Energy News Network (https://energynews.us/author/molalde/)
Mark Olalde is an investigative journalist who has spent the past several years exposing failures in countries' mine closure systems. He has reported on mining, energy policy and agriculture in the U.S., southern Africa and the Caribbean.
A Colorado electric cooperative could strike the latest blow against a regional power wholesaler facing complaints that it has moved too slowly in its transition to renewable energy.
The defection of local electric cooperatives from a Colorado power wholesaler could imperil cleanup funds for coal mines in two Western states, according to an environmental group’s complaint to federal regulators.
Money that coal companies are legally required to set aside for cleaning up abandoned mines isn’t always easy to access when needed.
A $5 million transfer from a fund meant to guarantee environmental cleanup of shuttered coal mines in Ohio could prolong reclamation efforts or leave taxpayers on the hook in the event of unexpected closures.