COAL: The Energy Information Administration projects a slight rebound in the share of electricity produced by coal in 2021 due to high natural gas prices, but not enough to reverse coal’s long-term decline. (Wall Street Journal)
ALSO:
• The EPA grants Wyoming the authority to regulate carbon dioxide injection wells intended for long-term storage. (E&E News, subscription)
• Coal miners living with black lung disease face greater challenges and complications amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Allegheny Front)
***SPONSORED LINK: The Rise Up! podcast brings real-time, relevant energy and policy information to Midwest stakeholders through an engaging and entertaining medium. Episode 4: “Credit Where Credit is Due” with special guest Andy Johnson is out now! #RiseUpMidwest***
CALIFORNIA:
• California’s power crisis worsens as PG&E de-energizes power lines in 22 Northern California counties due to dangerous weather and the threat of wildfire. (Bloomberg Green, KXTV)
• Los Angeles County records its highest temperature on record at 121 degrees, breaking a record of 119 set in 2006. (CNN)
OIL & GAS:
• A group of investment managers call on Texas regulators to ban the routine flaring of natural gas from the state’s shale fields. (Bloomberg)
• The Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota push for more tax revenue from oil wells that begin outside of reservation land but extend horizontally across the border. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Colorado oil industry advocates say “we would be in court the next day” if an incoming Biden administration tried to reverse President Trump’s efforts to expand oil production on federal land. (Denver Post)
PIPELINES:
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a revised opinion says Mountain Valley Pipeline construction would not likely jeopardize five endangered or threatened species of fish, bats and plants. (Roanoke Times)
• Massachusetts legislators agree with lifting the state of emergency declared two years ago after a fatal gas explosion but caution the affected areas still need help in recovering. (Eagle-Tribune)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Connecticut considers an overhaul of its electric vehicle rebate program to target low-and moderate-income buyers. (Energy News Network)
SOLAR: The number of large solar projects is surging in the U.S., with Texas playing a big role in the industry’s growth this year. (PV Magazine)
ELECTRIFICATION: Illinois is a prime candidate for using building electrification to help the state meet emission-reduction goals, according to a report by the Rocky Mountain Institute. (S&P Global)
GRID: Opinions differ over whether California should join other Western states in forming an “enhanced” regional power grid. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
UTILITIES:
• A former high-ranking and longtime ComEd official is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery as part of a scheme to pass favorable legislation for the utility. (WBEZ)
• The Alabama Supreme Court rules state regulators were within their rights to remove a person for recording a hearing in November on a utility’s controversial solar fees. (Montgomery Advertiser)
***SPONSORED LINK: Energy vs Climate is a webinar series and podcast that breaks down the trade-offs and hard truths of the energy transition in Alberta, Canada, and beyond. Episode 4: Build Back Better explores options for a post-COVID energy recovery. Register now!***
POLITICS: A new survey of Western conservatives finds that energy issues would help 80% of respondents determine how they vote on a candidate. (Colorado Politics)
COMMENTARY:
• A political scientist suggests framing the climate fight around the rights of future generations. (The Hill)
• An editorial board in Pennsylvania says a federal rollback of methane emissions standards is short-sighted and endangers public health. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)