In the news today…
Minerals:
- The Washington Examiner reports during the Democratic debate, Elizabeth Warren suggested she’d be willing to allow some exceptions to her ban on drilling and mining on public lands for minerals “we have to have access to.”
Coal:
- S&P Global reports coal mining jobs hit an all-time low in 2019 and are likely to continue their decline.
- The Minnpost reports Minnesota lawmakers want to encourage seasonal cuts to coal use to save money.
- The Associated Press reports the Navajo Transitional Energy Company has agreed to pay $44 million in local taxes for its two Wyoming coal mines.
- Argus reports U.S. power plant emissions fell significantly in 2019, likely in relation to a shift away from coal-fired generation.
- E&E Energywire reports a Missouri advocacy group is advancing a ballot initiative to require as much as 50% of the state’s power to come from renewable sources by 2040.
Carbon Capture:
- Wyoming Public Media reports the Wyoming House Revenue Committee heard testimony on a bill that would require public utilities to provide a certain percentage of their generation from “dispatchable and reliable low-carbon electricity,” or electricity such as coal generated using CCS.
EPA:
- E&E News PM reports states are suing EPA for failing to follow the law in dealing with ozone-forming emissions that cross state lines.
FERC:
- E&E Energywire reports FERC altered the rules of the New York Independent System Operator to make it easier for fossil fuel power plants to compete with clean energy.