In the news today…
Coal:
- Reuters reports a hearing has been set so that the Labor Department can argue some of Blackjewel’s coal was produced illegally and should be prevented from being transported across state lines.
- The Messenger-Inquirer reports judge-executives from Kentucky’s coal-producing counties are lobbying state legislators into backing a proposal that would allow coal counties to receive 100% of their coal severance money.
- S&P Global reports Contura Energy signed a three-year deal to supply Appalachian coal to Kentucky utilities.
- The Albuquerque Journal reports state regulators declined on Wednesday to say whether they will apply New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act in proceedings to shut down the San Juan Generating Station.
- Wyoming Public Media reports Virginia businessman Tom Clarke appears to be the back-up bidder in Cloud Peak Energy’s asset sale.
- Crain’s Chicago Business reports Vistra’s closure of four power plants will take away 300 jobs.
- E&E Climatewire reports many of the nation’s largest coal plants remain without retirement dates, with plans to run for decades.
- The Associated Press reports U.S. Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg believes it is not too late for new technology to help the coal industry.
Electric Grid:
- E&E Energywire reports Texas is able to keep its power on due to its size and large production of natural gas.
Clean Water Rule:
- E&E Greenwire reports a federal judge found that the WOTUS rule was adopted on an overly broad interpretation of the federal statute.
EPA:
- E&E News PM reports EPA is backing off its 2016 decision to declare the area around a massive East Texas power plant out of compliance with its sulfur dioxide air quality standard.