Happy Friday!
In the news today…
Grid:
- Utility Dive reports that power plant operators in PJM’s territory could face up to $2 billion in penalties for not operating during widespread winter storms last month.
- Los Angeles Times reports that California analysts urge utilities to look for innovative ways to make the electricity grid more resilient after a series of storms left more than 400,000 people without power at one time.
Minerals:
- CNBC reports lithium company Ioneer said Friday that it’s secured a conditional commitment for a loan of up to $700 million from the Department of Energy as the U.S. seeks to develop new supply chains for materials that are critical to the energy transition.
Permitting:
- E&E Daily reports the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s new chair on Wednesday set aside GOP talking points to seek bipartisanship on issues like legislation to ease permitting for energy development.
- Washington Examiner reports talk of reforming environmental review and permitting laws has been muted so far early in this Congress, overtaken by initial housekeeping work and other immediate legislative priorities.
Coal:
- Argus reports US coal mining employment ended 2022 at its highest level in more than two years as some producers expanded output to take advantage of elevated demand and prices seen earlier in the year.