In the news today and from the weekend…
Coal:
- The WV Herald-Dispatch carries an op-ed in which the author argues that West Virginia coal will play a key part in America’s energy future.
- Quartz reports on the similarities between the western U.S. and Saudi Arabia’s economic reliance on fossil fuels.
Minerals:
- High Country News reports a group of conservation organizations have challenged a new copper mine’s operating permit in court in Montana.
- E&E Greenwire reports a state judge yesterday ruled in favor of a Virginia uranium mining moratorium that has already survived scrutiny by the nation’s highest bench.
- Politico Pro reports the Pentagon is funding projects at three U.S. mines that could offer a fix to America’s dependence on rare earth minerals from China.
- Mining.com reports deep sea mining could hold the key to supporting minerals supply chains, but scientists are uncertain whether that should be done.
Mining:
- E&E Greenwire and The Hill reports House Democrats today passed a $1.3 trillion spending package that puts them at odds with the Trump White House over Department of Energy funding priorities and would block permitting for the Pebble mine in Alaska.
Carbon Capture:
- E&E News PM reports bipartisan legislation introduced in the House today would allow a direct payment option for the 45Q carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) tax credit.