In the news today…
Mining:
- POGO carries an article which argues that policies on critical minerals were designed to accommodate the mining industry.
- The Heartland Institute reports the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the decision not to impose new national financial assurance requirements on the hardrock mining industry.
- The Center for Public Integrity reports “zombie” coal and uranium mines are idling indefinitely, throwing workers into limbo and side-stepping legally mandated environmental cleanup.
- Real Clear Politics (DC) carries an op-ed by Jeffrey Green, president and founder of J.A. Green & Co., in which he argues the U.S. must free itself from its dependence on foreign rare earths and support domestic production.
Coal:
- The Appalachian News-Express reports the Pike County Fiscal Court may take action against Cambrian Holding Company for unpaid taxes.
- E&E News PM reports environmentalists are arguing that the Trump administration is not adequately protecting aquatic species from the effects of Appalachian coal mining.
- The Wall Street Journal reports the decline in coal is hitting the economy of Wyoming significantly, affecting production and employment.
- Politico Pro reports the UMWA president Cecil Roberts is calling for bankruptcy reform to better protect workers when coal companies go bankrupt.
- NPR reports residents of a Wyoming town affected by the bankruptcy of Blackjewel are feeling that it is the end of the coal era.
- Argus reports the UMWA president says that the coal industry is still under pressure and calls for developing technology to remove carbon from coal combustion.
FERC:
- Argus reports the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission intends to act soon on a sweeping review of pipeline rates, a contested proceeding related to electric grid resilience and updates to renewable energy policy.
Hurricane Dorian:
- Argus reports several major ports are closed due to the incoming Hurricane; the US Coast Guard reopened Florida ports after the major storm threat passed.
2020 Debates:
- E&E Greenwire reports UMWA President Cecil Roberts is urged Democratic presidential candidates to consult miners on climate policy ahead of last night’s climate change town hall.
- The Associated Press reports UMWA president Cecil Roberts says presidential candidates must account for thousands of coal workers whose jobs are at risk because of mine closures.