NOTE TO READERS: Western Energy News readers were accidentally sent the Midwest Energy News email digest earlier this morning. We apologize for the error.

GRID: A new report suggests that California’s overreliance on out-of-state energy imports contributed to major power outages earlier this month after two natural gas plants unexpectedly shut down. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

ALSO: In a television interview, U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette claims California’s adoption of renewable energy is to blame for power outages and wildfires. (Fox Business)

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CLIMATE:
• California lawmakers propose extending a fee on electricity bills to fund $500 million for immediate wildfire response and another $2.5 billion over time for climate resiliency and fire mitigation initiatives. (Los Angeles Times)
• A University of California, Santa Barbara climate and energy policy expert says the Western heatwave is a signal of climate change and the need for serious steps towards a zero-emissions future to be taken. (National Geographic)

HYDROPOWER: California’s Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians say a proposed hydroelectric project would “irreparably harm” land that they consider sacred. (Press-Enterprise)

MICROGRIDS:
• Northern California’s Blue Lake Rancheria tribe voluntarily moved two microgrids into island mode to free up power to help take demand off the state’s grid. (Microgrid Knowledge)
• A PG&E spokesperson says the removal and mitigation of more than 250 trees is the last remaining hurdle for a Northern California county’s microgrid. (Union of Grass Valley)

OIL & GAS: Colorado leaders are divided over oil and gas development as the state’s main regulator struggles with who should have more power over well drilling. (Denver Business Journal)

PIPELINES: Conservation groups say Keystone XL pipeline construction must not continue while analysis of the harm to endangered wildlife remains incomplete. (Center for Biological Diversity)

PUBLIC LANDS:
• A judge’s restoration of Migratory Bird Treaty Act penalties could have broad implications for oil and wind projects on federal lands (E&E News)
• William Perry Pendley’s continued control of the Bureau of Land Management despite not being confirmed by the Senate highlights ongoing conflict between Trump political appointees and career staff. (The Hill)

SOLAR:
• A New Mexico utility encourages homeowners to consider solar energy installations before the federal government’s 26% tax credit expires. (news release)
• Black Hills Energy issues a request for proposals for 2.5 MW of new projects to serve its southern Colorado ratepayers. (Pueblo Chieftain)

COMMENTARY:
• A Colorado scientist says governors and presidential candidates must ensure that wildfire policy accounts for climate change. (The Hill)
• A Montana renewable energy advocate makes a case for supporting net metering, saying it has fueled growth in the state’s rooftop solar industry and around the country. (Missoula Current)
• A climate and energy analyst says nuclear energy is vital to Utah’s clean energy future. (Salt Lake Tribune)

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.).