Monthly Archives: October 2020

In the news today…

Mining:

• Mining.com reports the election will decide the fate of the Pebble mine project as well as other mining projects.

Coal:

• Prairie Public News reports the University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center has been doing the study of what are called “rare earth” elements in lignite coal.
• E&E News PM reports a federal appeals court today halted construction activities at Colorado’s largest coal mine, West Elk, located in a “roadless area,” while it reviews a challenge from conservation groups to a law that allowed coal mining there.

Energy:

• Billings Gazette reports, for the first time, Montana’s Public Service Commission has closed the books on a utility’s 20-year energy plan complete with closures of coal-fired power plants.
• E&E Energywire reports Southern Co. may be on track to cut its use of coal-fired power to less than 20% of its electricity portfolio, company executives said yesterday, marking a milestone at a utility known for burning lots of coal and using its lobbying muscle in Washington to protect the interests of coal producers.

In the news today…

EPA:

• ProPublica and NOLA.com report EPA is not tightening restrictions on air pollution standards for particulate matter.

FERC:

• E&E Energywire reports a coal power trade group is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to finish defining grid “resilience” following years of agency inaction.

Minerals:

• The Financial Times carries an op-ed which argues China’s dominance of rare earths must be countered.

Coal:

• Indiana Public Media reports the Energy Task Force is trying to figure out how to pay for the remaining costs associated with coal plants that retire early.
• The Indy Star carries an op-ed which argues the Petersburg coal plant must be shut down.
• E&E Greenwire reports the market for coal will continue to dry up — albeit at different rates — no matter which presidential candidate wins the election, according to a new report.
• Argus reports the decline in US thermal coal demand would accelerate under policies promulgated by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service said.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the coal industry is in decline, but coal country still largely backs President Trump.