Thanks to the Salem News for carrying my new op-ed on the importance of coal for preserving reliable and affordable electricity as we recover from COVID-19.
Author Archives: Terry M. Jarrett
Morning News Round Up: 5.6.20
In the news today…
Minerals:
- Jacksonville Free Press reports the U.S. needs a domestic uranium source to stay afloat.
NEPA:
- The EHS Daily Advisor reports 172,000 comments have been filed against changes to NEPA.
Coal:
- Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance and the Washington Post report coal companies have received more than $31 million from the Paycheck Protection Program.
- Politico Pro and The Hill report Democrats seek to stop fossil fuel companies from receiving coronavirus relief packages.
- GreentechMedia reports the U.S. is lagging on providing a ‘just transition’ for coal and nuclear industry workers.
- The Lexington Herald-Leader reports coal companies like Rhino Resource Partners are receiving PPP loans before other small businesses.
- Made in Alabama and Birmingham Business Journal report Warrior Met Coal is planning a new mining operation in Tuscaloosa County.
- E&E Energywire reports carbon capture and sequestration makes water scarcity a bigger problem.
Mining:
- KUNR reports mining companies in Nevada are essential during the coronavirus pandemic and are taking steps to increase social distancing on site and other safety measures.
- AZCentral carries an op-ed which argues current law ties the hands of neighborhood advocates who wish to stop mining projects in their area.
World News:
- Benzinga reports global metals mining companies will come together this week to discuss the situation under the coronavirus pandemic.
Will Electricity Be Affordable in Post-COVID America?
Thanks to the Pottstown Mercury (PA), Exton Daily Local (PA), Phoenix Reporter and Item (PA), Mainline Media News (PA), Swarthmore Times Herald (PA), Lansdale Reporter (PA), Delaware County Times (PA), Fort Myers News Press (FL), Deseret News (UT), Huntington Herald Dispatch (WV) and the Waco Tribune Herald (TX) for carrying my new op-ed on how coal will be an important resource for preserving affordable electricity prices as we recover from COVID-19.
Morning News Round Up: 5.4.20
In the news today and from the weekend…
EPA:
- E&E News PM reports the country’s blue states launched their legal attack on the Trump administration’s Clean Water Rule, saying it “opens the door to new and worse industry pollution.”
Coal:
- Gillette News Record reports Peabody may sell assets to handle the financial pressures of the pandemic.
- E&E Greenwire reports Rhino Resource Partners received a $10 million loan from the Paycheck Protection Program.
- The Hill reports fossil fuel companies have received more than $50 million in federal coronavirus relief.
- Mining.com reports global coal demand is heading for its biggest annual drop since World War II as economic activity plunges due to coronavirus lockdowns.
- Argus reports the second-largest US coal producer Arch Coal announced that it is changing its name to Arch Resources to reflect its shift to the metallurgical market.
- The Casper Star Tribune reports Wyoming’s coal industry is vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- E&E Climatewire reports natural gas may be emitting more pollution than previously calculated, erasing the difference between gas and coal for emissions.
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports the US government has stepped up efforts to ensure the supply of critical minerals from outside China.
Will electricity be affordable in our post COVID-19 nation?
Thanks to the Lisbon Morning Journal (OH) for carrying my new op-ed saying that coal will be essential for preserving affordable electricity prices as we recover from COVID-19.
Morning News Round Up: 5.1.20
In the news today…
Coal:
- The Wall Street Journal reports instead of stashing away cash for tough times, coal producers spent billions of dollars in dividends and stock buybacks to benefit their investors.
- Washington Examiner reports fossils fuels, particularly coal, have been harder hit by the coronavirus crisis than renewables.
- The Hill carries an op-ed which argues the coronavirus crisis only highlights why reinvestment in coalfields in Arizona is critical.
- Bloomberg reports Consol Energy Inc.’s effort to push rival coal company Murray Energy Corp. into liquidation is aimed at shuttering mines and reducing output in an oversupplied industry, according to the largest U.S. coal miners’ union.
Carbon Capture:
- Washington Examiner reports the Carbon Capture Coalition is re-upping its request that Congress provide a “direct pay” option for the 45Q federal tax credits and extend the deadline by which projects must begin construction to qualify.
- Politico Pro reports nearly $900 million in claimed carbon capture tax credits over a decade failed to follow EPA guidelines requiring companies to prove they successfully sequestered the carbon dioxide, according to the IRS’s inspector general.
Minerals:
- AZ Big Media reports environmentalists say uranium mining near the Grand Canyon is unwanted and unneeded.
- The Ripon Advance reports U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) on April 28 introduced legislation that would put an end to America’s dependence on foreign nations for critical minerals by bolstering the nation’s domestic supply chain.
- Power reports the nation’s nuclear industry this week blazed ahead on efforts to energize a U.S. commercial fuel supply that it says will be crucial for the widespread development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.
World News:
- Forbes reports Britain has gone three weeks without using coal for energy.
Morning News Round Up: 4.30.20
In the news today…
Coal:
- Lexington Herald Leader reports coal companies like Ramaco Resources received small business loans over other, smaller businesses in Kentucky.
- WBOI reports environmentalists are questioning whether Hallador Energy should qualify for a small business loan to weather COVID-19.
- Wyoming Public Media reports Wyoming may be the most hard hit state in the country due to its dependence on the mining and energy sectors.
Oil and Gas:
- E&E Energywire reports the Trump administration is looking at offering two lines of credit to help the beleaguered oil and gas industry as it reels from historically low prices sparked by the global coronavirus pandemic.
World News:
- Kitco reports silver has been most hard-hit globally by COVID-19, while gold has fared the best.
Wind:
- Energy News Network reports a Missouri bill that would essentially block developers from using eminent domain for the Grain Belt Express wind energy transmission project advances for a full state House vote.
Will electricity be affordable in post-COVID America?
Thanks to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat (PA), East Liverpool Review (OH), Greeley Tribune (CO) and Rockland County Times (NY) for carrying my new op-ed on how coal will be essential for preserving affordable electricity prices as we recover from COVID-19.
Morning News Round Up: 4.29.20
In the news today…
Coal:
- MinnPost reports coal remains the second largest commodity at the Port of Duluth-Superior, but it is steadily declining, and researchers say it could have ripple effects through the local economy.
- The Salt Lake Tribune and Argus report a Utah coal producer is seeking to expand its federal lease holdings by 5,500 acres around an Emery County mine.
- Argus reports Blackhawk Mining has restarted operations.
Paycheck Protection Program:
- The Washington Post reports a handful of publicly traded companies say they aren’t planning to return loans received from a small-business rescue program, despite pressure from the Trump administration to repay the funds.
Carbon Capture:
- Washington Examiner reports carbon capture tax credits — known as the 45Q program — aren’t enough to lower the financial risk for investors and project developers looking to retrofit coal- and natural gas-fired power plants with carbon capture.
ACE Rule:
- Argus reports nearly 80 congressional Democrats are opposing the ACE rule in court.
Mining:
- Mining.com reports mining companies will be able to weather the storm of COVID-19, despite setbacks.
World News:
- Politico Pro reports the coronavirus crisis may lead to the closing of Europe’s largest coal mine in Poland.
Morning News Round Up: 4.28.20
In the news today…
Coal:
- Utility Dive reports two Indiana utilities face scrutiny over the practice of self-scheduling and its environmental and economic costs mounts.
- State Impact Pennsylvania reports the coal industry, which was already struggling, is suffering under the coronavirus crisis.
- Argus reports U.S. coal-fired generation has fallen to a record low in February.
EPA:
- Politico Pro and E&E Greenwire report a conservative property rights group has filed a legal challenge to the Trump administration’s newly finalized Navigable Waters Protection Rule, arguing it defines federal power too broadly even though it significantly limits the reach of the Clean Water Act.
- E&E Greenwire reports an Obama-era mandate that new coal-fired power plants use partial carbon capture and storage to limit emissions will stay in place a little longer because of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Inside EPA reports a diverse coalition including faith- and health-focused groups, climate scientists, grid experts, law professors and some companies is backing a lawsuit seeking to overturn EPA’s ACE rule, filing friend-of-the-court briefs detailing why they believe the rule is unlawfully weak.
Minerals:
- Inside Climate News and E&E Greenwire report the White House’s nuclear policy could lead to new mines near the Grand Canyon.
World News:
- Bloomberg Green reports coal’s demise is accelerating with the global pandemic.
- Mining.com reports from Bloomberg as global electricity demand falls, coal is the biggest loser.
- Reuters reports global trade for thermal coal has taken a hit from the pandemic.
Morning News Round Up: 4.27.20
In the news today and from the weekend…
In the news today…
EPA:
- The Union of Concerned Scientists reports EPA’s new WOTUS rule is a departure from science-based criteria for determining bodies of water.
- ecoRI news reports fossil fuel companies are receiving relief from EPA and state agencies as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Coal:
- NPR reports the coronavirus crisis is exacerbating the troubles of the coal industry.
- The Hill reports President Trump on Friday expressed opposition to banks’ unwillingness to fund certain fossil fuel projects.
- S&P Global reports Consol Energy Inc. asked the bankruptcy court to convert the Chapter 11 reorganization of Murray Energy Corp. to a Chapter 7 liquidation.
- The Baker City Herald reports a coal mine that has been mired in attaining permits for nearly a decade is still controversial, even as it nears approval.
- S&P Global reports US power sector coal stockpiles totaled 140 million st in February, up 4.4% from January, US Energy Information Administration data showed Friday.
Emissions:
- The State Journal-Register reports that Illinois researchers say while the pandemic has slowed greenhouse gas emissions, longer-term solutions are needed to ensure climate benefits.
Minerals:
- Reuters reports the U.S. faces problems in sourcing minerals without the help of China.
Morning News Round Up: 4.24.20
In the news today…
Clean Water Act:
- Honolulu Civil Beat reports the Supreme Court ruled that pollution through groundwater requires Clean Water Act permitting.
- Politico Pro, Argus and E&E Greenwire report the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that pollution traveling indirectly to rivers and streams can be covered by the Clean Water Act’s permitting requirements.
Minerals:
- The Washington Examiner, Mining.com, E&E Energywire and E&E Greenwire report the White House released its Nuclear Fuel Working Group report to revive the U.S. uranium mining industry.
- Mining.com reports unprecedented disruptions to mines and supply chains have thrown the outlook for industrial and precious metals into disarray.
Coal:
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Pennsylvania’s plan to begin requiring power plants to pay to release carbon dioxide into the air would reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade and lead to coal power plant closures.
- KPVI reports 300 workers have been laid off at three Powder River Basin coal mines.
- Quartz reports the collapse of coal could lead to a glut of abandoned coal mines.
Mining:
- The Washington Post carries an op-ed by Mitt Romney in which he explains how heavily the U.S. relies on China, including in mining.
Solar:
- Greentech Media reports that as residential solar sales drop, some solar companies are countering with unprecedented discounts to keep signing up customers.
Morning News Round Up: 4.23.20
In the news today…
World News:
- The Wall Street Journal reports Asia is going through an energy transition as natural gas becomes as cheap as coal.
EPA:
- Chemistry World reports EPA has issued a final rule that concludes it is not ‘appropriate and necessary’ to regulate mercury pollution from coal fired power plants.
Coal:
- Seeking Alpha reports Ramaco Resources will be partially reopening a West Virginia mine with a government loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.
- Salon reports this Earth Day was a reminder of progress environmentalists have made to bring about the demise of coal.
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports the U.S. faces a problem as it tries to secure rare earth minerals without relying on China.
- Mining.com reports PolyMet Mining has petitioned the Minnesota Supreme Court to review a lower court ruling on the company’s air permit, which is necessary for a proposed copper-nickel mine on the Iron Range to go ahead.
Wind:
- The Columbia Missourian carries an op-ed discussing how misinformation surrounds plans for a central Missouri wind project, which clean energy advocates say would bring much-needed local revenue.
Morning News Round Up: 4.22.20
In the news today…
EPA:
- Devdiscourse reports the Trump administration has weakened the mercury rule.
- E&E Greenwire reports the WOTUS rule has been finalized, but litigation over the rule is expected.
Coal:
- E&E Greenwire reports Hallador Energy Co. received a government loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports coals outlook is grim as mines are idled across Appalachia.
- Argus reports Hampton Roads coal exports dropped to a four-month low in February.
- Earther reports locals are opposed to a proposed coal-to-diesel plant in Indiana.
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports copper prices have dropped drastically.
- Mining.com reports gold prices are surging.
Election 2020:
- E&E Climatewire reports progressives hope to move Joe Biden to adopt stronger climate policies now that Bernie Sanders is out of the race.
Morning News Round Up: 4.21.20
In the news today…
Coal:
- The Hill reports the coal industry is taking a hit from the coronavirus pandemic.
- Huff Post reports the New York City Council met Monday to introduce a resolution to formally demand banks, asset managers and insurance giant with which the city government does business divest from oil, gas and coal.
- The Bismarck Tribune carries a letter to the editor which argues that compromise on the view of carbon as a pollutant is killing the coal industry.
Minerals:
- E&E Greenwire and Mining.com report a federal judge Friday tossed out a trio of lawsuits that challenged EPA’s 2019 decision to ditch proposed restrictions on the planned Pebble mine in Alaska.
- E&E Energywire reports Ioneer Ltd. has announced a $168,000 grant to study if a rare wildflower can be transplanted to make way for a lithium mine.
EPA:
- The Hill and Inside EPA report environmental groups and utilities have filed their first briefs over the ACE Rule.
- E&E Greenwire reports the Trump administration will finalize its WOTUS rule on Tuesday (today).
FERC:
- E&E Energywire reports FERC is facing legal challenges over its decision to expand MOPR in PJM.
World News:
- Forbes reports coal will not help the world climb out of the recession caused by COVID-19 due to its cost.
- Mining.com reports renewable energy was higher than coal-fired generation in 2019, for the first time.
Morning News Round Up: 4.20.20
In the news today and from the weekend…
EPA:
- Inside EPA reports EPA formalized a new rule relating to MATS which critics say will help EPA justify not issuing stricter air rules.
- Politico Pro reports fears over the new MATS rule are greatly exaggerated.
- Utility Dive and Reuters report the revised MATS rule may open the door to future changes to air rules.
- E&E Daily reports some Republicans have broken ranks to come out against the revised MATS rule.
Coal:
- Axios and Latrobe Bulletin report the coronavirus crisis is accelerating the decline of coal.
- Utility Dive reports FERC denied a rehearing of MOPR.
- E&E Daily reports eight Democratic senators have asked the Trump administration to issue an emergency safety standard to protect miners during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
- E&E Energywire reports coal is taking the brunt of the impact from the novel coronavirus in the energy sector.
Nuclear:
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports FERC has been trying to prop up the nuclear industry over the past few months, but success to bail it out is mixed.
- E&E Energywire reports uranium prices are skyrocketing during the COVID-19 pandemic despite mine shutdowns.
Climate:
- CNBC reports that Goldman Sachs analysts don’t assume energy-related emissions will fully rebound after the pandemic, suggesting the world may have already reached peak carbon for energy.
Wind:
- The Des Moines Register reports that wind has surpassed coal as the largest source of electricity in Iowa, according to a national wind energy trade group.
Morning News Round Up: 4.17.20
In the news today…
Utilities:
- Utility Dive reports that members of Congress call for language in the next stimulus bill that would prohibit utilities from disconnecting customers during and immediately after the pandemic.
EPA:
- Roll Call and EcoWatch report EPA has finalized a new rule pertaining to MATS.
- Mining.com, The Hill, E&E Greenwire and Argus report the Trump administration on Thursday attacked the legal basis of requirements to capture mercury and other heavy metal pollution from power plants, setting the stage for a court to potentially toss out the mandates altogether.
Mining:
- Yahoo Finance reports President Trump has put together a list of industry leaders to discuss reopening the economy.
- The Oregonian and WANE report the Trump Administration will release new guidelines for opening the American economy after discussing with industry leaders.
Coal:
- The Guardian reports fossil fuel interests have lobbied for federal assistance.
Wind:
- Bloomberg reports wind turbine makers are finding it increasingly difficult to get necessary parts as suppliers are disrupted by lockdowns and coronavirus spread.
Morning News Round Up: 4.15.20
In the news today…
Emissions:
- Utility Dive reports that the U.S. power sector carbon emissions are expected to drop 7.5% this year due to the economic halt from COVID-19.
- Greentech Media reports that an international energy consultancy forecasts that new nuclear plants or carbon capture could be necessary for full decarbonization.
EPA:
- The New York Times reports the Trump administration will not tighten a regulation on industrial soot emissions that came up for review ahead of the coronavirus pandemic.
Energy Efficiency:
- The Hill reports that thirteen states and several environmental groups sue the Trump administration over its rollback of appliance efficiency standards.
Coal:
- Local DVM reports the U.S. Department of Labor announced $2,429,090 in additional National Dislocated Worker Grant funding will go toward helping laid-off coal miners in West Virginia, according to a news release for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin.
- Argus and the Delaware County Daily Times report CONSOL has provided an update for operations of its Pennsylvania mines.
Minerals:
- Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports iron mining facilities are idled in Minnesota due to the pandemic economic slowdown.
Morning News Round Up: 4.14.20
In the news today…
Coal:
- The Beckley Register-Herald reports coal mines could be a prime spreading ground for COVID-19.
- E&E Greenwire reports Murray Energy is on the verge of liquidation, which speaks to issues in the coal industry as a whole.
- Argus reports Murray Energy has warned employees of potential layoffs because of the company’s pending sale through bankruptcy court.
- Utility Dive reports on an EPA rule change to save 4 coal plants across Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
- E&E Greenwire reports water pollution from long-closed Appalachian mountaintop-removal coal mines may endanger birds, fish and salamanders, according to a new study.
Minerals:
- E&E Greenwire reports uranium miners looking for federal relief during the coronavirus crisis are meeting opposition from environmental groups.
- E&E Greenwire reports five conservation groups have joined a tribe’s effort to block the expansion of a northeast Nevada gold mine.
Utilities:
- Utility Dive reports that the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing utilities to get creative to keep capital projects on track and maintain services as employees work from home.
Emissions:
- MLive reports that Ann Arbor, Michigan, officials are considering dedicated taxes, various fundraising and “green bonds” to help pay for the city’s $1 billion carbon neutrality plan.
Morning News Round Up: 4.13.20
In the news today and from the weekend…
Coal:
- The Washington Examiner, Inside EPA and E&E News PM report the EPA is relaxing emissions requirements for a small number of coal plants that burn low-quality coal waste.
COVID-19:
- Real Clear Energy reports that America’s public power utilities are united in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Forbes reports that COVID-19 might be the wake-up call the energy sector needs when it comes to sustainability.
- S&P Global reports several utility rate cases have been extended or delayed in about a dozen states as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Legislative:
- Bloomberg Law reports a letter from 17 Republican U.S. senators seeks to ensure that fossil fuel companies aren’t excluded from the coronavirus bailout program being administered by BlackRock.