In the news today…
Grid:
- Utility Dive reports capacity prices in most of grid operator PJM’s territory fell to a 10-year low amid a surge in power generation.
- KTSP reports that grid operator MISO issued a hot weather alert for its entire territory until Friday, asking utilities to delay discretionary maintenance and prepare emergency resources.
- WSIL reports that an Illinois electric cooperative warns members of potential rolling blackouts this summer amid high temperatures and high demand for energy.
Coal:
- World Coal reports polling shows, in the face of rising warnings over rolling blackouts, nearly eight in 10 voters – including a majority of Democrats, Republicans and Independents – want the US government to take action to prevent premature closings of functioning power plants until replacement generating capacity is built and online.
- Argus reports central Appalachian coal production rose last quarter from a year earlier amid elevated demand.
- Argus reports investment in coal production is forecast to rise by 10pc on the year to $115.6bn in 2022 as tight supply continues, but a prolonged increase in coal financing is unlikely, according to the IEA.
EPA:
- E&E Greenwire reports the Supreme Court will decide the fate of the nation’s most contentious Clean Water Act rule before EPA releases regulations on the matter, according to a new regulatory blueprint released yesterday.
Mining:
- E&E News PM reports President Joe Biden has tapped Moshe Marvit, a Pittsburgh-based attorney for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, to serve as one of the panel’s five commissioners.
- WCNC reports as Piedmont Lithium continues to go through the regulatory process to open a lithium mine in Gaston County, the company said they’re moving forward with projects abroad to produce the material needed for electric vehicle batteries.
Minerals:
- E&E Energywire reports West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin criticized the idea of a national shift away from gas cars toward electric vehicles in lacerating terms yesterday, raising doubts about the fate of pro-EV policies being discussed in reconciliation bill talks.