In the news today…
Grid:
- Grist reports a transmission line fight in Maine reveals how hard it’ll be to build out the nationwide grid needed to expand clean energy and transition off fossil fuels.
Mining:
- E&E Greenwire reports the Forest Service indicated in a draft environmental review that it will greenlight plans for an Idaho gold mining project opposed by a nearby American Indian tribe and environmentalists.
- Canary Media reports that a Texas proposal to pay generators to remain available during grid emergencies could increase wholesale electricity costs by $22.5 billion from 2025 to 2030 according to a new report.
Coal:
- Argus corrects its reporting on the US utility Xcel Energy proposed closure of the coal-fired Tolk Generating Station in Texas to 2028.
- Argus reports Northern Appalachian coal producer Consol Energy trimmed its 2022 sales outlook following operational and geological “challenges” last quarter.
Media Alert:
- Thanks to The Bryan Times for carrying my new op-ed on why the U.S. must recognize the essential utility of its remaining coal fleet as a reliability and affordability backstop.