OVERSIGHT: Colorado regulators defend their lack of oversight of an oil refinery over almost a decade of pollution violations. (Denver Post) 

COAL: Peabody announces plans to discontinue healthcare benefits for non-represented and retired employees, declaring the coverage “not sustainable.” (Casper Star-Tribune)

CLIMATE: Idaho environmental advocates are hopeful about the possible impact of Biden-Harris climate policies in the state. (Idaho Statesman)

OIL & GAS:
• New Mexico is now requiring oil and gas operators to report the amount and quality of water used to drill and complete wells. (Albuquerque Journal)
• Oil and gas drilling in Colorado dropped 13% between May and August compared to the same period in 2019 due to decreased demand amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Colorado Public Radio News)
• A oil-industry backed political group is circulating a petition in a Southern California county aiming to overturn new rules requiring environmental review for oil and gas projects done under “antiquated permits.” (Ventura County Star)
• A coalition of oil operators and trade associations is exploring technological solutions to flaring and emissions problems in the Texas side of the Permian Basin. (Midland Telegram-Reporter)

MICROGRIDS: A PG&E microgrid aiming to keep the power on in two Northern California towns during public safety power shutoffs should be online soon. (Chico Enterprise-Record)

SOLAR: The owner of a New Mexico solar installation firm says the transition to renewable energy is necessary even in oil communities. (Searchlight New Mexico)

TRANSMISSION: Wyoming’s largest utility completes a $700 million transmission expansion project on schedule. (Casper Star-Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION: The director of Jackson, Wyoming’s bus system says its battery-electric buses will help reduce emissions along with providing cost effective, clean, efficient transportation. (CleanTechnica)

COMMENTARY:
• Outgoing New Mexico Senator Richard Martinez explains why a waiver for New Mexico from any drilling ban is critical. (Albuquerque Journal)
• An environmentalist remains “cautiously optimistic” about the benefits of removing a Northern California hydroelectric dam, particularly for endangered fish species. (Woodland Daily Democrat)

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Lisa Ellwood

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.).