NUCLEAR: Congress’s budget plan excludes a provision that extends the deadline for nuclear power plants to receive tax credits, which raises questions about whether the V.C. Summer project will be completed. (Post and Courier)
ALSO: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission heard arguments challenging Florida Power & Light’s request to build two additional nuclear reactors at the Turkey Point plant in Miami-Dade County. (Palm Beach Post)
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PIPELINES:
• Opponents of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline are increasing pressure on Democratic candidates running for governor in Virginia. (Southeast Energy News)
• As the Sabal Trail pipeline project nears completion, Florida residents living nearby question potential effects on their health. (Rewire)
OFFSHORE DRILLING: President Trump’s intent to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic could negatively affect tourism, ecology and more in North Carolina and in South Carolina. (WUNC, News and Observer, Charlotte Observer)
SOLAR: A South Carolina House subcommittee voted to end debate on proposed legislation that would reduce property taxes for renewable energy projects in the state, stopping the bill this year. (Post and Courier)
WIND: The country’s wind industry reported the largest number of first-quarter installations in eight years, as many states, including North Carolina, increase their wind capacity. (Reuters)
NATURAL GAS: West Virginia’s Supreme Court is rehearing a case that found it was illegal for companies to deduct expenses from royalty payments. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
UTILITIES: Duke Energy Progress notified state regulators that it will file a rate increase proposal in North Carolina on June 1 in an effort to cover its costs for coal ash cleanup and other expenses. (Charlotte Business Journal)
CLIMATE: As his term nears its end, Gov. Terry McAuliffe will review recommendations to reduce carbon emissions from Virginia’s power plants. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
COAL:
• Since its bankruptcy filing, the Alpha Natural Resources coal company says it is making financial progress, including paying off a term loan. (Times News)
• After Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed a bill to create an economic development to help out-of-work coal miners, efforts will be funded with private money. (Virginia Public Radio)
• Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who was one of the leaders of a bipartisan deal to ensure permanent health care benefits for retired coal miners, discusses in an interview this move by Congress. (Courier-Journal, WDTV)
• Following the deaths of two miners, including a coal miner in Kentucky, federal safety officials caution against miners working alone. (Associated Press)
TECHNOLOGY: Researchers continue to seek ways to tap the Gulf Stream off North Carolina’s coast. (Coastal Review Online)
COMMENTARY:
• A newspaper editorial questions the intent behind Dominion’s proposed eightfold increase in its solar facilities. (Daily Press)
• How tax incentives may have driven the decision to sell a Virginia dam. (Bacon’s Rebellion)