In the news today…
Grid:
- E&E News reports that a legal barrier blocking completion of a 100-mile power line in the Upper Midwest has been eliminated by a federal appeals court, which lifted an injunction prohibiting construction of the disputed project across a wildlife refuge.
Permitting:
- The Hill reports that a key Republican casts doubt on bipartisan permitting deal over a dispute with the White House about environmental policy, which could throw a wrench into ongoing talks about how to reform the nation’s infrastructure.
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports that loosening China’s grip on the rare earths market is a difficult, yet necessary battle.
- Washington Post reports the Senate last week passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an amendment aimed at boosting U.S. uranium production and enrichment.
WOTUS:
- The National Law Journal reports that industries across the U.S. economy are calling for the new WOTUS rule to be narrow in respect to the decision in Sackett v. EPA.
Commentary:
- Utility Dive carries an op-ed by Chip Silverman where he argues that demand charges are essential for a utility to recover the cost of maintaining, upgrading, and building the electric grid, according to the author. Demand charges are essential fees that enable a utility to recover the cost of maintaining, upgrading and building the electric grid in proportion to a customer’s grid impact. For electric customers that use high amounts of power, such as locations that host fast charging stations, demand charges are designed to ensure that each customer is paying their fair share to deliver power safely and reliably to all customers.