In the news today…
Mining:
- The Washington Post reports more than 250 outdoor sporting businesses and groups want the Trump administration to reject the Pebble Mine permit in Alaska.
Renewables:
- E&E Energywire reports wind farms often produce less power when they age past the 10-year mark because the loss of federal tax credits halts maintenance.
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports U.S. domestic production of uranium concentrate plunged 89% to 174,000 pounds of triuranium octoxide last year.
- E&E Daily reports a bipartisan group of senators pressed the Commerce Department yesterday to reduce the amount of Russian imported uranium allowed under yearly quotas.
- S&P Global reports after years of double-digit expansion, global demand for lithium may not grow at all this year as the coronavirus pandemic paralyzes economic activity.
Coal:
- Wyoming Public Media reports Arch Resources has changed its name in a move to transition away from thermal coal.
- Steamboat Pilot & Today reports more than half of the workforce at Twentymile Coal Co.’s Foidel Creek Mine have been or will be furloughed at different stages over a four-week period.
- Energy News Network reports Ohio’s coal mining counties have been hit even harder as unemployment surged following the country’s coronavirus outbreak.
- The Georgia Recorder reports the gradual retirement of coal-fired power plants in Georgia is leaving a state program that polices industrial polluters short on cash.
Paycheck Protection Program:
- Washington Post reports emergency payroll checks have gone to at least 21 energy companies, many of which were already having financial difficulties, especially coal companies.
Carbon Capture:
- Washington Examiner reports a push by senators to grant a one-year extension to carbon capture incentives.
- E&E Energywire reports the final batch of IRS guidance documents needed to unlock the expanded tax credit for carbon capture and storage technologies could soon be “forthcoming.”
WOTUS:
- Inside EPA and Politico Pro report 17 states are seeking a national injunction to block implementation of the Trump administration’s WOTUS policy.