In the news today…
WOTUS:
- The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports the WOTUS rule is repealed.
- Politico Pro and E&E News PM report the 2015 WOTUS rule has been repealed and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler called it an “egregious power grab” during the formal repeal.
- Politico Pro reports the California Attorney General plans to sue the Trump administration over its appeal of the WOTUS rule.
Coal:
- WTVQ reports a foundation is giving financial donations to out-of-work Blackjewel coal miners in Leslie County.
- The Casper Star Tribune reports Blackjewel sent out letters to its workers suggesting its mines may reopen soon.
- The Voice of America reports Wyoming is running out of time and must either adapt to a world where coal is uneconomical or fall apart.
- S&P Global reports weekly U.S. coal production is down 10.5% compared with a week earlier and 5.7% lower than a year-ago week according to EIA.
- E&E News PM reports EPA has reversed an Obama-era decision that could have required an Illinois coal-fired power plant to curb sulfur dioxide emissions.
Carbon Tax:
- The Washington Post and Inside EPA report the Climate Leadership Council plans a carbon tax to be imposed on mines and power plants at a rate of $40 per ton of CO2.