In the news today…
Coal:
- Utility Dive reports the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt North American power markets for 18 months or more, potentially setting off a new wave of coal retirements; experts say it may also slow investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
- POGO reports industries such as the coal industry should not be bailed out without oversight.
- Casper Star Tribune reports Peabody Energy will be reducing its workforce for the second consecutive month at three Powder River Basin mines.
- Mining.com reports U.S. coal production will fall this year due to the coronavirus forcing workers to stay at home, dragging down the demand for electricity.
- Argus reports measures aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Texas have had little effect on peak electricity demand in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) but are curbing overall demand.
- Scientific American reports coal may not survive the coronavirus pandemic.
- E&E Energywire reports Florida Power & Light Co. no longer wants to own part of the nation’s largest operating coal-fired power plant in Georgia.
- E&E Energywire reports environmentalists are pressing Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to freeze fossil fuel extraction in Colorado, pointing to new research that suggests air pollution influences coronavirus death rates.
Mining:
- Wyoming Public Media reports infrastructure workers are concerned employers aren’t serious about safety in the face of COVID-19.