In the news today…
EPA:
- Washington Post reports from Associated Press that the Environmental Protection Agency is tightening rules that limit emissions of mercury and other harmful pollutants from coal-fired power plants, updating standards imposed more than a decade ago.
- Inside EPA reports EPA is proposing stricter air toxics requirements for power plants, including a lignite plant-specific mercury limit that would establish parity between that sector and other coal plants as well as tougher standards for all facilities regarding “filterable” particulate matter, though officials expect most plants to be able to comply with any new limits.
- Politico Pro reports EPA on Wednesday proposed strengthening an Obama-era rule limiting toxic pollutants from coal-fired power plants in a move the agency estimates will bring billions of dollars in public health benefits.
- E&E Greenwire reports EPA would crack down on power plants that burn a notoriously dirty form of coal while more broadly curbing industry releases of arsenic and other hazardous metals, under a draft Clean Air Act rule rolled out Wednesday.
Mining:
- RealClearEnergy carries an op-ed which argues Congress should pair permitting reform with smart, long-range support for domestic reuse and recycling of advanced energy technologies.
- E&E News PM reports Rep. Raúl Grijalva, the House Natural Resources Committee’s top Democrat, is calling on the Biden administration to hold off on advancing a massive and controversial copper mine in his home state of Arizona, and warning a Chinese government-backed company would have a hand in the project.
Coal:
- Argus reports US thermal coal exports rose for a second month in February on extended gains to Europe and higher demand from India.
- E&E Energywire reports the nation’s largest grid operator is facing pushback over record-breaking fines imposed following a storm this winter, with several power plant owners warning that the charges could run them out of business.