ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: A “first of its kind” EPA analysis maps how people of color and Indigenous groups will disproportionately suffer climate change’s worst effects, with these groups more likely than others to face flooding, intense heat, and other health effects stemming from a warming planet. (Washington Post) 

CLIMATE:
• President Biden approves emergency declarations in Northeastern and Gulf states following Hurricane Ida’s effects and in California amid ongoing wildfires, calling both weather events reminders the climate crisis is here. (NBC New York, Associated Press)
• Climate risk experts say Ida’s widespread devastation forecasts a future of extreme weather exacerbated by climate change — and shows the U.S. isn’t ready for the escalating effects. (New York Times)

OIL & GAS:
• Federal officials say they are responding to reports of oil and chemical spills in the Gulf of Mexico following the hurricane. (Associated Press)
• The U.S. loans 1.5 million barrels from the country’s oil reserve to an Exxon Mobil refinery in Louisiana to keep gasoline flowing after Ida. (Reuters)
• Environmental legal group Earthjustice sues the Biden administration, challenging its plan to open tens of millions of acres in the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas exploration to comply with a court order. (Guardian)

POLITICS:
• Ten Democratic governors write to Congressional leaders to urge them to adopt “landmark” climate measures proposed in Congress’ bipartisan infrastructure bill. (E&E News)
• U.S. climate envoy John Kerry spent the week trying to convince China that emissions reductions were more important than political disputes as Beijing pushed the U.S. to lift solar panel sanctions. (Washington Post)

GRID:
• Entergy has begun restoring power to eastern New Orleans and to some oil refineries, but the utility can’t say how long it will take to get power back to the vast majority of the city. (Associated Press, Reuters, NOLA.com)
• Drought-induced low water levels have reduced the hydropower generation capacity of Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam by 25% and 41% respectively, straining Southwest energy supplies. (Power)  

COAL: Controlling emissions at Illinois’ largest coal plant has become a key sticking point in state lawmakers’ debate over sweeping clean energy legislation. (Energy News Network) 

CLEAN ENERGY: The federal Bureau of Land Management launches a rulemaking process to facilitate solar, wind and transmission development on public lands. (PV Magazine)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A South Korean electric vehicle battery company plans to hire 6,000 workers after Georgia invested $2.6 billion to convince the company to locate there. (WSB-TV)

CRYPTOCURRENCY: Reporters and infographics break down how bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies work and why they use such huge amounts of electricity. (New York Times)

COMMENTARY:
• The COVID-19 pandemic “continues to exacerbate issues caused by a deeply broken utility and housing system,” an environmental advocate writes. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
• An urban planning consultant outlines how cities can prepare for electric vehicles’ rise, including by commissioning surveys and studies to map their EV infrastructure needs. (Utility Dive)

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Kathryn Krawczyk

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.