CLEAN ENERGY: President Biden has promised the clean energy transition will bring “good, high-wage jobs,” but much of the industry has so far avoided employing union workers and made high-demand, low-pay jobs the norm. (New York Times)

ALSO: Missouri clean energy advocates are among groups pushing for a $100 billion federal loan program that would help electric cooperatives transition from fossil fuels. (Missouri Times)

SOLAR:
• The Biden administration unveils an app that allows local governments to automatically process applications for rooftop solar installations and issue permits. (Reuters)
• Elon Musk takes the stand in a trial over Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity and fights shareholders’ claims he effectively bailed out the failing solar installer. (CNBC)
• An energy developer reverses course after public outcry over its plan to demolish a historic drive-in movie theater in Pennsylvania for a solar farm, saying it will no longer pursue the project. (Morning Call)

TRANSPORTATION: A coalition of large fleet owners, including Amazon and several utilities, call on Congress to include support for electrified fleet vehicles in a federal infrastructure plan. (Utility Dive)

OIL & GAS:
• Oil and gas industry lawyers say Biden administration officials could be held in contempt of court if they don’t comply with a judge’s order to resume oil and gas lease sales. (Bloomberg)
• A bankrupt St. Croix oil refinery forced to close due to foul odors and noxious releases needs at least $1 billion to complete an overhaul and remain viable, according to lawyers and others involved in its bankruptcy. (Reuters)

CLIMATE: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says the central bank will likely require banks to test how vulnerable they are to climate change, following European banks’ leads. (Bloomberg)

HYDROGEN: Plug Power enters into a 345 MW wind power purchase agreement with Apex Clean Energy in what is set to be the first wind-powered hydrogen project in the U.S. (Utility Dive)

GRID:
• Soaring demand for natural gas for power generation is expected to continue in the Western U.S. as the National Weather Service forecasts above-average August temperatures. (S&P Global)
• The wildfire-caused shutdown of an Oregon-to-California transmission line bolsters calls for a vastly expanded and more integrated power grid. (E&E News, subscription)
• A new report says the Texas grid operator’s demand response program cut power to critical natural gas infrastructure amid the power crisis during February’s winter storm. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
• A controversial proposed transmission line through northern Iowa and Wisconsin showcases the debate over bringing more renewable energy projects online to service populated areas. (KWWL)

NATURAL GAS:
• A leaking gas pipe appears to be responsible for high carbon monoxide levels that sent 53 people at a New York youth summer camp to nearby hospitals. (Times Union)
• Pennsylvania’s utility regulator approves a $1 million fine against Energy Transfer LP over a 2018 natural gas pipeline explosion that destroyed a home. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

HYDROPOWER: Drought is likely to shut down a major California hydroelectricity generator for the first time ever this summer. (E&E News, subscription)

COMMENTARY: The Biden administration is repeating the Obama administration’s clean energy subsidy playbook — but it wasn’t very successful the first time around, a columnist writes. (Forbes)

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.