In the news today…
Coal:
- WJHL reports coal mining jobs in Virginia have increased in 2018 for the first time in five years, but coal production has slightly decreased; despite this rise, coal mines still employ far fewer people in 2018 than they did five years ago.
- WBOY reports a West Virginia company re-imagining uses for coal as roofing tile which is lighter, more durable and less flammable than ceramic tile.
- Knox News reports TVA is considering a proposal from a Kentucky company to buy and continue operations of the Paradise plant.
- The Casper Star Tribune reports Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon calls for Wyoming to be “realistic and mature” about its reliance on tax revenue from coal, oil and natural gas, which could drop significantly.
- Argus reports coal-fired and nuclear generation in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) have continued to lose ground to natural gas and renewable sources this year.
Minerals:
- E&E Energywire reports investor appetite is back for lithium after months of uncertainty over prices and fears of oversupply for the mineral essential to power electric vehicle batteries.
Climate:
- PoliticoPro reports Rep. Paul Tonko argues that relying on technological innovation to address climate change is insufficient and outlined his principles for climate legislation.
- InsideEPA reports carbon tax supporters are refining their policies in the face of skepticism from progressives of the effectiveness of a tax and opposition from most Republicans.
- E&E News PM reports the Federal Energy Regulation Commission is split about whether to incorporate greenhouse gas emission analysis into project environmental assessments.