PURPA: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission places new limits on what projects qualify for PURPA, the 1978 federal law meant to create a level playing field for independent energy developers. (Greentech Media)

ALSO: The landmark PURPA law helped fuel solar development in North Carolina and other states, benefiting about one-third of all U.S. solar projects, but many would no longer qualify under the new rules. (Bloomberg)

***SPONSORED LINK: Register today for Veterans Advanced Energy Week, August 10-13, a virtual learning experience dedicated to military veterans and spouses in advanced energy and national security. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org. ***

SOLAR:
• The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission unanimously rejects a petition to declare state solar net metering policies illegal. (Greentech Media)
• A renewables developer will build a 108 MW solar project near Pollocksville, North Carolina, expected to go online in fall of 2021. (Solar Power World)

PIPELINES: A Louisiana appeals court rules that the Bayou Bridge Pipeline “trampled” the rights of landowners when the company cut down trees, dug trenches and laid pipeline across properties without permission. (Courthouse News Service)

OIL & GAS:
• Georgia Tech researchers help develop a new membrane technology that could reduce carbon emissions associated with refining crude oil. (EurekaAlert)
• A Fayetteville, Arkansas, electronics manufacturer receives a $1 million federal grant to develop equipment for directional drilling. (Talk Business & Politics)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Tulsa, Oklahoma, officials believe their pitch for a new Tesla factory stacks up well compared to Austin, Texas. (Tulsa World)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join Southern Alliance for Clean Energy & Electrify the South for a free virtual Electric Vehicle test drive to see why so many people are going electric. Learn more & register here: https://www.electrifythesouth.org/events.***

GRID: A Duke Energy spokesman says there are advantages and disadvantages to burying power lines, but cost is a major deterrent. (Winston-Salem Journal)

COMMENTARY:
• A clean energy group supports Florida regulators’ decision to expand energy efficiency programs, though the state should be doing more. (CleanEnergy.org)
• While the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is canceled, other dangerous fossil fuel projects in Virginia are still moving ahead, Food & Water Watch writes.

Avatar photo

Dan Haugen

Dan has two decades' experience working in print, digital and broadcast media. Prior to joining the Energy News Network as managing editor in December 2017, he oversaw watchdog reporting at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, part of the USA Today Network, and before that spent several years as a freelance journalist covering energy, business and technology. Dan is a former Midwest Energy News journalism fellow and a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.