RUSSIA: The Biden administration officially bans imports of Russian fossil fuels, leaving some stakeholders convinced the U.S. should speed up its own production, while others see it as a chance for clean energy adoption. (Inside Climate News, E&E News)
ALSO:
• The House still moves forward with its own Russian energy import ban after President Biden’s announcement. (E&E News)
• Experts warn that increasing domestic oil production won’t immediately bring down fuel prices after President Biden’s import ban. (Washington Post)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Environmental advocates say the White House’s proposed emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks fail to push the industry toward electric vehicles, while engine manufacturers say moving too quickly toward electrification could keep highly polluting vehicles on the road longer. (E&E News)
• Stellantis — the parent company of Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler — forms two joint partnerships with Korean battery suppliers to build capacity for North American electric vehicle production. (Supply Chain Dive)
CARBON CAPTURE: Carbon capture technology has received unprecedented funding from the federal government, though climate experts remain divided over whether it’s a valuable tool or a distraction in the effort to reduce emissions. (Inside Climate News)
PUBLIC LANDS: In a congressional hearing, tribal leaders push to co-manage public lands with federal agencies. (E&E News)
FINANCE:
• Congress’ proposed 2022 spending bill falls short of Democrats’ clean energy funding goals, though climate issues and environmental equity still have a place in the package. (E&E News)
• Jigar Shah, head of the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office, discusses staffing up the office and avoiding politics as he looks to boost clean energy financing. (Washington Post)
POLLUTION: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visits abandoned mine and oil well sites in Ohio, which is eligible for more than $50 million in federal cleanup funding that officials say promotes justice and jobs. (Energy News Network)
GRID: Accounting for the capacity value of clean energy resources would lower both costs and greenhouse gas emissions if accounted for in grid operator PJM’s markets, according to a new study. (Utility Dive)
SOLAR: Florida residents have until 2028 to install rooftop solar panels before rate subsidies disappear under legislation passed by state lawmakers this week. (Tampa Bay Times, E&E News)
EMISSIONS: A North Carolina power plant that burns wood and poultry waste seeks to modify its state permit to increase emissions despite its repeated air regulation violations in a predominantly minority community. (NC Policy Watch)
COMMENTARY:
• A climate reporter explains why the U.S. has never achieved energy independence, and argues pursuing it hasn’t helped the country fight climate change. (Atlantic)
• The Ukraine situation underscores the danger of America’s reliance on fossil fuels, an editorial board argues, calling on federal leaders to respond with a transition to clean energy. (Los Angeles Times)