Western Energy News

Oregon denies permit for natural gas export terminal

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OIL & GAS: Oregon denies a key permit for the controversial Jordan Cove liquified gas project, saying it would have significant adverse effects on the state’s coastal economy. (The Oregonian)

ALSO:
• Democratic delegates from New Mexico continue to oppose a federal fracking ban proposal. (Carlsbad Current-Argus)
• New Mexico Republicans issued warnings about the dangers of dependence on oil and gas during a debate on the state’s main budget bill. (New Mexico Political Report)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join us February 24-26, at Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West for the region’s premier solar and energy storage event and connect with 300+ energy professionals and 25+ exhibitors from across the region. This event will highlight regional trends and feature topics like policy and regulation, business, technology, market insights, and resiliency.

Western Energy News

Report: Colorado needs aggressive steps to hit emissions target

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CLIMATE: A new report finds that even with measures like widespread coal retirements and adoption of electric vehicles, Colorado will fall far short of climate targets passed by the legislature last year. (Westword)

ALSO: Most of Oregon’s House Republicans refused to attend a session last night amidst a slowdown on cap-and-trade legislation. (Associated Press)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join us February 24-26, at Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West for the region’s premier solar and energy storage event and connect with 300+ energy professionals and 25+ exhibitors from across the region. This event will highlight regional trends and feature topics like policy and regulation, business, technology, market insights, and resiliency. Register today!***

CALIFORNIA:
• California regulators have laid out a new proposal that would allow the state to revoke PG&E’s license if it endangers the public after emerging from bankruptcy.

Western Energy News

Bezos commits $10 billion to fight climate crisis

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Correction: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos committed $10 billion to fight the climate crisis. The subject line of Tuesday’s digest misstated the figure. CLIMATE: Amazon’s chief executive Jeff Bezos announces $10 billion in funding to help climate scientists, activists, and nongovernmental organizations — but without mentioning the company’s climate impact. (New York Times, Frontline)

ALSO:
• Oregon Democratic lawmakers are set to slow down their cap and trade bill and get more input from Republicans who say they need to understand it for their constituents. (The Oregonian)
• Oregon students and youth activists rallied at the state capitol yesterday, urging lawmakers to move forward with cap and trade legislation.

Western Energy News

Oil boom complicates New Mexico’s climate aspirations

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CLIMATE: New Mexico activists are questioning Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s commitment to reducing the state’s carbon emissions 45% by 2030 given the ongoing Permian Basin oil and gas boom. (Carlsbad Current-Argus)

ALSO: A Republican Utah congressman has started holding climate chats on Twitter, and says he believes common ground can be found on environmental policy. (E&E News)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join us February 24-26, at Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West for the region’s premier solar and energy storage event and connect with 300+ energy professionals and 25+ exhibitors from across the region. This event will highlight regional trends and feature topics like policy and regulation, business, technology, market insights, and resiliency. Register today!***

HYDROPOWER: Oregon Gov. Kate Brown is supporting Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on the removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River to increase endangered salmon runs.

Western Energy News

Investigation raises doubts about Bloom fuel cells

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GRID: An investigation finds that Bloom fuel cells, which have gained popularity as a backup power source in California, face a host of cost issues and are still far more expensive than renewable energy. (Forbes)

ALSO: New Mexico lawmakers advance a grid modernization bill, but reject a community solar plan. (New Mexico Political Report)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join us February 24-26, at Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West for the region’s premier solar and energy storage event and connect with 300+ energy professionals and 25+ exhibitors from across the region. This event will highlight regional trends and feature topics like policy and regulation, business, technology, market insights, and resiliency. Register today!***

COAL:
• A Navajo company agrees to waive its sovereign immunity in Wyoming, which allows state regulators to oversee two mines it recently acquired.