In the news today…
Coal:
- NM Political Report reports the utility PNM, which is slated to exit the San Juan Generating Station in 2022, will now need to rely on 100 percent renewable energy and battery storage to replace the power generated at the coal-fired plant.
- Gillette News Record reports Arch Resources’ CEO says a joint venture with Peabody Energy “is the best path forward” for the company’s Powder River Basin mines.
- Argus reports FERC regulators this week approved a Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) tariff change that would add a new affiliate sector to its advisory committee potentially giving more representation for coal industry advocates.
Mining:
- Politico Pro reports House lawmakers on Thursday adopted a host of energy amendments, including one preventing the Trump administration from moving forward on the controversial Pebble Mine project.
- E&E Daily reports the House voted to block permitting of Alaska’s Pebble mine and boost clean energy spending yesterday as it plowed through hundreds of amendments to a $1.3 trillion spending package.
- Forbes reports sustainability has become just as important as the product for mined materials like jewelry.
Renewables:
- Utility Dive reports experts are saying that recent changes federal PURPA rules will mostly benefit utilities while harming small-scale solar developers.