Western Energy News
State report questions impact of California’s clean-car incentives
ELECTRIC CARS: A state auditor’s report says California’s pollution agency doesn’t have enough data to support claimed emissions reductions from its electric vehicle rebate program. (San Francisco Chronicle)
ALSO: Electric car startup Lucid Motors raises $4 billion in a merger that will support expansion of its Arizona factory. (CNN Business)
PUBLIC LANDS:
• Interior Secretary nominee Deb Haaland addresses criticism from Senate Republicans about drilling restrictions on public lands in her second day of confirmation hearings. (Washington Post)
• Former Democratic senators Tom and Mark Udall say characterizations of Haaland as a “radical” are “motivated by something other than her record.” (The Hill)
• Alaska Rep. Don Young urges fellow Republicans to support Haaland’s confirmation: “She will listen to you.” (Anchorage Daily News)
• Native American leaders around the country praise Haaland’s historic nomination, which they say could open opportunities for greater representation. (Associated Press)
UTILITIES:
• California regulators say more than $1 billion in utility bills remain unpaid, with one commissioner calling the situation “extraordinarily frightening.” (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Xcel Energy is expected to release an updated resource plan today outlining its plans for further emissions reductions in Colorado.