In the news today…
Coal:
- E&E Energywire reports 538 gigawatts of coal capacity is either proposed or under construction worldwide.
- Politico Pro reports a split panel of judges from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to review an EPA memo reversing the longstanding “Once In, Always In’ air permitting policy, saying it lacks jurisdiction on the issue.
- Politico Pro reports Sen. Mitt Romney is ‘looking at’ a legislative proposal that would impose a carbon tax on major emitters and direct the proceeds to taxpayers and coal communities.
- Argus reports EPA released guidance to assist states in developing plans for the second phase of the agency’s Regional Haze Rule.
- Argus reports Illinois basin coal production fell in the second quarter as mine operators adjusted to limited domestic and international demand.
- NBC News reports individual coal workers are seeing their benefits and prospects dwindle while the mining companies reap the benefits of industry rollbacks from the Trump administration.
Blackjewel:
- The Hill reports presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders sent 18 pizzas to the Kentucky coal miners protesting unpaid wages.
- Argus reports Blackjewel will continue to halt coal sales from its Virginia assets until it resolves issues around unpaid wages.
Mining:
- Taos News reports the residents of Pecos, New Mexico are uniting against the proposed mine by New World Cobalt.
- The Arizona Public Media reports on the understanding behind the legal decision blocking the Rosemont Mine.
EPA:
- E&E Greenwire reports the four most cited cases for the action changing states’ ability to veto federal permits under the CWA are not indicative of most CWA veto cases.
Safety:
- Politico Pro and E&E News PM report monetary penalties issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration fail to reduce the risk of worker injury and death, according to a new Labor Department inspector general report.
Electric Grid:
- The Roanoke Times (VA) carries an op-ed by Conor Bernstein in which he argues that costs for renewable energy is higher than expected due to high transmission costs and that America’s power grid is not currently equipped to handle large amounts of renewable energy.
World News:
- Politico Pro reports the Bavarian Association for Landscape Conservation and Species Protection is fighting wind power and supports efficient coal plants to ensure security of power supply in Germany.