In the news today…
Coal:
- S&P Global reports Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC sees a $64 billion spending opportunity on top of double-digit earnings accretion for more than a dozen utilities that decide to retire uneconomic coal plants and replace them with cheaper renewables by 2025.
- Argus reports the Wyoming legislature has advanced a trio of bills aimed at expanding the market for Powder River Basin coal.
- WV Metro News reports the West Virginia House of Delegates is considering a tax break for struggling coal-fired power plants.
- The Concord Monitor reports the Merrimack Station power plant has won another year’s funding from a New England program and will be able to stay open at least through mid-2024.
WOTUS:
- Inside EPA reports the Trump administration’s new rule revising the definition of WOTUS could expand coverage over intermittent waters compared to the Obama-era rule.
- E&E Greenwire reports green groups are planning to sue the Trump administration over its rollback on WOTUS for violating the Endangered Species Act.
NSR:
- Inside EPA reports EPA released new draft guidance recommending “plantwide applicability limits” to avoid stringent NSR permits.
World News:
- Argus reports Chinese firms will be able to apply for exemptions to import tariffs on nearly 700 products, including thermal coal.
Climate:
- WCCO reports the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus has proposed a $191.5 million spending plan to address climate change that includes investments in efficiency, solar and electric vehicles.