Author Archives: Terry M. Jarrett

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the news today…

Coal:

• The Marietta Times reports the president of the Ohio Coal Association says the industry needs “thoughtful support from government to help it weather this storm.”
• Bloomberg Law reports a group of Republican senators is pushing to keep coal in the upcoming bailout program.
• WYMT reports families of miners are worried about safety from the novel coronavirus in coal mines.
• Argus reports Alliance Resource Partners is extending the shutdown of its Illinois mines by nearly two weeks.

Minerals:

• The Lincoln Journal Star reports environmental officials on Thursday approved plans for a copper mine in central Montana.
• Mining Technology details coronavirus responses from Barrick, AngloGold Ashanti and De Beers.

Mining:

• Environment News Service reports the Trump administration is easing the way for mining projects while the country battles the novel coronavirus.
• Mining.com reports Newmont has launched a $20 million support fund to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

World News:

• Mining.com reports global production of coal is expected to grow marginally despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the news today…

Coal:

• Utility Dive reports the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt North American power markets for 18 months or more, potentially setting off a new wave of coal retirements; experts say it may also slow investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
• POGO reports industries such as the coal industry should not be bailed out without oversight.
• Casper Star Tribune reports Peabody Energy will be reducing its workforce for the second consecutive month at three Powder River Basin mines.
• Mining.com reports U.S. coal production will fall this year due to the coronavirus forcing workers to stay at home, dragging down the demand for electricity.
• Argus reports measures aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Texas have had little effect on peak electricity demand in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) but are curbing overall demand.
• Scientific American reports coal may not survive the coronavirus pandemic.
• E&E Energywire reports Florida Power & Light Co. no longer wants to own part of the nation’s largest operating coal-fired power plant in Georgia.
• E&E Energywire reports environmentalists are pressing Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to freeze fossil fuel extraction in Colorado, pointing to new research that suggests air pollution influences coronavirus death rates.

Mining:

• Wyoming Public Media reports infrastructure workers are concerned employers aren’t serious about safety in the face of COVID-19.

In the news today…

Coal:

• The Times West Virginian reports coal mines may be prime spreading grounds for COVID-19.
• The Livingston Enterprise carries an op-ed in which the author argues coal in Wyoming can’t be saved, no matter what good contributions it has made in the past; experts say it may also slow investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
• Argus and E&E Energywire report efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and the US economic slowdown will further reduce US coal consumption and production this year, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted.
• E&E Climatewire reports coal may not survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Mining:

• The Washington Post reports the law states mining companies must disclose payments to the government, but the law is not enforced.
• Mining.com reports three Freeport employees in New Mexico have tested positive for COVID-19.

In the news today…

Coal:

• WV Metro News reports coal mining has slowed, but not stopped, amid the coronavirus outbreak.
• Billings Gazette reports documents show that NorthWestern Energy has agreed to let Unit 3 of the Colstrip power plant in Montana be shut down in exchange for a larger stake of Unit 4.
• The Times West Virginian reports coal mines are prime spreading grounds for COVID-19.

Uranium:

• WIRED reports the operators of Arizona’s Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station have had to adapt their refueling plans because of the coronavirus outbreak.
• Mining.com reports Nevada Copper has temporarily suspended production at its Pumpkin Hollow project as a result of stringent travel and workplace restrictions imposed by state government.
• Mining.com reports Ely Gold Royalties will expand its Tonopah West property in Nevada.

NEPA:

• E&E Greenwire reports environmentalists and congressional Democrats say the White House favored the fossil fuel industry when rewriting the rules surrounding NEPA.

In the news today and over the weekend…

Mining:

• Renew Economy reports the fossil fuel industry has made requests for federal assistance during the pandemic.
• E&E Greenwire reports Alaska’s senators yesterday questioned the Army Corps of Engineers’ ability to finish its environmental review of the proposed Pebble mine by this summer because of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Nevada Gold Mines will provide financial and logistical support to local communities to combat the impact of COVID-19, donating $1.5 million.

Coal:

• Argus reports Contura will idle the majority of its mines to manage the challenges of a weakened market.
• Argus reports coal mining employment fell to a new low for March in reaction to falling demand and the coronavirus.

World News:

• Mining.com reports on the fragility of China’s raw metals materials supply chains.

In the news today:

Coal:

• DeSmog reports fossil fuel industries are making requests for aid in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Mining Magazine reports Alliance has stopped work at all of its Illinois Basin mines.
• WFIE reports River View Coal, whose parent company is Alliance Resource Partners, is laying off hundreds of employees.
• The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reports two coal mining operations in Virginia have announced temporary closures.
• Argus reports coal-fired generation in three of the nation’s power grids fell by more than a third in the first quarter compared with a year earlier.
• Argus reports U.S. thermal coal exports rose on a year-over-year basis for the first time in 13 months in February.

Mining:

• Casper Star Tribune reports Wyoming mineral industries are asking to be deemed ‘essential’ in the event of a shelter-in-place order.
• Salem News  (OH) carries an op-ed by Michael Stumo, CEO of the Coalition for a Prosperous America, in which he argues that the global crisis has highlighted U.S. import dependence on China and it’s time to support domestic supply chains for minerals.

In the news today…

Coal:

• Wyoming Public Media reports senators have signed a letter requesting relief for oil, gas and coal producers.
• Bristol Herald Courier reports production has been idled at Virginia’s leading underground coal mine in response to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
• Crain’s Cleveland Business, Mining.com and E&E News PM report Murray Energy is close to liquidation.
• S&P Global reports an East Kentucky Cooperative reduced its monthly contracts with four coal suppliers by 20%.
• E&E Energywire reports New Mexico will be abandoning two remaining units at the San Juan Generating Station in a 5-0 decision.

Carbon Capture:

• Energy News Network reports Sen. Sharif Street of Pennsylvania is supporting carbon capture initiatives to try and work across the aisle.

Stimulus:

• The Wall Street Journal reports lobbyists are seeing an uptick in activity in the coronavirus stimulus packages; copper in particular is noted.

Renewables:

• E&E Energywire reports renewables beat coal for the first time ever on a quarterly basis.