WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration will announce a moratorium Friday on any major new coal leases on federal lands until it completes a comprehensive review of whether the fees charged to mining companies provide a fair return to American taxpayers and reflect coal's impact on the environment.
An administration official says companies will continue to be able to mine the coal reserves already under lease. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the plan hasn't yet been formally announced.
STATE HOUSE — Massachusetts lobstermen could get a leg-up if a Senate bill set for consideration next Thursday becomes law.
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, a Gloucester Republican who sponsored the bill (S 469), said it would allow for shell-on lobster claws to be processed and sold in Massachusetts.
