U.S. Energy News

Massachusetts prepares Exxon climate lawsuit on eve of New York trial

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CLIMATE: The New York attorney general’s fraud lawsuit accusing ExxonMobil of misleading investors on climate risks is set to go to trial next week. (InsideClimate News)

ALSO: Meanwhile, documents show Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is ready to file a lawsuit accusing ExxonMobil of deceiving consumers about the climate impacts of fossil fuels. (Bloomberg Environment)

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CALIFORNIA:
• Amid controversy over the utility’s planned outages, PG&E’s CEO promises to improve communications as senior executives are ordered to appear before California regulators this morning.

U.S. Energy News

Trump’s pipeline push backfires as legal challenges mount

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PIPELINES: The Trump administration’s efforts to fast-track oil and gas pipeline projects have backfired in at least three major cases. (Reuters) 

ALSO:
• Pre-construction work on the Keystone XL pipeline expected to start this month is now on hold; a federal hearing today will consider a challenge by two indgenous environmental groups. (Rapid City Journal, S&P Global Platts)
• Montana’s attorney general seeks to intervene in a lawsuit aiming to stop the Keystone XL pipeline, saying the project “will bring jobs and economic development to Montana.” (Missoula Current)

***SPONSORED LINK: Register for Infocast’s Southeast Renewable Energy Summit, October 28-30 in Atlanta, to meet the top players in the market and explore the new renewable energy growth opportunities in the region. You’ll engage in networking and deal-making exchanges with the decision-makers driving the Southeast industry forward. Sign up today!***

RENEWABLES:
• A Democrat on the U.S. House energy committee says “odds are good” that bills to extend wind and solar tax credits can pass this session.

Midwest Energy News

Financial problems mount for coal giant Murray Energy

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COAL:
• Ohio-based coal giant Murray Energy failed to make multiple payments to lenders this week and may be headed toward default. (Bloomberg)
• The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will host a public listening session next week on forthcoming coal ash pond regulations. (Herald-News)

STORAGE: Iowa funds research into sodium batteries as a lack of grid capacity begins to constrain wind development in parts of the state. (Energy News Network)

***SPONSORED LINK: Register for the West Michigan PACE Summit on October 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan! The summit will include updates from local organizations, and panels on PACE financing and economic benefits of energy/water efficient buildings and renewable energy.***

OHIO: Attorney General Dave Yost is investigating new allegations that people circulating petitions for a statewide referendum on a nuclear bailout law are being offered cash to quit the campaign and sell signed petitions to opponents. (Dayton Daily News) 

OIL & GAS:
• Groups tied to the Koch network push back against Minnesota’s move to follow California’s lead in adopting a pair of clean car standards.

Midwest Energy News

Greta Thunberg to join Iowa City coal plant protest

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ACTIVISM: Climate activist Greta Thunberg will join in a march Friday in Iowa City to protest the University of Iowa’s coal-burning power plant. (The Gazette)

ALSO: Federal prosecutors announce charges against two women who held a news conference in July 2017 to describe how they damaged Dakota Access Pipeline equipment in Iowa to delay its construction. (New York Times) 

***SPONSORED LINK: Register for the West Michigan PACE Summit on October 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan! The summit will include updates from local organizations, and panels on PACE financing and economic benefits of energy/water efficient buildings and renewable energy.***

OIL & GAS:
• The estate of an Illinois woman sues several oil refineries, claiming her death was caused by fumes from a pipeline leak. (St.

Midwest Energy News

Ohio AG investigating aggressive petition blockers

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OHIO:
• Ohio’s attorney general is investigating potential election fraud related to physically aggressive “petition blockers” hired by supporters of Ohio’s nuclear bailout law. (Toledo Blade)
• In response to misleading ads in support of Ohio’s nuclear bailout, grid operator PJM says China has not infiltrated the grid. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

EFFICIENCY: A nonprofit partnership looks to expand a program training Chicago youths to become energy efficiency “ambassadors” in their homes and communities. (Energy News Network)

***SPONSORED LINK: Register for the West Michigan PACE Summit on October 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan! The summit will include updates from local organizations, and panels on PACE financing and economic benefits of energy/water efficient buildings and renewable energy.***

COAL:
• A federal judge orders Ameren to install pollution controls at its Rush Island Energy Center near Festus, Missouri.