In the news today…
Mining:
- E&E Daily reports Ryan Zinke’s ties to the fossil fuel industry are coming under increasing scrutiny as the former Interior secretary attempts to win a House seat.
- E&E Greenwire reports a U.K. human rights organization today accused a major mining industry responsible sourcing initiative of being a “laundromat” for conflict minerals.
Environment:
- Mining.com carries an op-ed from Reuters which argues not one of the biggest listed Western mining companies has an executive with the title of chief ESG officer, and only one has a person with a somewhat similar title.
- Inside EPA reports EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) has decided to review the Biden administration’s proposed definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS), though the board’s ability to shape any final rule is uncertain given the pending Supreme Court case that could limit the agency’s authority in how it determines the scope of the Clean Water Act.
Coal:
- Washington Examiner reports in an interview with the Washington Examiner, Sen. Steve Daines, who traveled to Ukraine earlier this month, said the crisis in Europe should serve as a “wake-up call” for the U.S. as it seeks to build out its own domestic production.
- WV Public Broadcasting reports representatives from the coal industry testified in Washington Wednesday about rail service issues that could put a strain on the nation’s power grid.
- E&E Climatewire reports in a typical upswing, Arch Resources would be expected to spend money to boost output. Instead, the company has set aside $100 million to cover reclamation obligations.