coal mining
Newsletter
Photo by Pedro Henrique Santos on Unsplash
The cultural legacy of coal mining and its relevance to renewable energy
Coal mining, while hazardous and polluting, fostered strong community bonds and cultural pride that could be emulated in the renewable energy sector.
In short:
- Coal mining in the UK has ended, leaving a significant cultural and community legacy.
- Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, may not require as many local workers but still offer opportunities for community identity.
- Community Energy projects enable local involvement and benefits from renewable energy production.
Key quote:
“They were tough men. And they were proud of it, proud of every minute of it. It ruined people, it broke people. And one of those people was my grandad.”
— Kate Rusby, Yorkshire folk-singer
Why this matters:
Transitioning to clean energy must consider the social and cultural impacts on communities historically dependent on coal. Embracing community-driven energy projects can preserve the sense of pride and belonging once found in coal mining towns.
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Credit: Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Biden administration ends new coal leasing in Powder River Basin
The Biden administration moves to halt new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, aiming to curb fossil fuel extraction.
In short:
- The Biden administration will end new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, the largest coal-producing region in the U.S.
- Climate activists celebrate the decision, which could prevent billions of tons of coal from being mined.
- Critics, including Republican lawmakers and mining groups, argue it will harm local economies and energy security.
Key quote:
“The nation’s electricity generation needs are being met increasingly by wind, solar and natural gas. The nation doesn’t need any increase in the amount of coal under lease out of the Powder River Basin.”
— Tom Sanzillo, director of financial analysis at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
Why this matters:
This move aligns with national climate goals by reducing carbon emissions from coal, addressing environmental and public health concerns, and signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources. Read more: Appalachia is transitioning from coal. Here’s what it could learn from Germany.
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Credit: Jan Truter/Flickr
US enhances mining safety with new silica dust regulations
New protections against hazardous mining dust aim to curb rising cases of severe lung diseases among miners.
In short:
- The U.S. has introduced stricter limits on silica dust in mines, affecting more than 250,000 workers in various sectors including coal and metal mining.
- Despite support for the rule, there is controversy over its enforcement, with industry groups calling it costly and advocates worrying about self-monitoring by companies.
- The rule revisits recommendations made back in 1974, finally implementing changes after decades of regulatory delays and rising health concerns.
Key quote:
"It should shock the conscience to know that there’s people in this country that do incredibly hard work that we all benefit from that are already disabled before they reach the age of 40."
— Chris Williamson, head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Why this matters:
This regulation is important for improving health outcomes among miners, a workforce exposed to significant risks. As national attention focuses on workplace safety and health, this policy step exemplifies ongoing efforts to better protect those in high-risk industries. Read more: Coal miners are dying of black lung.
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Credit: timofeev/BigStock Photo ID:283509370
The true cost of cleaning British Columbia mines skyrockets
A recent analysis reveals that addressing the pollution from British Columbia's Elk Valley coal mines, specifically selenium contamination, may cost more than $6.4 billion, far exceeding earlier estimates.
Francesca Fionda and Ainslie Cruickshank report for The Narwhal.
In short:
- The cleanup cost for BC's largest mining operation is significantly underestimated, posing financial risks to taxpayers.
- An independent report challenges the $1.9 billion security held by the province for Teck's mines cleanup, suggesting the actual cost could be much higher.
- Teck disputes the report's findings, asserting their commitment to covering all reclamation expenses without taxpayer burden.
Key quote:
“They’ve severely underplayed the problem and B.C. taxpayers stand to foot a multi-billion-dollar bill if anything goes wrong,”
— Simon Wiebe, a mining policy and impacts researcher at Wildsight
Why this matters:
Be it coal mines or abandoned oil and gas wells, dodging remediation costs and shifting the financial burden to taxpayers is a common occurrence in the fossil fuel space. Coal especially, spreads toxics during every phase of extraction, transportation, consumption and waste management.
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Credit: Kimon Berlin/Flickr
Federal appeals court overturns coal lease ban, affecting climate policy and energy production
A federal appeals court has lifted the moratorium on coal leasing from federal lands, potentially impacting future coal sales and climate change efforts.
In short:
- The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision marks a defeat for environmentalists and Democrats who sought to limit federal coal leasing due to climate concerns.
- Despite the ruling, the demand for new coal leases remains uncertain as the energy sector shifts toward cleaner alternatives.
- Coal production on federal lands has seen a decline, yet it still represents a substantial portion of the U.S. total, with significant mining activities in Western states.
Key quote:
“We need the Biden administration to step up and live up to its promises to protect our climate, conduct a long overdue review of the federal coal leasing program, and make thoughtful plans for the future of public lands.”
— William Walksalong, Northern Cheyenne tribal administrator
Why this matters:
This development exemplifies the complex dynamics between energy production, environmental policy, and the struggle to transition to renewable resources. Coal production and coal burning remain a toxic source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions with far-reaching repercussions on human health.
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Credit: Adam Baker/Flickr
This B.C. bighorn sheep herd’s fight for survival
Between a mysterious illness, dangerous weather and vanishing habitat, a herd of bighorn sheep almost disappeared from Tobacco Plains Indian Band’s backyard. To bring them back means returning the land to how it looked generations ago.
Newsletter
Credit: Greg Goebel/Flickr
Wyoming’s coal mandate continues to cost electric customers
Black Hills Energy is the second utility in the state to impose a “carbon capture compliance” surcharge in an effort to keep coal plants from shuttering.
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