In the news today…
Coal:
- E&E News PM and the Associated Press report the Interior Department asserted it would lift the moratorium on leasing public lands for coal mining.
- E&E Greenwire reports Maryland would phase out six remaining coal-fired plants under proposed legislation.
- NPR reports as coal-fired power plants close, water is freed up for other uses, often leading to contentious debates.
- The Wall Street Journal reports many coal miners’ shares are concentrated in the hands of a few large U.S. investors, now that many investors are turning away from coal.
- Mining.com and Argus report the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has rejected Peabody and Arch’s plans to combine operations in Wyoming and Colorado.
- E&E Daily reports lawmakers on Wednesday said they would fix the “broken process” which has taxpayers paying for miners’ black lung health benefits.
Mining:
- The Financial Times reports Rio Tinto has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 and invest $1bn over the next five years in climate-related projects.
- E&E Greenwire reports Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy worked with Pebble to try and help the proposed mine, according to leaked emails obtained by E&E.
- E&E News PM reports the EPA requested more time again to determine whether the proposed Pebble mine threatens Bristol Bay in Alaska.
- The New York Times reports hyper-accumulating plants which thrive in metallic soil may lead to phytomining for minerals.
- The Mesabi Daily News carries an op-ed by Congressman Pete Stauber who argues on behalf of mining country in northern Minnesota and says projects like the PolyMet mine have been needlessly held up.
- Bring Me The News reports a majority of Minnesotans value protecting the environment over mining projects in the north of Minnesota, according to a new poll.
Congress:
- E&E Daily reports Sen. Murkowski’s energy package is expected to be released today.