In the news today…
EPA:
- Inside EPA reports EPA appears poised to release its rule likely tightening the mercury and air toxics standards (MATS) for power plants, thought the measure appears to have cleared White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review earlier than anticipated as officials canceled previously scheduled meetings with industry groups.
- E&E News PM reports the Biden administration’s wide-ranging power plant strategy could culminate next week with the release of as many as four EPA rules targeting carbon, air pollution and waste from fossil fuels generation.
Mining:
- Politico Pro reports the Biden administration is preparing to reject a controversial road-building project need to mine major copper and zinc deposits in the remote Alaska wilderness, a move sought by native tribes, but one that would keep critical minerals needed for the U.S. clean energy transition out of reach.
- The New York Times reports the Biden administration is expected to deny permission for a 211-mile industrial road through fragile Alaskan wilderness to a large copper deposit, handing a victory to environmentalists in an election year when the president wants to underscore his credentials as a climate leader and conservationist.
- Mining.com reports the Biden administration is set to reject the construction of an access road to the Ambler mining district in northern Alaska, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing two people with knowledge on the decision.
- E&E Greenwire reports fencing, locked gates and dust-dampening measures will help protect the endangered Tiehm’s buckwheat from the impacts of an ambitious open-pit lithium and boron mine proposed for rural Nevada, according to a draft environmental impact statement made public Tuesday.
Steel:
- E&E Climatewire reports the White House is calling for a large increase in tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum as part of a push for low-carbon manufacturing.