RENEWABLES: Data show states that are GOP strongholds are often benefiting the most from new wind and solar development. (Associated Press)
CLEAN POWER PLAN: A new national poll shows 70 percent of U.S. voters know “just a little or nothing at all” about the federal climate rules. (ClimateWire)
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UTILITIES:
• NRG Energy is scaling back its ventures in electric vehicle chargers and home solar installations in order to cut costs and streamline operations. (New York Times)
• A surprise bill introduced by ComEd and Exelon purports to find common ground on solar, renewable standards and struggling nuclear plants, but clean energy groups say they weren’t involved in crafting the proposal. (Midwest Energy News)
• A leaked document from a utility organization explores how the industry expects to deal with increasing competition. (Greentech Media)
• California’s top regulator discusses how the state is preparing for 50 percent renewable energy. (Greentech Media)
SOLAR:
• A report says Texas could get a fifth of its electricity from solar, but state policies are holding back development. (Dallas Observer)
• The leading solar installer in the U.S. has introduced new software to help utilities develop dispatchable utility-scale solar projects. (Utility Dive)
WIND: The federal government’s proposed rules for wind permits that allow for the killing of eagles is drawing mixed reviews from industry and wildlife advocates. (Greenwire)
COAL:
• The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating cost and timeline disclosures related to a $6.7 billion “clean coal” plant under construction in Mississippi. (Bloomberg)
• Analysts say coal companies that have not entered bankruptcy will face tough competition from those that emerge from bankruptcy with smaller debt loads and streamlined capital. (SNL / Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis)
• California’s share of electricity from coal has dropped from 1 percent in 2007 to 0.2 percent today. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Participants at an industry conference in Florida say coal companies need to work together with railroads and utilities to ensure their future. (Platts)
PIPELINES: FERC signs off on a $3 billion natural gas pipeline expansion, but the project still faces strong opposition. (NPR)
FRACKING:
• Despite a local fracking ban being struck down by the state Supreme Court, fracking is unlikely to come to a Colorado city anytime soon. (Fort Collins Coloradoan)
• Industry leaders say a “challenging and unpredictable regulatory environment” in Pennsylvania is holding back drilling. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
CLIMATE: Exxon Mobil, which is being accused of misleading investors over the risks of climate change, partners with another company on technology that captures carbon emissions from power plants. (Associated Press)
EFFICIENCY:
• A new program in an Ohio county looks to help landlords boost energy efficiency spending on rental properties. (Midwest Energy News)
• A study finds drivers will save thousands of dollars under new fuel economy standards. (Detroit Free Press)
COMMENTARY:
• Why climate action starts with cities. (The Guardian)
• Why the solar boom needs to extend to low-income communities. (Greentech Media)