In the news today…
Grid:
- Utility Dive reports that average interconnection costs for projects waiting to be built in grid operator PJM’s territory increased eightfold from 2020 to 2022.
- Utility Dive reports that U.S. utilities prepare for more distributed energy resources to come online this year, bringing opportunities for load flexibility.
Clean Water Act:
- National Mortgage Professional reports a diverse group of 17 national and regional organizations — including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Petroleum Institute, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and the National Mining Association (NMA) — have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn a recent revision to the federal Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.
Mining:
- Washington Examiner reports an Australian mining company has been cited for endangering a 6-inch desert wildflower less than a week after the Department of Energy signed off on a $700 million conditional loan for the company to mine lithium in Nevada.
- E&E Climatewire reports steel manufacturers should work with coal producers to curb methane leaks from mines to reduce the overall warming impact from making the alloy, according to a report from energy think tank Ember.
Minerals:
- E&E Greenwire reports the Biden administration plans to back as many as 16 overseas projects to mine, refine and recycle minerals for electric vehicle batteries and other renewable technology, while moving forward with requirements to ensure those deals don’t result in environmental degradation and human rights violations.
- Washington Post reports U.S. reliance on Russian nuclear fuel is substantial, but American companies have some options if Rosatom is hit with sanctions.