In the news today…
Minerals:
- The Deseret News (UT) carries an op-ed from Gary Sandquist, a professor emeritus at the University of Utah, in which he argues that eroding U.S. uranium production is the latest sign that action is needed to boost use mineral production and address the nation’s alarming mineral import reliance.
- The Wall Street Journal reports Freeport-McMoRan’s CEO Richard Adkerson has taken on the challenge of the world’s largest sources of new copper and gold.
- The Marshall Independent carries an editorial which argues that increasing prices for copper are driving a revival of mining in Minnesota that will be dangerous to the environment.
- The Daily Signal carries an op-ed which argues that the decision to withdraw the preemptive veto of the Pebble Mine project is a win for the regulatory process.
- CBS3 Duluth reports the Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected a challenge to the state’s nonferrous mining rules, in favor of PolyMet’s position.
Coal:
- The Journal reports residents are voicing environmental concern over the proposed expansion of the King II coal mine in Colorado.
- The Billings Gazette reports Colstrip Power Plant is still struggling to find cheap coal and retain employees; two of its four units will shut down this year.
- The Great Falls Tribune reports Montana may become a power importing state with the closure of Colstrip Power Plant.
- E&E Greenwire reports federal attorneys have demanded that Blackjewel pay its miners before a bankruptcy judge rules on the sale of the coal company’s mines.
- The Casper Star Tribune reports a federal judge did not render a final decision Monday on the sale of Blackjewel coal mines; the hearing reconvenes at 7 A.M. Mountain Time today.
- The Hill carries an op-ed which argues that former Vice President Joe Biden’s plan to eliminate fossil fuels is bad for our national security and economy.
EPA:
- Inside EPA reports the EPA is making several arguments against criticism on the ACE rule, including Obama-era legal interpretations that the agency has threshold power to regulate greenhouse gases.
WOTUS:
- The Hill reports two senators are pushing a bill to cement changes to the WOTUS rule, which could make the changes from the Obama-era WOTUS rule permanent.
FERC:
- Politico Pro reports FERC is at risk of politicization and could become a supporter of coal power plants through bailouts under current leadership.
World News:
- The Washington Examiner reports fossil fuels will continue to provide the majority of the world’s energy in 2040 according to projections released by Wood Mackenzie.
- Reuters reports Vietnam is considering importing coal from the U.S. to meet rising demand for the fuel for power generation.
- Reuters reports approvals for new coal mines in China have surged with consumption of coal expected to rise in the coming years.