COAL: The fate of Democrats’ reconciliation package remains uncertain as coal miners voice skepticism of promised clean energy jobs and redevelopment funds and the nation’s top mining union remains silent on the bill. (New York Times)

ALSO: CNN follows its report on how an Alabama coal ash pond threatens pristine wetlands with a map illustrating coal ash sites throughout the U.S. (CNN)

CLIMATE:
• U.S. climate envoy John Kerry suggests the private sector can and will fund climate solutions as governments lack funding to do so, drawing doubts from climate activists and experts. (CNBC, Washington Post)
• Republicans draw issue with Democrats’ proposed Civilian Climate Corps, calling the job-creating initiative a “made-up government work program … for young liberal activists.” (E&E News)
• A report suggests the world’s oceans have massive potential for carbon storage, including via oceanic plants that can pull carbon out of the water. (Axios)
• Failing to secure both the regional Transportation and Climate Initiative and the Central Maine Power transmission expansion project leaves Massachusetts in a tough position to meet its climate obligations, observers say. (Boston Globe)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Battery and electric vehicle makers are increasingly building factories in conservative and swing states, debunking ideological arguments currently governing clean energy growth, an expert says. (Axios)
• BP will acquire electric vehicle charging company Amply Power to boost its plans to build out EV charging points worldwide. (Bloomberg)

FINANCE: The head of the Energy Department’s loan office says it will take its time distributing $550 billion in new energy funds from the recently passed infrastructure package, even though it has yet to award any loans under President Biden. (E&E News)

OIL & GAS:
• The Biden administration is approving drilling permits at a faster rate than the Trump administration did during its first three years. (Independent)
• Gasoline prices are expected to fall over the next few weeks, which political commentators predict may boost President Biden’s popularity. (The Hill)

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: A new report shows that two companies in Memphis, Tennessee, are responsible for spewing carcinogens near Black communities. (Commercial Appeal)

TRANSMISSION:
• Grid operator MISO is finalizing a plan that could lead to more transmission projects and settle cost allocation disputes by splitting its footprint into northern and southern regions, though the plan is subject to federal approval. (Canary Media)
• An Xcel Energy high-voltage transmission project proposed near the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in eastern Colorado sparks concerns among tribal leaders and park advocates. (Colorado Sun)

BIOFUELS: The Biden administration’s rejection of dozens of oil refiners’ requests to be exempted from biofuel blending requirements while proposing to dial back ethanol production targets has generated mixed reactions in the biofuels community. (Radio Iowa)

COMMENTARY: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s recent environmental reviews of pipelines and fuel neutrality mark a return to common sense for the body, a former FERC commissioner writes. (Utility Dive)

Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.