In the news today…
Coal:
- DESMOG reports the stalled energy bill would promote clean coal measures such as carbon capture.
- E&E Greenwire reports a federal judge ruled that mining regulators must redo their environmental assessment of a planned Montana coal mine.
- Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports Sunrise Coal is permanently closing its idled Carlisle mine.
- Argus reports coal generation in the Southwest Power Pool fell by 37 percent in February as wind and natural gas generation soared.
- Argus reports Illinois basin coal producer Foresight Energy is seeking bankruptcy court approval to exit a handful of export-related transportation and storage deals.
Mining:
- E&E Greenwire reports a report from Earthworks found extended water quality violations at Alaskan mines, bolstering opponents to the proposed Pebble mine.
- Mining.com reports the oil crash could be a boon for miners who benefit from lower energy prices.
- E&E Daily reports Republicans plan to boycott a hearing this morning about the Resolution Copper project and whether it would harm sites important to Native Americans.
- E&E Energywire reports the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld Winona County’s ban on the mining and processing of silica sand, which is used in the oil and gas industry for hydraulic fracturing.
NEPA:
- The Hill reports attorneys general for 18 states are asking the Trump administration to withdraw a rule that would roll back NEPA.
- E&E Energywire reports attorneys general for 20 states, cities and territories warned that the Trump administrations proposed changes to NEPA would lead to a significant increase in legal battles.