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New York seeks stringent CO2 limits; MSHA chief says tech key to cut fatalities

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New York seeks stringent CO2 limits; MSHA chief says tech key to cut fatalities

New York proposes tougher CO2 limits on power plants as 2020 coal phaseout looms

A new draft proposal from New York seeks to impose more stringent pollution controls on existing fossil fuel-fired power plants as Gov. Andrew Cuomo moves to completely phase out coal as a generation fuel within the state by 2020.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation published the draft pollution protection rule May 16. The more stringent pollution restrictions seek to help New York achieve its goal of a 40% cut in greenhouse emissions from 1990 levels by 2030 by shutting down the few remaining coal power plants in the state — as promised by Cuomo in January 2016 — and by restricting emissions from natural gas- and oil-fired power plants.

MSHA chief looks to tech to reduce mining deaths, targets 'scofflaws'

The head of the federal agency charged with protecting U.S. miners told the industry that technology is the key to reducing mining fatalities from 2017's total of 28 to zero.

The agency is looking to deploy technologies such as proximity detection for surface mines, seat belt detection devices and safety systems for conveyor belts.

US House appropriators seek slimmer EPA budget, full repeal of Clean Water Rule

As part of a new spending bill, appropriators in the U.S. House of Representatives proposed to shave $100 million off the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's budget and ensure the "full repeal" of the Obama administration's Clean Water Rule.

The legislation seeks to lower total EPA funding to $7.96 billion, which is above the Trump administration's request of $6.1 billion but down by $100 million from appropriations in the prior fiscal year. It also contains a handful of policy riders, including a "full repeal" of the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Clean Water Rule, according to a committee summary of the bill.

Conservation groups ask feds to investigate Westmoreland's cleanup funds

Conservation groups asked a federal agency that regulates coal mining to investigate whether Westmoreland Coal Co. lacks sufficient bonds to cover the costs of cleaning up its mines if it goes out of business.

In a joint letter to the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the groups said Westmoreland's most recent annual report shows $672.7 million of reclamation bonds for its mining operations but estimates that the full cost of reclaiming the mines totals $772 million.

Governor launches energy plan to make coal-rich Utah a powerhouse of innovation

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a plan to convert a state that depends on coal for nearly 75% of its electricity into a powerhouse of innovation in cleaner fuels, renewable generation, energy efficiency and alternative transportation.

The governor is not giving up on coal. He said technology is helping traditional carbon-based fuels become cleaner. "I believe technology and free markets will help us to clean up our air while producing abundant reliable energy," Herbert told the crowd at the 7th Annual Utah Governor's Energy Summit in Salt Lake City.

Railroad, trade groups file briefs backing stalled Wash. coal export terminal

Rail and trade groups filed briefs to support Lighthouse Resources Inc.'s lawsuit against Washington state officials over a proposed coal export terminal, joining several states that have filed similar briefs in recent weeks.

The Association of American Railroads and the Western States Petroleum Association filed amicus briefs this week arguing that the state's denial of permits to the $680 million planned export terminal of Lighthouse subsidiary Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview LLC affects the national freight rail network and threatens to exclude U.S. commodities from foreign markets.

Opponents of Oakland coal exports weigh legal options after ban is struck down

Opponents of a proposed coal export project in Oakland, Calif., are weighing their legal options after a judge struck down an ordinance that banned transporting the commodity through the city.

In a May 15 decision, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria sided with the port, saying "the record before the city council does not contain enough evidence to support the conclusion that the proposed coal operations would pose a substantial danger to people in Oakland."

Colin O'Brien, staff attorney for Earthjustice, told S&P Global Market Intelligence that the judge's caveat provided the city with an opportunity to gather more evidence to support a new ordinance banning coal or to appeal his decision. "The judge did not rule that coal was not dangerous," he said.