In the news today…
Mining:
- Surrey Now-Leader reports the United States government has approved US$3.6 million in spending to help Alaska pressure the B.C. government into reforming mining regulations they claim are lax and present an imminent threat to fish and habitat in transboundary watersheds.
- Washington Post and E&E Greenwire report a Michigan judge has overruled state regulators who approved a key permit for a proposed open-pit mine in the Upper Peninsula, another delay for a project that has been debated for nearly two decades.
Coal:
- Wyoming Public Media reports a federal bankruptcy court has authorized the rejection of the ground lease between the Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview, LLC and Lighthouse Resources Inc, effective this Friday, Jan. 8.
- Argus reports a federal bankruptcy court has given Powder River basin coal producer Lighthouse Resources approval to shed its sub-lease and assets tied to Millennium Bulk Terminals, potentially ending efforts to build the proposed west coast coal export terminal project.
- The Logan Banner carries an editorial that argues against closing coal-fired power plants in West Virginia.
- The Charleston Gazette-Mail carries a letter to the editor arguing for the abandonment of coal-fired generation.
- Argus reports coal-fired generation in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) fell by 14pc in 2020 from a year earlier as renewables and natural gas gained market share.
Nuclear:
- WIFR reports in response to Exelon’s announcement of the premature closure of two of Illinois’ six nuclear plants, the Illinois AFL-CIO released an updated version of the Brattle Group’s Illinois Nuclear Impacts Report, which highlights the economic losses and environmental impacts Illinois’ and its local communities will face with the retirement of these plants.