SOLAR: Georgia-based Suniva files a petition for new tariffs on imported solar components, a move that could have global implications for the industry. (Reuters, Greentech Media)
ALSO:
• North Carolina-based Strata Solar wants to fill hundreds of job openings in Virginia with military veterans. (Southeast Energy News)
• The Smart Electric Power Alliance has named the top 10 U.S. utilities for solar power, which include Georgia Power, Duke Energy and Dominion Power. (Solar Industry)
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COAL:
• Congress said Wednesday it was close to a deal to extend health benefits for retired coal miners and avoid a government shutdown. (Associated Press)
• An analysis by Columbia University is the latest to affirm that competition from natural gas, and not Obama-era regulations, are the main reason the coal industry has declined in recent years. (Climate Central)
• Members of a West Virginia union point out that not all coal miners voted for Trump. (WV Public Broadcasting)
UTILITIES:
• Duke Energy’s sustainability report says by 2030 the company plans to cut coal use from 34 percent to 27 percent, increase natural gas by one-third and roughly double power from renewables. (Associated Press)
• Entergy plans to seek permission to build a power plant near New Orleans after stopping its first attempt to do so in February. (Times-Picayune)
OIL AND GAS:
• Florida Sen. Bill Nelson said on Wednesday he will fight an expected move by President Donald Trump to open up oil drilling off the state’s coast. (Tampa Bay Times)
• West Virginians receiving royalty checks for shale drilling could see their payments drop, pending a decision by the state’s supreme court on Tuesday. (Wheeling News-Register)
PIPELINES:
• The Atlantic Coast pipeline case in Virginia’s Supreme Court could reshape the state’s eminent domain law. (News Leader)
• A South Carolina environmental advocacy group said Wednesday it will not appeal the state’s decision to grant the Dominion Carolina Gas Transmission pipeline project its water quality certification. (GoUpState.com)
WIND:
• A California renewable energy company wants Mississippi regulators to approve a transmission line to carry wind energy from Texas to the several states in the Southeast. (Associated Press)
• As part of Duke Energy Renewable division’s efforts to operate its wind farms safely for bats and birds, the company is donating $50,000 to bat conservation efforts. (Triad Business Journal)
NUCLEAR:
• Tennessee Valley Authority security officers at nuclear power plants will no longer be allowed to carry handguns. (Associated Press)
• Two environmental groups along with the mayor of South Miami said time is running out to challenge Florida Power & Light’s nuclear waste storage plan, ahead of its May 2 hearing with state regulators. (Miami New Times)
TRANSPORTATION: An alternative fuel and vehicle event in Alabama showcased domestically produced options, including compressed natural gas and electric alternative fuels. (Alabama Newscenter)
COMMENTARY: Environmental advocates should support coal miners in their fight to preserve health care benefits. (Civil Notion)