TRANSPORTATION: Environmental justice advocates want an initiative to cut transportation emissions in the Northeast to have a strong focus on equity. (E&E News)
ALSO:
• A study finds electric scooters usually don’t replace enough car trips to cancel out emissions from manufacturing and redistribution. (Energy News Network)
• Air travel is a huge source of carbon emissions, and a new global movement wants people to feel ashamed about flying. (Vox)
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WIND: An analysis of public comments shows the dispute between Vineyard Wind and federal agencies reviewing it is primarily about whether the turbines are spaced far enough apart. (Cape Cod Times)
SOLAR: Organizers of an annual solar energy research conference change course at this year’s event in Minneapolis to focus on climate advocacy. (Energy News Network)
UTILITIES:
• Despite the hype, utilities are still taking a wait-and-see approach to blockchain as the number of startups multiplies. (Greentech Media)
• Midwestern utilities are part of emerging trends in the sector, including adopting cost-of-service business models and planning for large amounts of renewable energy. (Greentech Media)
• Southeast utilities will have a hard time meeting zero-emissions carbon goals if they continue to rely on natural gas, a report from a clean energy group says. (E&E News, subscription)
COAL:
• Former Blackjewel mine employees in Wyoming are anxiously waiting for the results of yesterday’s assets auction which went on late in the evening; selected offers will need a federal bankruptcy judge’s approval at a sales hearing scheduled for August 5. (Gillette News Record, Casper Star-Tribune)
• In Indiana, the coal mining industry challenges utilities’ plans to retire coal plants early. (E&E News, subscription)
NUCLEAR:
• U.S. senators seek to boost federal research into extending the life of nuclear plants and develop the next generation of reactors. (E&E News, subscription)
• Georgia regulators say the Plant Vogtle nuclear project could be delayed yet again and go further over budget. (Greentech Media)
PIPELINES:
• A natural gas pipeline in rural Kentucky explodes, killing one person, injuring others, setting homes on fire, and affecting gas prices across the eastern U.S. (WKYT, Courier Journal)
• The closure of a Philadelphia refinery has prompted an agreement to let Midwest refiners ship gasoline further east on a Pennsylvania pipeline. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
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OIL & GAS:
• University researchers found that shale gas development has impacted public enjoyment of hiking and camping due to increased traffic or construction activities near natural areas. (Consumer Affairs)
• Oregon lawmakers introduce a bill that would require railroad companies to share information about oil trains with first responders. (KATU)
COMMENTARY: The Natural Resources Defense Council explains how a recent ruling by California regulators opens the door to more energy-efficient appliances.