In the news today…
Minerals:
- Mining.com reports Northern Dynasty Minerals has raised $11.5 million for its Pebble copper-gold project in Alaska.
Coal:
- Politico Pro reports ten environmental groups sued EPA over its ACE rule, joining the states, cities, and public health organizations who have already filed suits.
- The Associated Press reports Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa blocked the state from suing the Trump administration over the ACE rule along with other states and cities.
- Wyoming Public Media reports the West Virginia court overseeing Blackjewel’s bankruptcy has authorized the end of 401(k) plans for all the company’s miners.
- The Casper Star Tribune reports Contura Energy has yet to complete its purchase of two Wyoming mines, and consequently has not yet reinstated the 500 jobs there.
Electric Grid:
- Utility Dive carries an op-ed by Harshit Chatur, director of finance at NRG Energy, entitled, “Why 100% renewables isn’t feasible by 2050,” in which he asks about the tipping point that reflects efficient utilization of renewables and fossil-based power in the U.S., while keeping the costs and pollution low and ensuring reliable power.
- S&P Global reports, despite the price surges in Texas, ERCOT is unlikely to increase conventional generation capacity.
Clean Water Act:
- Inside EPA reports the Army Corps of Engineers is outlining a narrow range of situations where it would allow states to take more than 60 days to review whether a Corps-issued permit would be protective of water quality standards, further curtailing states’ reviews under the Clean Water Act (CWA) after EPA issued a plan that significantly limits what issues states can weigh.
World News:
- Politico reports China is becoming the world’s largest investor in solar and wind technology and is boasting more jobs in solar energy than in coal-mining.