In the news today…
EPA:
- Politico Pro reports the Biden administration moved Thursday to formally repeal the Trump administration’s controversial rule that vastly restricted the scope of Clean Water Act protections.
- Politico Pro reports EPA announced yesterday it is extending through May a timeline to decide how or whether to proceed with proposed restrictions on mining in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, which is known for its salmon runs.
- Inside EPA reports EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are proposing an interim definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS) that aims to provide “stable implementation” of the Clean Water Act (CWA) while the Biden administration seeks to develop a durable definition that will avoid policy pendulum swings with changes in administrations.
Minerals:
- Politico Pro reports imports of vanadium, a key ingredient in military-grade steel, do not harm U.S. national security, the Commerce Department concluded in a report begun under the Trump administration.
Coal:
- Lexington Herald-Leader reports coal production and jobs were up in recent months in Eastern Kentucky over the same time a year ago, providing a boost in a region hit hard by a decline in the industry.
- WV Public Broadcasting reports coal production is up nearly 20% in West Virginia over last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and nearly 16% in Appalachia.