In the news today…
Mining Law:
- The Washington Post reports prominent congressional Democrats are pushing to update the nation’s 150-year-old mining law, as President Biden seeks to spur the production of critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries and other green technologies.
- Daily Caller reports several top Democrats doubled down on an effort Tuesday to reform a centuries-old mining law, introducing restrictions on future U.S. mining projects.
- E&E Daily reports congressional Democrats rallied outside the Capitol yesterday in support of a progressive mining reform bill scheduled for a hearing this week.
- Politico Pro reports a trio of Democratic lawmakers urged their colleagues on Tuesday to overhaul the statute governing the nation’s mining industry on the 150th anniversary of President Ulysses S. Grant signing the General Mining Law of 1872.
Coal:
- S&P Global reports U.S. coal miners, eager to sell into a reinvigorated market, are struggling to move their product as train lines tangle with a severe labor shortage.
- E&E Daily reports Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet will introduce a novel proposal to help fossil fuel communities upended by the energy transition.
Mining:
- Mining.com reports Tesla is open to buying a mining company if producing its own supply of electric vehicle (EV) metals would speed up worldwide adoption of clean energy technologies, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Tuesday.
- Reuters carries an op-ed which argues mining is probably the most vital sector to the global energy transition and the success of the much-vaunted net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 targets, but it’s currently the laggard in the process.
- E&E Daily reports congressional Republicans have barreled headlong into a dispute between commissioners at the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, as documents suggest deeper troubles at the agency.
Minerals:
- Washington Examiner reports another automaker is warning that an inadequate battery supply chain will threaten manufacturers’ viability in the coming years as they build more electric vehicles.
- E&E Daily reports the House backed a $40 billion Ukrainian aid package last night that contains hundreds of millions for critical minerals production and support for that country’s nuclear regulators.