In the news today…
Mining:
- Capital Research Center carries a four-part series on Federal Land Withdrawals, arguing in favor of mining on federal lands to decrease U.S. import reliance.
Emissions:
- E&E Climatewire reports states face difficulties in lowering emissions from cars.
Coal:
- E&E Energywire reports a recent study found that more than 26,000 lives were saved by shuttering coal-fired units across the U.S. between 2005 and 2016.
- The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the coal company that laid off dozens of employees last month without pay had failed to post a performance bond with the state, possibly in violation of state law.
- Charleston Gazette-Mail and E&E Greenwire report Panther Creek Mining of West Virginia will lay off 65 workers in March.
- Arizona Republic reports one of three generators at the Cholla coal-fired power plant in Arizona will close this year.
- E&E Greenwire reports The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Navajo Transitional Energy Co. have agreed to a 65-day extension of an earlier interim waiver of sovereign immunity, keeping the Navajo Nation coal mine open possibly another two months.
- Utility Dive reports Xcel Minnesota claims running coal seasonally will save customers money and reduce emissions.
Carbon Capture:
- The Farmington Daily Times reports a group of mine workers asked the PRC to allow Enchant Energy to take over and retrofit the San Juan Generating Plant with carbon capture technology.
FERC:
- Politico Pro reports Sen. Kevin Cramer plans to vote against the nomination of James Danly because he worries the nominee is unwilling to save coal and nuclear plants from closure.