In the news today…
Environment:
- Alternet claims that the Trump administration’s “gutting” of environmental protections will lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths.
Coal:
- Energy News Network reports facing the closure of a coal-burning plant that had been its main source of power for decades, a southern Minnesota utility recently unveiled an aggressive plan to develop renewable energy over the next decade.
- Politico Pro and E&E News PM report the city of Oakland, Calif., unlawfully passed an ordinance barring coal from being transported through a rail-to-ship terminal, a split panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for 9th Circuit in San Francisco ruled on Tuesday.
- E&E Climatewire reports there are 13 coal plant closures scheduled for 2020.
- Power Magazine reports coal is still king worldwide, thanks to Asia.
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports the electric vehicle revolution has slowed due to the coronavirus pandemic, slowing lithium production as well.
- Mining.com reports USA Rare Earth, the funding and development partner of the Round Top Heavy Rare Earth project in West Texas, together with Texas Mineral Resources, announced Tuesday that it has successfully completed its Phase I bench scale testing at Inventure Renewables laboratory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
EPA:
- Inside EPA reports environmentalists, public health advocates and former EPA scientists are clashing with major industry groups over EPA’s plan to retain its suite of particulate matter (PM) ambient air limits.
- E&E Greenwire reports Colorado is suing the Trump administration over its changes to the Clean Water Rule.
Utilities:
- Utility Dive reports the chief operating officer of ComEd says the utility has taken several steps to ensure worker safety during the pandemic.