POLICY: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says it will consider grid operators’ requests for carbon pricing, a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation on climate policy. (E&E News)

SUPREME COURT:
• Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s responses on climate change have generated controversy because they align with language frequently used by politicians who oppose regulating emissions. (New York Times)
• Judges have often acknowledged the reality of climate change, including recently appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who said in 2016 that there is a “moral imperative” to address the crisis. (E&E News, subscription)

***SPONSORED LINK: The University of Minnesota Law, Policy, and Business Conference on Equity and Electrification of Transportation, Friday, October 23, from 10 am – 2:30 pm, will discuss broader reforms to our transportation systems through the lens of law, policy, and business. Register here. ***

OVERSIGHT:
• Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette cancels public appearances in Pennsylvania after two members of his security detail test positive for COVID-19. (CNN)
• EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler’s public calendar has not been updated since May, an oversight that staff blame on the pandemic. (E&E News, subscription)

COAL:
• After making it a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign, President Trump has all but stopped even mentioning coal in 2020. (E&E News)
• Oregon’s only coal-fired power plant permanently closes, 20 years ahead of schedule. (OPB News)
• A lawsuit alleges the Energy Department’s National Coal Council operates in secret in violation of federal law, serving the interests of the coal industry. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)
• COVID-19 is making life even harder for Appalachian miners living with the terminal condition known as black lung disease. (PRI’s The World) 

OIL & GAS:
• A new report finds global methane emissions have increased 32% this year despite a slowdown in oil and gas production. (The Hill)
• Analysts expect a sharp increase in propane demand this winter as homeowners and businesses seek ways to heat outdoor spaces. (Bloomberg)

SOLAR: An Arkansas school district invests in solar panels and energy efficiency upgrades and starts putting the savings into teacher salaries. (E&E News)

WIND:
• Offshore wind advocates are concerned the federal agency tasked with permitting projects is underfunded and understaffed, causing further delays in moving projects forward. (Utility Dive)
• The share of electricity generation in Texas coming from wind power continues to grow, increasing 11% last year compared to 2018. (Renewables Now) 

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Renault announces a compact electric SUV for European markets with up to 140 miles of range that will sell for the equivalent of $12,000. (Electrek)

CLIMATE:
• A recent survey finds nearly 4 in 5 adults in Virginia say they are interested in news about how climate change affects their communities. (Energy News Network)
• A climate report by New Jersey environmental officials says the state must make massive cuts in fossil fuel use within the next several years to meet its mid-century emissions goals. (NJ Spotlight)
• Officials representing Native American tribal nations tell federal lawmakers they rarely get federal help fighting climate impacts because they are forced to compete for grants against wealthier states. (E&E News Daily, subscription)

POLITICS: The Biden campaign responds to six questions about climate policy. (Vox)

COMMENTARY:
• Virginia needs to update its statewide building code to protect residents from high energy costs and climate change, a Sierra Club volunteer writes. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• A former California judge says it’s time for state leaders to address the consequences of climate change, rather than simply hoping to stop it. (RealClearEnergy)

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Ken Paulman

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.