Energy news in brief

** Paying retirement, wage replacement and other benefits to coal miners and utility workers as the nation transitions to clean energy could cost nearly $82.9 billion through 2030, according to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Utility Workers Union of America. The 2030 coal phase-out plan would cost more than a more gradual 2040 exit from coal, which would cost $33.2 billion, according to the analysis.

** Plains All American Pipeline agreed to stop eminent domain in its efforts to build the Byhalia Connection pipeline in Memphis, Tennessee.

** Plains All American Pipeline LP on Tuesday raised its forecast for 2021 transportation segment earnings, as lower operating costs helped offset a decline in volumes shipped on its pipelines. Adjusted EBITDA in the transportation segment is expected to decline to $1.58 billion in 2021, higher than the previous forecast of $1.53 billion.

** Two House Republicans are asking the White House for documents to explain why a scientist appointed by the Trump administration was removed from her post overseeing a government-wide report on climate change.

** Ford’s 2022 E-Transit electric commercial van will have a price tag of more than $43,000 and have a range of only 126 miles. The higher the roof of the van, the lower the range.

** About 4 in 5 U.S. coal plants are either scheduled to close by 2025 or now cost more to operate than new nearby wind and solar would, according to a new analysis.

** Pollution from natural gas is now responsible for more deaths and health costs in Illinois than coal, according to a new Harvard University study reported the Chicago Tribune.

** Minnesota Republicans threaten to shut down much of the state’s environmental program funding if Gov. Tim Walz’s administration doesn’t drop plans for transportation emission standards.

** Marathon signs an agreement to install 11.5 MW of wind capacity at a North Dakota renewable diesel plant.

** Senate Democrats introduce a $73 billion plan aimed at replacing buses and other mass transit vehicles with zero-emission alternatives.

**  The auto industry’s largest trade group says it’s unlikely the U.S. can phase out gasoline-powered cars by 2035 as Democratic governors urge the Biden administration to ban their sale.