In the news today…
Grid:
- WBNS reports that American Electric Power officials say the utility is taking several steps to make its Ohio grid more resilient to long-term outages, including investing up to $900 million over the next five years.
- Star Herald reports that the Nebraska Public Power District will hold a second open house today for a 7-to-10-mile transmission line to increase local grid capacity.
- WOOD-TV8 reports that Michigan utility Consumers Energy says it has replaced 10,000 poles and upgraded 100 substations this year as part of its long-term grid reliability plan.
Permitting:
- Washington Examiner reports the House and Senate are back in session today, and leadership has a number of priorities to address before the new Congress is sworn in next year, including passing a defense bill and a government funding bill.
- E&E Daily reports lawmakers are intensifying negotiations on a spending package and permitting reform ahead of a busy rush to the finish line in December.
Coal:
- Axios reports the U.S., Japan and a suite of other partners today unveiled a $20 billion plan to help Indonesia curb reliance on coal-fired power in the world’s fourth-most populous country.
Mining:
- The Missoulian reports new mining projects seeking ultra-rare elements at formerly abandoned mine sites along tributaries to Idaho’s Salmon River offer to boost the United States’ domestic supply chain for things like electric vehicles, fire retardants and weapons.
- KUER reports the Utah Geological Survey was recently awarded a $300,000 federal grant to further investigate whether the indium in western Juab County is worth extracting.