Energy & Environment — Presented by Southern Company — Here's how Biden would reform mining

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View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment PRESENTED BY  The Big Story  Biden officials want to change century-old mining law  A federal group issued a report on Tuesday outlining more than 60 mining policy recommendations as part of a broader effort to bolster mineral supply chains. © Getty Images The report, which was the product of an Interior Department-led interagency working group, said Congress and the executive branch must modernize a more than 150-year-old mining law to speed domestic development of renewable energy.   The 1872 General Mining Law governs mineral mining, with the report arguing it was a "hard truth" that meeting modern demand would be difficult without updating the law.    The report recommends: A congressionally imposed royalty on minerals extracted from federal lands Congress authorize federal agencies to block permits from going to companies with a history of environmental law violations Federal agencies develop and share project schedules with the public Agencies should prioritize plans that have minimal environmental impacts Several measures for more tribal inclusion, such as including tribes in early-stage meetings   The report was met with pushback from Republicans like Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.), who said the proposed reforms would "force us to buy more critical minerals from mines using forced and child labor instead of harnessing our abundant resources here at home."   But the Biden administration argued that the proposals would help the government "meet the needs of the clean energy economy while respecting our obligations to Tribal Nations, taxpayers, the environment, and future generations."   Read more at TheHill.com Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, we're Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Hurricane Lee to bring dangerous rip currents, surf conditions along East Coast Forecasters are warning Hurricane Lee may bring dangerous rip currents and surf conditions along the East Coast this week.  Full Story EPA: Climate law will cut carbon emissions up to 43 percent The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is poised to cut economy-wide carbon emissions by up to 43 percent relative to 2005 levels, according to the first Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on the 2022 climate and infrastructure law.  Full Story California Assembly passes landmark emissions disclosure bill The California Assembly approved first-of-its-kind legislation Monday night that would require all major corporations that operate in the Golden State to disclose both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.  Full Story In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill: The 25 staffers who make Capitol Hill run They stay behind the scenes, leading House and Senate offices, keeping committee work running smoothly, researching policies and managing lawmakers' schedules.   They draft legislation, help constituents with their problems and deal with the media.  And they make sure members of Congress are prepared when they go to the floor to cast the votes that affect millions of people across the U.S. Full Story A MESSAGE FROM SOUTHERN COMPANY As the first newly constructed nuclear unit in the U.S. in over 30 years, Plant Vogtle Unit 3 is providing reliable, clean energy for 500,000 Georgia homes and businesses and helping Southern Company achieve our net zero goals. Learn more.  What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Interior officials expressed alarm early about Zinke's ethics (E&E News)   'Zombie Trout' Unsettle Montana, Long a Fly-Fishing Mecca (The New York Times) Companies are claiming to be 'plastic neutral.' Is it greenwashing? (Grist)   On Tap  Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing to examine the effects of extreme heat and weather on transportation. The House Energy & Commerce Committee's Energy, Climate, and Grid Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled "Keeping the Lights On: Enhancing Reliability and Efficiency to Power American Homes." The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on the USGS's critical minerals list. What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Trump, Biden both tumble in Iowa: poll Former President Trump and President Biden both saw their support tumble in the early primary state of Iowa, according to a new poll.   Read more Senate GOP unhappy with McCarthy on impeachment inquiry: 'It's a fool's errand' Senate Republicans are unhappy with Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) decision Tuesday to open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, as they worry it will backfire on their party. Read more Opinions in The Hill  Op-eds related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill: A national marine moonshot to combat the collapse of our coral reefs   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? 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