ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Operators of a Nevada lithium mine announce plans to double production by 2025, citing growing demand for electric vehicles and other battery applications. (Reuters)

ALSO:
• Apple is reportedly at least five years away from launching its autonomous electric vehicle, and has added more ex-Tesla executives to the project. (Bloomberg)
• Daimler says its Portland, Oregon plant is its first to achieve carbon neutrality and will produce electric trucks. (ThomasNet News)

EQUITY:
• Indigenous water protectors in Montana and elsewhere contrast the lighthanded police response to Wednesday’s failed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol with aggressive responses to peaceful, unarmed pipeline protests. (Great Falls Tribune, Indian Country Today)
• Tribal leaders and advocates are concerned that Keystone XL worker camps in Montana could become dangerous sources of COVID-19 outbreaks for Indigenous communities. (High Country News)

PUBLIC LANDS: The Trump Administration plans to expand a law meant to speed utility projects to loosen mining restrictions on federal lands. (Reuters)

POLLUTION: Black Hills Energy joins other major Colorado utilities in committing to reduce air pollution and emissions by at least 80% by 2030. (FOX21 News)

OVERSIGHT: Washington state regulators adopt a package of new rules for investor-owned utilities that will move utilities to coal-free status by 2025 and carbon-free by 2045. (PV Magazine)

OIL & GAS: A railroad holding company is facing opposition over plans to operate crude oil rail tankers on long-dormant rail lines through Colorado’s high country. (Colorado Sun)

TRANSPORTATION: Local Colorado leaders’ policy priorities for this year include focusing on how to promote greener transportation, aiming to reduce congestion and improve air quality. (Boulder Daily Camera)

BIOMASS: A large-scale renewable natural gas project in southwestern Utah that captures methane from hog farming operations and converts it into clean energy is now complete. (Biomass Magazine)

RENEWABLE ENERGY:
• Hawaii regulators are considering a 35 MW solar plus 240 MWh pumped hydro storage project that would push the island of Kaua’i’s total share of renewables past 80%. (PV Tech)
• A University of Hawaii startup is among the semifinalists of a $3 million U.S. Department of Energy solar innovation competition. (University of Hawaii News)

UTILITIES:
• Arizona’s largest electric utility says it will continue to waive late fees for residential and business ratepayers through October 15. (Glendale Star)
• San Diego Gas & Electric recognizes six local public and private sector organizations that have made exceptional efforts to minimize their carbon footprint and maximize resource conservation. (news release)

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.).