In the news today…
Coal:
- Science Alert reports the benefits of phasing out coal far outweigh the real-world costs, scientists say, and that’s the case even when climate change is left out of the equation entirely.
- E&E Greenwire reports attorneys for the federal government and environmental groups each appealed a March ruling that required a stronger environmental analysis for a planned Montana coal mine.
- E&E Climatewire reports environmental groups announced yesterday that they plan to sue the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection over what they say is the agency’s failure to adhere to federal reporting requirements for a coal mine reclamation fund.
- Power reports U.S. coal-fired power generation last year was at its lowest level since 1976, according to data released May 11 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Energy:
- E&E Daily reports House Democrats are calling on at least two energy-related businesses to return forgivable government loans or to provide an explanation as to why they should keep the money.
- E&E Daily reports Senate Democrats want the Federal Reserve to reconsider offering a financial lifeline to struggling oil and gas companies.
- The Office of Nuclear Energy reports establishing the Uranium Reserve program is exactly what we need at this crucial time to de-risk our nuclear fuel supply.
Carbon Capture:
- Washington Examiner reports the Carbon Capture Coalition says prior abuse of federal tax credits reported recently by the Treasury Department’s watchdog underscores the need for IRS to issue the remaining guidance for implementing the updated 45Q program.
Mining:
- The Journal reports a number of Western environmental advocacy groups sent a letter to Congress this week, asking for funding for abandoned mine reclamation and cleanup in the next trillion-dollar stimulus bill.
- E&E Daily reports a bipartisan group of lawmakers asked House leaders yesterday to compel the Trump administration’s mine safety officials to make mines safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports from Bloomberg mine developers scrambling to fund projects to meet forecast demand for battery metals see the threat of looming supply crunches as a trigger for electric-vehicle makers to step in with investments.