expands renewable generation.

Good Monday morning!

In the news today and from the weekend…

Grid:

• Sault Star reports an Ontario, Canada, mayor expresses interest in a partnership that could transmit power from a plant in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• Indianapolis Star reports AES Indiana customers say outages have become more frequent and challenging as consumer frustration builds against the utility.

Energy:

• E&E Energywire reports a ban on constructing new nuclear plants in Illinois will stand after Gov. J.B. Pritzker vetoed a bill Friday that would have allowed new reactors.

Carbon Capture:

• E&E Energywire reports the Department of Energy is proposing a new initiative to encourage the “responsible” development of carbon capture as the Biden administration looks to the technology to meet its climate goals.

Renewables:

• The Wall Street Journal reports that Green Power gets pricier after years of declines. The renewable-power price increase is creating headaches for some utilities and companies.

In the news today…

Grid:

• E&E News reports that a legal barrier blocking completion of a 100-mile power line in the Upper Midwest has been eliminated by a federal appeals court, which lifted an injunction prohibiting construction of the disputed project across a wildlife refuge.

Permitting:

• The Hill reports that a key Republican casts doubt on bipartisan permitting deal over a dispute with the White House about environmental policy, which could throw a wrench into ongoing talks about how to reform the nation’s infrastructure.

Minerals:

• Mining.com reports that loosening China’s grip on the rare earths market is a difficult, yet necessary battle.
• Washington Post reports the Senate last week passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an amendment aimed at boosting U.S. uranium production and enrichment.

WOTUS:

• The National Law Journal reports that industries across the U.S. economy are calling for the new WOTUS rule to be narrow in respect to the decision in Sackett v. EPA.

Commentary:

• Utility Dive carries an op-ed by Chip Silverman where he argues that demand charges are essential for a utility to recover the cost of maintaining, upgrading, and building the electric grid, according to the author. Demand charges are essential fees that enable a utility to recover the cost of maintaining, upgrading and building the electric grid in proportion to a customer’s grid impact. For electric customers that use high amounts of power, such as locations that host fast charging stations, demand charges are designed to ensure that each customer is paying their fair share to deliver power safely and reliably to all customers.

In the news today…

Grid:

• Los Angeles Times reports a new Audubon report backs the buildout of thousands of miles of new transmission lines despite potential harm to wildlife, arguing the threats from climate change far outweigh the risks of new infrastructure.

Utilities:

• Chicago Sun-Times reports residents and consumer advocates urge Illinois regulators to reject Peoples Gas’ proposed $402 million rate increase, which critics say would particularly harm low-income households.

Climate:

• Mining Technology reports that mining vehicle fleets are transitioning away from diesel and towards electric vehicles in an effort to reshape sentiment surrounding the industry.

• E&E Energywire reports battery materials factories are searching for zero-carbon electricity because of pressure from stakeholders to keep their supply chains emission-free.

World News:

• Financial Times reports China’s investment in mining and metals in countries across the globe is set to reach record highs this year.

In the news today…

Grid:

• Jamestown Sun reports utilities begin planning for a new 95-mile transmission line in southeastern North Dakota that would potentially be completed in 2028.

Mining:

• Inside EPA reports a broad industry coalition is urging the Biden administration against adopting “unduly narrow interpretations” of various Supreme Court rulings in its upcoming regulation amending the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), warning that doing so will lead to continuing legal uncertainty.
• MarketScale reports that the integration of artificial intelligence tools in rare mineral mining could help reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability.

Minerals:

• Mining.com reports from Bloomberg the US needs to bolster its cooperation with Latin American countries in obtaining reliable supplies of critical minerals, a senior State Department official told lawmakers.

Permitting:

• E&E Greenwire reports that the NEPA revamp by the Biden Administration has made the permitting overhaul more difficult with serious lacks of trust between Congress and the Administration.

Happy Monday!

In the news today and from the weekend…

Grid:

• Energy News Network reports Minnesota utilities say they are prioritizing landowner and community engagement along the route of a planned 180-mile, $970 million transmission line that will eventually connect central and northern Minnesota.

Coal:

• E&E Energywire reports the head of the globe’s top coal industry group is on a quest to prove that 100 percent renewable energy “doesn’t work.” This week, she’s bringing that message to Washington.
• Argus reports eastern US railroad Norfolk Southern (NS) expects coal volume to rise in the back half of 2023 as strength in export markets offsets weaker utility demand.

Permitting:

• Reuters reports the White House Council on Environmental Quality proposed revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act aimed at accelerating permitting for new clean energy projects. The council said the proposal, which is aimed at encouraging more “programmatic” environmental reviews of multiple projects rather than individual ones, would build on permitting reforms included in Congress’ debt-ceiling deal.
• E&E Energywire reports the Biden administration’s latest effort to speed up environmental reviews for clean energy projects appears designed to weather the legal challenges it will likely attract, analysts say.
• Argus reports clean energy and other infrastructure projects could finish federal permitting at a faster pace, with a greater focus on climate effects, under a proposal to overhaul environmental reviews.

Minerals:

• E&E Climatewire reports the U.S. is waging a global charm offensive to obtain the minerals it needs to replace fossil fuels with cleaner energy. Its latest target is a resource-rich country wedged between China and Russia, two U.S. adversaries.
• Cowboy State Daily reports the U.S. Senate passes an amendment aimed at increasing domestic advanced nuclear reactor fuel production and jumpstarting uranium mining in Utah and Wyoming.

In the news today…

Grid:

• Utility Dive reports that Tesla’s Musk urges the power sector to anticipate higher demand—“a tripling of electrical output.” “My biggest concern is there’s insufficient urgency and people just don’t understand how much electricity demand there will be,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Tuesday at a Pacific Gas & Electric summit.
• Utility Dive reports utilities and others work to develop better ways to predict and manage grid loads to prevent electric vehicles from overwhelming the grid.
• Bloomberg reports that PJM Interconnection LLC has declared a level one emergency alert for the 13-state eastern US grid and called on all power plants to operate at full capacity Thursday, July 27, during a heat wave.

Mining:

• The New York Sun reports mining companies and environmental groups are battling over mines on American soil as the demand for critical minerals such as lithium increases.
• The Wall Street Journal Reports that the Biden Administration’s climate goals have clashed with his “Made in America” incentives regarding minerals needed for electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicles:

• Canary Media reports seven major automakers including General Motors, Honda, and Stellantis announce a joint venture to build at least 30,000 fast-charging stations across North America in an attempt to compete with Tesla’s charging network.

WOTUS:

• AgDaily reports the Waters Advocacy Coalition has sent a letter to the EPA urging them to reconsider their interpretation of the definition of Waters of the United States, as the EPA has failed to hold a public hearing on the matter.

Coal:

• Argus reports US coal-fired generation and coal consumption fell year-over-year in May for a fifth straight month as milder weather curbed overall electric power demand.

Commentary:

• Star Tribune carries an op-ed from the head of a trade group representing Minnesota electric cooperatives, who says the state’s new carbon-free power targets can’t jeopardize affordability and reliability.

In the news today…

Grid:

• Bloomberg reports that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is backing federal government intervention when transmission line projects get “stuck at the state level,” according to a copy of his opening remarks for a hearing being held today. Manchin, in his latest push to pass a broad permitting reform plan, said he would not support a plan that would be used “as just another subsidy for intermittent renewable energy.”
• The Washington Post reports the Texas power grid is in danger again because of the inability of renewables to meet energy demand in the state during the hot summer months.
• Bloomberg reports that California’s main power grid operator issued an emergency watch notice for Tuesday evening as residents cranked up air conditioning during a heat wave.
• KSHB reports that a Kansas utility says it stays in close contact with the regional grid operator to ensure adequate power supplies during extreme heat.

WOTUS:

• Politico Pro reports in a letter to the top leaders at EPA and the Army Corps Monday, the Waters Advocacy Coalition, which represents dozens of industry groups on the Waters of the U.S. issue, laid out its demands.

In the news today…

Grid:

• E&E News reports that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls on federal regulators to enact rules to speed clean energy and transmission deployment as bipartisan permitting reforms appear unlikely to pass.

Mining:

• Mining.com reports a fall in global copper prices is forcing small and medium size mine operators to cut back on production.
• Mining.com reports an Australian mining company’s Arizona zinc-lead-silver project has taken a $1.3 billion non-cash impairment expense due to COVID-19, inflationary pressures, and dewatering requirements.

Energy:

• The Washington Post reports there is dissent among GOP lawmakers on green funding for renewable energy projects and that over 547 wind and solar projects have been blocked this year by state and local lawmakers amid community backlash.

Permitting:

• E&E Daily reports as prospects remain murky for bipartisan permitting reform in Congress, top Senate Democrats are turning to new strategies.

Good Monday morning!

In the news today and from the weekend…

Grid:

• Canary Media asks, why aren’t Texans paid to help prevent blackouts during heat waves? As the state endures another bout of extreme heat, experts lament its lack of incentives to recruit residents to help ease demand on the stressed grid.
• Ironton Tribune reports that Ohio received a $14.2 million federal grant to modernize the state’s electric grid and reduce the effects of severe weather.

Mining:

• E&E Greenwire reports BLM approved a NASA request to shield land in Railroad Valley from mining to ensure it can be used for satellite calibration.
• Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. is playing catch-up in battery supply chains dominated by China.

Permitting:

• Argus reports Republican and Democratic negotiators still see a chance for passing legislation later this year to revise the permitting process for electric transmission lines and pipelines.

Climate:

• Reuters reports that the group of 20 members did not reach a consensus for phasing down fossil fuel use after some unnamed producer nations objected to the proposal. The G20 members, which account for more than three-quarters of global emissions, issued an outcome statement and a chair summary instead of an expected joint communique following a four-day meeting in India.

TGIF!

In the news today…

Grid:

• Wisconsin State Journal reports a federal appeals court says environmental groups cannot challenge a Wisconsin transmission line’s route through a wildlife refuge until after federal regulators make a final decision on the project.
• Marshall Independent reports Xcel Energy plans to add a circuit to its CapX2020 transmission lines in Minnesota to handle more wind energy.
• Reuters reports that the California power grid operator ended an emergency alert issued for a brief period on Thursday in anticipation of higher-than-expected demand as homes and businesses crank up air conditioners to escape high temperatures.

Have a great weekend!

In the news today…

Grid:

• KENS reports that the Texas state power grid saw record-breaking demand of more that 82,500 MW on Wednesday, but generation by wind and solar facilities have kept the grid stable.
• Utility Dive reports that NYC could face up to 446 MW power deficit in 2025, due to electrification and peaker retirements, according to NYISO. Completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line, which will bring power to New York City from Quebec, is expected to improve reliability margins beginning in 2026.

Electric Vehicles:

• Chicago Tribune reports that electric truck startup Rivian plans to open its first showroom in Chicago in the coming months.
• Chicago Sun-Times reports that wrapping up a weeklong trip to the U.K., Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he is actively pursuing partnerships with electric vehicle companies.
• CNBC reports that Tesla posted net income of $2.7 billion in the second quarter, an increase of 20% compared with last year, as the company anticipates an upcoming third-quarter production slowdown amid summer shutdowns for factory upgrades. Chief Executive Elon Musk said the company will make the Cybertruck “in high volume next year” and will start delivering the electric pickup this year.

Permitting:

• Politico Pro reports a Chamber of Commerce event on critical minerals Wednesday showed the interest in securing supplies needed for the clean energy transition cuts across parties and industries. Rich Nolan is quoted.
• E&E Daily reports a week before they head home for a lengthy August recess, lawmakers said talks on permitting overhaul are continuing, though one prominent lawmaker acknowledged: “The wind is sort of out of the sails.”

Mining:

• Axios is hosting a discussion titled “Mining for the Future” featuring Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.).

In the news today…

Grid:

• Canary Media reports that General Motors, Meta, Walmart and other major corporations partner with think tank RMI on an effort to accelerate clean energy deployment through transmission, virtual power plants and other methods.
• Utility Dive reports that PJM Interconnection says 70% of unplanned outages during December 2022’s Winter Storm Elliott stemmed from gas-fired power plants.
• Reuters reports that global power demand growth is set to rebound in 2024 after slowdown, IEA says. An ongoing energy crisis and an economic downturn is expected to slow global power demand growth in 2023, but a probable rebound in 2024 means more renewable capacity needs to be developed, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday.

Mining:

• Washington Post reports a proposed copper mine near two national parks is turning into a test of values — how to protect wilderness while supplying critical minerals.

In the news today…

Grid:

• Mining.com reports that the Department of Energy has to hurry if it wants to allocate the tens of billions in grants and loans made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Argus reports coal-fired generation in the PJM Interconnection decreased by 37pc last month amid additional coal unit retirements and other market factors.

Minerals:

• E&E News Greenwire reports that the Biden administration wants minerals needed to build out electric vehicles and green the grid. Mineral-rich African countries could be where it finds them.
• Bloomberg reports a $37.5 million grant to Graphite One acts as a relaxed form of venture capital as the White House supports nascent parts of the domestic cleantech supply chain.
• E&E News PM reports the Biden administration is offering up $37.5 million for graphite mining in Alaska and processing in Washington state, a strategic move to help build out part of the electric vehicle battery supply chain that China now dominates.
• Time and The Maine Monitor reports on a lithium deposit in Maine.

Mining:

• E&E Energywire and Politico Pro report a federal appeals court on Monday upheld the Biden administration’s approval of a contested lithium mine in northern Nevada, angering environmentalists even as supporters said it was a victory for batteries in electric vehicles.
• The National Interest reports Beijing’s decision to lash out against U.S. curbs on advanced technology sales may have inadvertently alerted the world to the risks that its effective monopoly poses to vital supply chains.
• E&E Daily reports the House Natural Resources Committee will vote this week on legislation to undo the ban on new oil leasing and mining around a national park in New Mexico.

Good Monday Morning!

In the news today and from the weekend…

Grid:

• Utility Dive reports that US Grid congestion costs jumped 56% to $20.6 billion in 2022.
• Reuters reports that New York’s grid operator warns New York City could see power shortfalls by 2025 that could force polluting peaker plants to remain in service.
• Daily Press reports that residents in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula call for cheaper and more reliable electricity during a state-backed listening tour.

Minerals:

• Wall Street Journal carries an op-ed which argues Congress and the Biden administration should make critical mineral dominance a priority.
• E&E Daily reports House Republicans are heading to Arizona this week for a field hearing on critical minerals in a state that’s emerged as a focal point in debates on and off Capitol Hill.
• Casper Star Tribune reports on the status of Minnesota mining projects.

TGIF!

In the news today…

Coal:

• Argus reports leaders of the US’ largest coal-producing state and some coal executives said the administration of President Joe Biden’s coal leasing practices are interrupting production from federal lands.
• Argus reports coal export loadings at Hampton Roads, Virginia, rose again in June, with two of the region’s terminals handling more coal than a year earlier.

Minerals:

• E&E Greenwire reports the E.U. is set to sign off on its negotiating mandate for a critical raw materials agreement with the United States next week, three E.U. officials said.

Mining:

• E&E Daily reports that House Republicans would take a budgetary buzzsaw to energy and environmental agencies the Biden administration and Democrats had buttressed after years of stagnant funding.
• E&E Daily reports one of the chief negotiators of the debt ceiling deal and a longtime proponent of permitting overhaul is still looking for a grand bargain on the matter, but he acknowledged Thursday that a deal is still a ways off.
• E&E Energywire reports that Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm’s search for clean energy solutions has led her to a strategy that dodges permitting problems, saves money and could bring large amounts of renewables online, but remains largely unused.
• E&E News PM reports House Republicans are continuing to seek deep cuts to climate, clean energy and environmental programs with their latest funding bill, released Thursday morning ahead of a Friday markup.