CLIMATE: Following a $16.8 billion quarterly loss, BP says it will cut oil production 40% by 2030 and invest more in renewable energy, an announcement one climate advocate says “has radically changed the game.” (New York Times, InsideClimate News)

ALSO:
• Scientists say we are entering “an era of sustained elevated risk from extreme weather and climate events” as overlapping disasters affect the U.S. (New York Times)
• A rural University of Minnesota campus generates about 60% of its electricity from renewable energy while meeting a net carbon neutral target. (Star Tribune)

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COAL: As the pandemic accelerates the economic crisis facing coal communities, Colorado takes the first steps toward what could be a nation-leading transition program. (Energy News Network) 

NUCLEAR: Exelon’s CEO apologizes for subsidiary ComEd’s involvement in a bribery scheme with Illinois lawmakers but says the company still needs favorable policies for its nuclear plants. (Greentech Media)

WIND: A new study says the U.S. offshore wind industry needs additional lease areas in federal waters to meet its goals, and the federal Treasury could earn $1.7 billion from auctions. (World Oil)

SOLAR:
• Texas grid operators approved 180 MW of commercial solar in July. (S&P Global)
• Sheep grazing on solar sites is seen as a way to increase productivity and reduce costs as dual-use sites for agriculture and energy are promoted. (Utility Dive)

BATTERIES: A rare desert wildflower could jeopardize plans for a proposed lithium mine in Nevada. (Associated Press)

NATURAL GAS: An electrification advocate says Southern California Gas’ lawsuit arguing that regulators have failed to promote natural gas as required by state law shows that the utility  is “starting to feel the pressure” on the fate of gas in California. (Los Angeles Times)

PIPELINES:
• After a recent court ruling involving the Keystone XL pipeline, the Army Corps of Engineers proposes to separate oil and gas pipelines from a permitting program involving utility projects that cross waterways. (E&E News)
• Mountain Valley Pipeline developers will pay $58,000 in fines for erosion and sediment control violations in Virginia. (Roanoke Times)
• A bill in the U.S. Senate seeks to ease pipeline permitting. (S&P Global)

POLITICS: Controversy over Bureau of Land Management nominee William Perry Pendley could have an impact on key western Senate races. (InsideClimate News)

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ACTIVISM: Five young climate activists from Maine explain what motivates them to join the fight against climate change by advocating policy changes and engaging with their peers and adults. (Energy News Network)

COMMENTARY: A letter signed by more than 100 economists says we must end the carbon economy in order to fight climate change and develop a more just society. (The Guardian)

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Ken Paulman

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.