CLIMATE: Apple says all of the devices it sells by 2030 will be carbon-neutral, and Oregon-based renewable energy projects will help. (The Guardian, Portland Business Journal)
PUBLIC LANDS:
• Montana Gov. Steve Bullock files a federal lawsuit seeking to have William Perry Pendley removed as de facto director of the BLM, arguing that his appointment was illegal. (Bloomberg Law)
• Democrats from Western states push for an expedited hearing for Pendley’s formal nomination, saying “the public deserves the opportunity to hold him accountable for his record of undermining our public lands.” (The Hill)
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CALIFORNIA:
• A new lawsuit against PG&E alleges its manufactured gas plant was a “highly polluting” refinery that contaminated San Francisco’s waterfront. (Legal News Line)
• PG&E files a lawsuit against a California fire protection district in a bid to overturn restrictions on the utility’s work procedures. (Pleasanton Weekly)
UTILITIES: Wyoming regulators made no decisions or actions after an “unusual” week-long investigation into a western utility’s 20-year Integrated Resource Plan released in October 2019, other than setting a deadline for additional briefs. (Wyoming Public Media)
EQUITY:
• A new report finds that putting energy development projects near communities of color is one of the reasons why racialized groups are three times more likely to live in areas with limited access to nature. (Washington Post)
• Alaska Native land defenders and others push back on fossil fuel advocates labelling opposition to Arctic drilling as “green racism”. (InsideClimate News)
OIL & GAS:
• New Mexico’s proposed rules for the oil and gas industry would require operators to reduce waste by a fixed amount every year to achieve an ultimate gas capture rate of 98% by the end of 2026. (New Mexico Political Report)
• Oil and gas industry groups appeal a recent Alaska Supreme Court decision backing supporters of a ballot measure aiming to raise taxes on major oil producers. (Anchorage Daily News)
PIPELINES:
• California leads a coalition of 20 states in suing the EPA over a rule that weakens states’ ability to block pipelines and other controversial projects that cross their waterways. (The Hill)
• Montana’s Native American land defenders are leading the opposition against the Keystone XL pipeline, concerned about culturally important sites and tribes’ drinking water source. (Billings Gazette)
SOLAR:
• Colorado solar companies want state regulators to reconsider new community solar rules they say are unclear and will hinder future projects in the state. (Denver Business Journal, subscription)
• A Northern California solar and energy storage company expands into the central part of the state. (news release)
TRANSMISSION: Construction begins in Arizona on a new 6.9- mile, 24.9kV power line part of the Moss Mine Federal Lands Expansion project. (KDMiner)
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TECHNOLOGY: Colorado State University is set to receive $1 million in federal funding to design a thermal energy storage system with carbon capture. (Colorado Politics)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Colorado solar company branches out into sales of pre-owned electric vehicles. (Solar Power World)