In the news today…
Coal:
- The Bismarck Tribune reports coal communities in North Dakota and Montana look to an uncertain future among coal power plant closures.
- The Southern Illinoisan carries an op-ed which argues that Illinois must embrace renewable energy jobs as the coal industry dwindles.
- Argus reports Blackjewel and Contura Energy have transferred ownership of two coal mines in Wyoming to FM Coal affiliate Eagle Specialty Minerals.
- E&E Daily reports a Pennsylvania bill would provide a tax credit to help power plants burn coal from cleaning up old piles of mining waste.
Electric Grid:
- The Park Record reports PacifiCorp is providing an example of how quickly renewables are being adopted while coal is being removed from energy portfolios.
- Argus reports MISO expects to significantly cut coal-fired generation looking out to 2033, with wind and solar expected to replace most of the displaced power.
Minerals:
- The Elko Daily Free Press carries a negative op-ed which argues hardrock mining companies create high amounts of pollution and that mining law needs to change to cover clean up costs of mining.
- WV News reports WVU received $5 million to construct a rare earth elements recovery site at a new acid mine drainage treatment plant.
- Reuters reports Rio Tinto is studying ways to extract lithium from waste rock at a mine it controls in California.
EPA:
- E&E News PM and Politico Pro report a panel of judges grilled EPA regarding a set of decisions related to MATS and may ultimately send the rule back to EPA.
- Politico Pro reports EPA will publish its repeal of the Obama administration WOTUS rule today.
Public Lands:
- The Hill reports Sens. Tom Udall and Michael Bennet have introduced a resolution that would require conserving 30 percent of the United States’ lands and oceans by 2030.