OIL & GAS: California is failing to address oil drilling in residential, often Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, despite health and pollution complaints. (Yale Environment 360) 

ALSO:
A judge rejects a federal rule that would allow Hilcorp to carry out oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Cook Inlet that could disrupt or potentially harm endangered beluga whales. (Anchorage Daily News)
Colorado local governments are increasingly exercising their power to update and strengthen oil and gas development regulations under a new state law. (Colorado Sun)
New Mexico’s oil and gas production for 2020 increased roughly 10.8% over 2019’s total despite difficulties amidst the pandemic. (Carlsbad Current-Argus)

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COAL:
• At a legislative hearing, current and former Montana regulators warn against a bill that would shift financial risks from the Colstrip power plant onto utility ratepayers. (Billings Gazette)
• A Wyoming Senate committee is considering amendments to a proposed bill aiming to slow the closures of coal plants, but a Powder River Basin Resource Council official says the current framework is unworkable. (Wyoming Public Media)
• Arizona Rep. Tom O’Halleran reintroduces a federal bill that would provide economic development assistance to communities adversely impacted by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station and facilities like it across the country. (news release)

CLIMATE:
Colorado lawmakers debate a bill that would codify Gov. Jared Polis’ climate goals into law. (Colorado Sun)
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee urges the state’s legislature to pass two climate bills. (News Tribune) 

FOSSIL FUELS: Utah environmental advocates say proposed legislation would turning a fund intended to support rural communities into a “state-supported piggy bank” for fossil fuel extraction. (Salt Lake Tribune)

NUCLEAR: Federal officials approve a plan to send radioactive uranium waste to an Idaho waste repository. (KTVB)

POLLUTION: Three Colorado state employees allege state air pollution control managers unlawfully approved noxious gas permits in a new whistleblowing complaint to the U.S. EPA. (Colorado Sun)

RENEWABLE ENERGY: Arizona environmentalists say Republican state lawmakers’ focus on stripping elected utility regulators of their power could stall efforts to meet the state’s goal of 15% renewable energy by 2024. (Associated Press)

SOLAR: The Department of Energy awards a $25 million contract to Sandia National Laboratories to build, test, and operate a new solar power test facility on its New Mexico campus. (KRWG)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A new Arizona residential community features homes with at least one 240-volt Level 2 charging outlet in the garage for fast electric vehicle charging as part of its standard garage package. (Glendale Independent)

COMMENTARY:
The Los Angeles Times editorial board says offshore wind farms are a necessary part of the state’s future energy mix in the transition from fossil fuels.
A Colorado advocate says a proposed state bill would reduce emissions and advance restorative justice and a clean energy economy. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
A Hawaii-based writer says fair access to electricity should be a priority for the state, including the creation of a “social equity fund” to fund a guaranteed minimum amount of electricity to qualifying vulnerable groups. (Honolulu Star-Advertiser, subscription)
Oregon advocates say a proposed bill to increase investment in walking and biking infrastructure will help address racial inequities in the state’s transportation system. (Portland Tribune)

Lisa is a Lenape and Nanticoke Native American freelance journalist, editor and writer currently based in the U.K. She has more than two decades’ experience working in corporate communications and print and digital media. She compiles the Western Energy News daily email digest. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Temple University; her specializations include data journalism and visualization. She is a member of the Native American Journalists Association, Investigative Reporters & Editors, Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Union of Journalists (U.K.).