In the news today and from the weekend…
Electric Grid:
- Real Clear Energy carries an op-ed from Gerry Scimeca, vice president of Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, warning against the loss of fuel diversity on the grid given that increasing reliance on natural gas comes at the same time as growing natural gas exports.
- The Washington Examiner carries an op-ed in response to Mark Perry’s March 18 op-ed. In the response, Michael Bryson of PJM argues PJM used coal and oil over natural gas during the recent cold snap due to affordability and that retiring coal plants will not affect the ability of PJM to supply power to Americans.
Coal:
- The Billings Gazette reports Rosebud Mine, under new ownership following the bankruptcy of Westmoreland Coal Co., appears to be on steadier footing and will continue to deliver coal to Colstrip Power Plant through the end of the year.
- The Insurance Journal reports cuts to the federal Black Lung Disability Trust Fund make taxpayers liable to pay for the difference.
- E&E News PM reports the Navajo Generating Station and Kayenta mine will close this year, after a Navajo Nation company’s bid to buy ended.
- Greentech Media reports a new proposal in Colorado which would supply securitization through bonds to help ease the closing of coal power plants and fund the transition of workers.
- E&E Climatewire reports a new report which suggests switching from coal-fired plants to renewables could save consumers money amid growing closures of coal power plants.
- Energy News Network reports a new study which finds that locally generated solar and wind energy could replace almost three-fourths of electricity supplied by coal plants at less cost by 2025.
- Gallup reports most Americans support reducing fossil fuel use, with coal being the least supported energy source with 50% of those polled responding they want less emphasis on coal production.
- Axios reports growing investment in carbon removal technology across numerous startups.
- WJHL reports Virginia coal mining jobs increased in 2018 for the first time in five years, while coal production decreased.
- E&E Daily reports the House Natural Resources Committee will search for best ways to help communities recover abandoned coal mines.
- The Denver Post reports coal production in Colorado decreased in 2018.
EPA:
- E&E News PM reports EPA has advanced a proposed rule on “project emissions accounting” which would ultimately streamline the permitting process for the New Source Review permitting program.
- InsideEPA reports EPA’s proposal to scrap the Obama-era finding that its power plant air toxics rule was “appropriate and necessary” while keeping MATS could open new legal challenges to killing MATS overall.
Climate:
- PoliticoPro reports Rep. Matt Gaetz is circulating a “Green Real Deal” resolution, which supports innovation such as carbon capture and storage technology, in response to the Green New Deal.
- PoliticoPro reports the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service released a report examining approaches to carbon taxes and emissions fees.
- Axios reports the International Energy Agency is close to releasing its latest analysis of global CO2 energy efficiency and carbon emissions.
Energy:
- The Associated Press reports New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation mandating more solar panels and wind turbines as the state sets new renewable energy goals.
- The Minot Daily News reports Brian Davey, CEO of Brown Coal Innovation Australia, and Janet Gellici, CEO of the National Coal Council, will be the keynote speakers when the Lignite Energy Council holds its annual meeting April 24-25 at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck.
- CBS News reports major oil and gas companies have poured more than $100 billion into their fossil fuel infrastructure, more than 10 times the amount they have spent on low-carbon investments.
World News:
- E&E Climatewire reports the European Union pushed back a decision on fighting climate change, with some countries opposing a pledge to end most emissions from greenhouse gases by 2050.