In the news today…
Coal:
- Utility Dive reports Wyoming lawmakers last week passed a bill to encourage the sale of coal-fired power plants in a bid to extend their lives amid an industrywide trend of retirements, and Montana is considering a bill to increase ownership stake in the 2 GW Colstrip power plant.
- E&E Greenwire reports a bill, which aims to boost renewable energy production and phase out a major coal-fired power plant in New Mexico, is headed toward a Senate vote.
- Bloomberg ran an op-ed by Michael Bloomberg, stating his plans to bolster the Beyond Coal campaign instead of running for president.
- WTOP carries a piece from Simon F. Haeder, assistant professor at West Virginia University, in which he writes that any program moving the nation toward greener energy sources must include a lasting solution for coal miners, their families and their communities.
- Argus reports the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) was granted additional time to file its plan for decommissioning the San Juan Generating Station.
- Argus reports thermal coal prices unchanged across the board in mild over-the-counter trading activity on Monday.
- Argus reports coal producer Paringa Resources has started processing raw coal at its Poplar Grove mine in Kentucky and expects to make its first commercial deliveries later this month.
- NPR reports a contest in Wyoming to boost carbon capture technology in an effort to save coal.
Green New Deal:
- The Courier Journal carries an op-ed by Sen. Mitch McConnell on the harms of the Green New Deal.
Climate:
- E&E Climatewire and InsideEPA report Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia recognize the dangers of climate change, but push for action that is pragmatic and emphasizes energy efficiency.
- PolitcoPro mentions a letter sent by the Carbon Capture Coalition, urging congressional leaders to recognize the role of carbon capture in climate legislation.