The Continuing Impact of Coal Ash - Energy Law Insights
Volume 9, Issue 7 Welcome to our seventh issue of Currents 2025. In this issue, we look at the changing tides for coal, the new NEPA procedures, West Virginians desire for lower cost energy, southwestern Virginia's newest...more
On June 23, the Treasury Department (Treasury) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2025-31. This notice includes lists of information that taxpayers may use to determine whether they meet certain requirements...more
On June 11, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") announced a proposed rule to repeal key amendments to the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS") for coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam...more
In early April, President Trump issued several energy-related presidential actions aimed at reviving the coal industry. These actions could boost the domestic coal industry, including by rolling back environmental regulations...more
This report draws insights from Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys and leading industry specialists to highlight the private equity investment trends currently reshaping the sector. The findings provide a picture of where...more
New Executive Orders and Proclamation - On April 8, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued three significant executive orders (“EOs”) and a fourth proclamation consistent with his pledge to “Unleash American Energy.” These...more
On April 25, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed four final rules representing multi-media regulation (air, water, waste, climate) for the utility sector. Individually, each rule would have been notable for...more
Coal production and mining jobs over the past half-century have been influenced by several factors, principally demand from the utility sector, technological breakthroughs in natural gas production, railroad deregulation, and...more
Unlike other jurisdictions, such as the US and Angola, the UK does not have a single mining / mineral code or legislative framework. Instead, different laws and regulations apply according to the mineral type and the nature...more
Pennsylvania and RGGI – Decision and Resolution - On November 1, 2023, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, in a five-judge panel decision, issued a long-awaited ruling denying the authority of the executive branch,...more
The explosion and fire of a tanker truck just north of Center City Philadelphia, leading to the collapse of sections of Interstate 95, one of the most heavily traveled roads in the United States and the chief highway...more
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been called the most aggressive climate investment ever undertaken by the U.S. Congress. With approximately $370 billion dollars in funding over the next 10 years, it is projected that...more
The United States Energy Information Administration published a January 19th report titled: Increasing Renewables Likely to Reduce Coal and Natural Gas Generation Over Next Two Years (“Report”)...more
“A controversial natural gas pipeline in West Virginia appears dead for now after it failed to make next year’s spending bill from Congress.” Why this is important: With apologies to Mark Twain, the reports of the...more
● Offshore Oil and Gas at Risk of Potentially Catastrophic Cyberattack: GAO - “The industry includes about 1,600 offshore oil and gas facilities that are highly dependent on remotely connected operational technology, the...more
Real-time pricing, new rates, and enabling technologies target demand flexibility to ease California outages Bullet Utility Dive – September 13 Growing California power system reliability threats made vivid by early September...more
The European Commission has published its proposal for a Council regulation on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices. Besides establishing a regime for demand reduction and a cap on market revenues from...more
Coal Producer Plans to Create 181 New Jobs in Southwest Virginia Mine Complex - "Coronado Global Resources Inc., an international coal company, is committing $169.1 million toward the effort to increase capacity at its...more
Report Claims ESG-focused US Shale Producers Perform Better Over Time - “'It is clear that ESG performance impacts investor appetite, even though ESG scores have not been the lead indicator of stock growth during the...more
The UK Government has introduced further restrictions on trade with Russia to build on those already in place. The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 14) Regulations 2022 (“No.14 Amendment”) came into force on 21...more
Ukraine Demands Germany Cut or Halt Nord Stream 1 Gas Flows - "Ukraine is willing and able to provide an alternate transport route to the pipeline, which runs under the Baltic, he said." Why this is important: The...more
Shell’s Board of Directors Sued for ‘Failing to Properly Prepare’ for the Energy Transition - "It argues the board’s failure to implement a climate strategy that truly aligns with the landmark Paris Agreement is a breach...more
Global Coal Prices Surge as Ukraine Tensions Worsen Supply Woes - "Europe relies on Russia for around 35% of its natural gas, and has been grappling with a gas shortage since last summer that sent local prices to record...more
Gas Gap in Europe Drives U.S. LNG Exports to Record High - "About half of the record U.S. LNG volumes shipped last month went to Europe, up from 37% earlier in 2021." Why this is important: The onset of a challenging...more
West Virginia: Most Coal Reliant State Struggles Amid Green Power Push - "West Virginia is most dependent on coal for electricity and among the least dependent on renewables." Why this is important: As renewables...more