In the news today…
Grid:
- Telegraph Herald reports that a Wisconsin judge upholds a ruling by state regulators to approve a controversial transmission line connecting Iowa and Wisconsin.
- Crain’s Grand Rapids Business reports that Consumers Energy is deploying dozens more advanced technology devices on its Michigan electric grid this summer that are designed to limit the size and duration of outages.
- RTO Insider (subscription) reports that consumer advocates and lawmakers urge grid operator PJM to be more transparent in its decision making more transparent in its decision making as states look to connect a high volume of renewable energy to PJM’s grid.
EPA:
- Washington Examiner reports some climate groups and fossil fuel interests are singing in the same key about the upcoming EPA greenhouse gas rules for power plants: Carbon capture and sequestration isn’t ready.
- Bloomberg reports the Biden administration plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by relying on carbon capture technology barely used at US power plants.
Minerals:
- E&E Energywire reports a Biden administration plan to use mineral trade agreements to boost electric vehicles on U.S. roads is facing widespread pushback from unusual allies: Republicans and environmentalists.
- E&E News PM reports the Biden administration is moving to expedite the review and approval of a manganese and zinc mine in southern Arizona, setting up a standoff with a local environmental group concerned about the fate of vulnerable and endangered species in the Patagonia Mountains.
- Wall Street Journal carries a letter to the editor in which Rep. Pete Stauber argues we need to mine our mineral resources at home.
- Washington Post reports from Bloomberg that if the US and Europe are going to have a chance of challenging China’s dominance in clean technologies, they need to catch up fast on critical minerals.
- Axios reports bipartisan blowback is hampering the Biden administration’s strategy to use trade deals to enable more electric vehicles to qualify for tax credits.
Coal:
- Argus reports US coal exports in March rose to the highest in more than four years, helping to boost first-quarter US shipments and volumes at eastern US railroads.