In the news today…
Coal:
- The Farmington Daily Times reports the governor of New Mexico is committing $40 million in assistance to San Juan County, the Navajo Nation and displaced workers if the San Juan Generating Station closes in 2022.
- Yale Climate Connections carries an op-ed in which the author argues that economics, not regulation, is the reason coal is in decline.
- The Casper Star Tribune reports Blackjewel has yet to finalize a new financing proposal that would bring its coal mines back to full operation.
- E&E News PM reports looming economic threats face 26 U.S. counties that are “coal-mining dependent” according to a new report.
- The Ohio Valley Resource reports declining coal tax revenues place coal-reliant counties in Appalachia at risk of fiscal collapse, according to new research.
- S&P Global reports power plant owners with plans to retire the most coal-fired capacity in the next several years said they would not change course based on the Trump administration’s ACE rule.
Minerals:
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports a Department of the Air Force request for information concerning the capacity and processing capabilities of the domestic rare earth mining industry could boost U.S. production.
- The Hill carries an op-ed in which the author argues that those who oppose the proposed Twin Metals Minnesota mine do not have the facts to back up their position since a formal proposal has yet to be submitted.
- E&E Greenwire reports two uranium mining companies have hired the same lobbying firm in their fight for domestic uranium trade protections.
- Enter Stage Right carries an op-ed by Paul Driessen and Ned Mamula who argue that vital minerals are available in the U.S. and permitting laws should be streamlined to encourage domestic mining.
EPA:
- Politico Pro and Inside EPA report EPA has sent its final rule to repeal the WOTUS rule to the White House for interagency review.
- E&E Daily reports Sen. Rand Paul has revived a legislative package that would reduce the reach of EPA’s New Source Review permitting program for power plants and other industrial facilities.
FERC:
- E&E Energywire reports a coalition of power industry groups launched a legal fight over a federal regulation opening wholesale electricity markets to energy storage technologies like batteries.
World News:
- Reuters reports China’s coal output for June hit a record high as miners ramped up production to ensure supply ahead of peak summer demand for electricity.