In the news today…
FERC:
- Argus, E&E Energywire and Utility Dive report President Donald Trump will nominate Virginia utility regulator Mark Christie (Republican) and clean energy attorney Allison Clements (Democrat) to fill long-vacant seats at the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Mining:
- S&P Global reports mining companies around the world are working to slash greenhouse gas emissions, but many of the largest have yet to align their goals with international targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
- The Real News Network reports Joe Biden’s climate plan is not ambitious enough.
- Inside EPA reports the Army Corps of Engineers’ final environmental impact statement (EIS) finding no significant harms from the controversial proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska is prompting an outcry from former EPA officials, Democrats and environmental groups, including the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) which is vowing to sue to stop the project.
Minerals:
- Washington Examiner reports House Republicans in recent weeks have looked to highlight critical minerals, arguing the pandemic has exposed the risks from the production of essential minerals being concentrated in a few countries.
- Forbes reports industry advocates are looking for alternative uses for nuclear power beyond large-scale power plants.
- Mining.com reports Lynas Corp announced on Monday it has signed a contract with the US Department of Defense to begin initial design work for its heavy rare earth separation facility in Texas that the Pentagon is providing initial funding for.
- E&E Energywire reports the coronavirus pandemic may make it harder for companies to undertake drastic reforms of how they source the lithium and cobalt used in electric vehicle batteries.
- E&E Daily reports energy assistance for low-income Americans and legislation to streamline permitting for domestic mining are part of the roughly $1 trillion COVID-19 relief package unveiled by Senate Republicans.
Coal:
- The New Republic reports state politics show the coal industry is fighting a losing battle against its former allies.
- Argus reports US coal producer Alliance Resource Partners’ coal shipments were nearly cut in half during the second quarter as production and demand fell during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it expects demand to increase.
- Argus reports US coal-fired generation set a record low for May as mitigation efforts for the Covid-19 pandemic decreased power demand.
Energy:
- Ohio Valley Resource reports fallout from the bribery investigation in Ohio could lead to an energy transition in the state.
White House:
- Inside EPA reports the top environment official at the DOJ says the White House’s newly finalized overhaul of NEPA implementing rules could nullify multiple longstanding court precedents to the extent those cases were decided based on the prior rule issued in the 1970s, rather than the NEPA statute.
World News:
- E&E Climatewire reports Japan’s prominent environment minister says he isn’t backing down in his battle against coal, despite resistance in powerful corners of the government.