Western Energy News

PG&E meets bankruptcy exit deadline

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NOTE TO READERS: Western Energy News will be taking a break for Independence Day. We will return on Tuesday, July 7. CALIFORNIA: PG&E finally emerges from bankruptcy, one day after California Gov. Gavin Newsom authorizes a bill that would initiate a government takeover if the utility doesn’t meet certain bankruptcy deadlines or fails to perform required safety work. (New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle)

ALSO: Meanwhile, the beleaguered utility admits to facts underlying its guilty plea for 84 deaths from 2018’s deadly Camp Fire, but rejects being condemned for a “callous disregard” for safety. (Bloomberg)

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Western Energy News

San Francisco could be next city to ban natural gas

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ELECTRIFICATION: San Francisco officials announce legislation that would ban natural gas hookups in new buildings after this year. (S&P Global) 

ALSO: Arizona’s largest utility faces hard decisions about how quickly and deeply to reduce its reliance on natural gas in achieving its goal of zero-carbon by 2050. (Greentech Media)

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CLIMATE: Congress’ first-ever committee focused on climate change issues a 538-page action plan citing an “existential threat” and focused on California as a model for states to follow. (Los Angeles Times)

TRANSMISSION: Energy experts say building new transmission capacity can help the economy recover while advancing clean energy.

Western Energy News

Groups unveil plan to help coal communities

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COAL: A coalition of local, regional and national organizations has released an economic plan to help struggling coal communities. (InsideClimate News)

ALSO:
• Coal communities are increasingly relying on federal health programs due to continuing layoffs and declining state revenues from coal and oil. (Energy News Network)
• Recent court filings reveal the parties involved in Blackjewel’s bankruptcy have yet to agree to a “consensual plan of liquidation.” (Casper Star-Tribune)
• The Supreme Court rejects a petition to review a dispute over a Navajo Nation coal mine and power plant in New Mexico. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)

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CALIFORNIA: California lawmakers pass a  bill that would initiate a government takeover of PG&E if the utility doesn’t meet certain bankruptcy deadlines or fails to perform required safety work.

Western Energy News

PG&E supports electrification in new California construction

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ELECTRIFICATION: PG&E supports an emerging plan to require “efficient, all-electric new construction” in California. (Greentech Media)

CLEAN ENERGY:
• An Arizona utility proposes to get 70% of its electricity from wind and solar by 2035, with plans for 2.5 GW of new capacity. (PV Tech)
• A New Mexico official touts the potential for wind and solar development in the state’s oil and gas region. (Carlsbad Current-Argus)

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PUBLIC LANDS:
• Advocates criticize President Trump’s decision to formally nominate William Pendley, who in the past has said federal land should be sold to the states, to head the Bureau of Land Management.

Western Energy News

California approves landmark rule for zero-emission trucks

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TRANSPORTATION: California regulators approve a new standard for zero-emission trucks, requiring 300,000 sold in the state by 2035. (Los Angeles Times)

ALSO:
• Washington state has the largest savings on fuel costs during the 15-year life of an electric vehicle compared to a gasoline model, according to a new study. (InsideClimate News)
• Two workers at Tesla’s Fremont, California plant say they were fired after being told they could stay home to avoid coronavirus. (Washington Post)

***SPONSORED LINK: Applications are now open for the Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship, a yearlong program for high-performing, high-potential military veterans in advanced energy, presented by the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org/fellowship.***

CLIMATE:
• Amazon is paying to rename a Seattle hockey venue “Climate Pledge Arena.” (Associated Press)
• Programs that help farmers reduce their climate impact will likely suffer from reduced revenue from California’s cap and trade program.