In the news today…
Mining:
- The Hill reports the Trump administration is signaling a renewed push to consider uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, a move that would undoubtedly ignite a political fight involving environmentalists and the mining industry. NMA is mentioned.
Electric Vehicles:
- E&E Energywire reports Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk said yesterday that the automaker could expand into mining as it casts about for ways to bring down costs and scale up production of its batteries.
Coal:
- Politico Pro reports U.S. coal consumption hit its lowest level in nearly four decades last year and is on track to keep falling, according to the latest forecast from the U.S. EIA.
- Politico Pro reports Secretary of Energy Perry today gave the clearest indication yet that his agency isn’t planning to provide financial support to keep struggling coal and nuclear plants from closing.
- WBUR reports a Kentucky county struggles to figure out what comes next now that a coal-fired power plant that was its main source of income is closing.
- Daily Energy Insider reports the DOE’s Office of Fuel Energy this week announced investments of $39 million into 17 projects meant to improve various elements of existing coal plants.
Energy:
- CNN Business reports the renewable energy sector had slightly more installed capacity than coal in April, according to a FERC report.
Nominations:
- E&E Daily reports Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Democrats pressed William Kilbride, President Trump’s nominee for the Tennessee Valley Authority board, about the utility’s ties to pro-fossil fuel interests.
World News:
- Greentech Media reports adverse economic conditions are driving coal out of European energy markets even faster than previously thought.