In the news today…
BLM:
- The Union of Concerned Scientists carries an opinion piece which argues that William Perry Pendley has too many conflicts of interests to adequately fill his position at BLM.
Coal:
- E&E Energywire reports coal use in the southeastern United States is significantly decreased according to an IEEFA report.
- E&E Greenwire reports the former Blackjewel mines in Wyoming will reopen under new ownership, and roughly 500 employees will be rehired.
- The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Murray Energy has entered into forbearance agreements with its lenders after failing to make loan and interest payments due last month.
- E&E Climatewire and The Seattle Times report Pacificorp will retire 16 of its 24 coal units over the next decade and replace them with solar and wind power.
- The Associated Press reports Navajo Transitional Energy Co. will retain 1,200 employees at the three coal mines in Wyoming and Montana that it just bought through a bankruptcy auction.
Minerals:
- The Chicago Tribune reports mining produces minerals necessary for modern life, but it also cause damage to the environment.
- InsideSources carries an op-ed which argues that there is a vast ocean of mineral wealth in New Mexico and officials should not cave to environmentalists to stop mining projects.
- Mining.com reports the price of copper has weakened again, signaling a short term difficulty in trade due to lower for longer price.
- Mining.com reports copper is suffering both supply and demand hits, causing both trouble with production and in trade.
- The Financial Times reports, despite the call for a green revolution, copper prices continue to fall, even though copper is essential in green applications.
EPA:
- E&E Climatewire reports EPA is expected to soon propose plans to make future Clean Air Act rules look less beneficial and more costly.