In the news today…
Coal:
- The Casper Star Tribune runs an editorial which argues that Blackjewel owes an explanation to its workers and Wyoming over the sudden closure of two coal mines.
- The Lexington Herald Leader reports a former employee filed a class action lawsuit against Blackjewel for breaking federal labor law regarding wages and benefits.
- Vox carries an editorial which argues that the coal industry is drying up in both Appalachia and Wyoming and that the coal workers are being left behind.
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports a federal appeals court in Cincinnati has ruled in favor of union power plant workers, supporting their claim for $5.5 million in back wages.
- Reuters reports at least half of the Democrats running for president have said they were interested in UMWA’s invitation to tour underground coal mines and speak with miners about the future of coal.
- The Environmental Working Group carries an editorial which argues that efforts to help the coal industry are futile and states should stop passing legislation to prop up coal and instead focus on transition funding.
- Argus reports U.S. generators will use less coal for the rest of this year than expected because of low gas prices and increased renewable supply.
- E&E Energywire reports BLM’s Colorado office is holding two hearings for coal mine expansions on the same day, which environmentalists claim was planned to stop public commentators from being present at both meetings.
Minerals:
- The Nevada Current carries an editorial which argues that Nevada’s mining tax policy for minerals is a farce and needs to be reformed.
- E&E Energywire reports a report by Greenpeace finds that deep-sea mining for minerals risks severe damage to the environment and suggests recycling minerals as an option for minerals supply in products like electric cars.