In the news today…
EPA:
- Inside EPA reports the mining and pesticide industries, along with state regulators, are backing a Trump administration proposed rule seeking to streamline EPA and other agencies’ consultations with federal wildlife agencies on risks to listed species, with industry seeking greater involvement in reviews, though environmentalists are threatening to sue to block the changes. NMA’s comments are highlighted.
- Inside EPA reports EPA and other Trump administration officials are stepping up their efforts to secure more “Good Samaritan” voluntary cleanups at abandoned mine sites that have been difficult to advance because of strict legal liability that often dissuades such voluntary parties from signing up to remediate the sites.
- The Hill reports the EPA plans to implement an “accelerated” process for deciding whether to further restrict allowable ground-level ozone pollution limits. In a draft plan released Friday, the EPA explained that in order to meet the legally required deadline of late 2020 to make a final decision on ozone, it has found some ways to speed up the review process.
ACE:
- Argus provides coverage on comments submitted in response to the EPA’s Affordable Clean Energy rule.
Coal:
- Utility Dive reports the U.S. will retire 15.4 GW of coal capacity this year, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) reported, “easily” exceeding the previous record of 14.7 GW of coal shutdowns in 2015.
- Charleston Gazette-Mail reports a group funded by coal giant Murray Energy has lost its latest court battle to block construction of new natural gas power plants in West Virginia.
- AP reports Northern Indiana Public Service Co. is planning to phase out its coal power units by gradually embracing renewable energy sources.
Ballot Measures:
- E&E Daily reports people in 37 states will decide on 155 state ballot measures, according to the website Ballotpedia. Energy is a standout theme, with six measures in six states related to fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy generation.