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)