CLIMATE POLICY: An investigation finds many transactions in California’s carbon offset market are for improvements that would have happened anyway. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
ALSO: A lawsuit in an Oregon federal court led by young plaintiffs, aged 11 to 22, could have broad implications for U.S. climate law. (E&E News)
***SPONSORED LINK: Secure your spot for the EVs & the Grid Workshop, October 10-12 in West Hollywood, California. See the showcase of all public and private programs and initiatives that are enabling electrification. Government, utilities, and environmental advocates will guide property developers and fleet owners.***
WIND:
• New Mexico regulators last week approved a construction permit for a 2,200 MW wind project. (SNL Energy/IEEFA)
• Rocky Mountain Power begins work on upgrading turbines at a Wyoming wind farm. (Daily Energy Insider)
GRID: Advocates for regionalizing the Western grid say it’s a necessary step for California to reach its clean energy goals. (RTO Insider)
SOLAR:
• Farmland conservationists reach a settlement with developers of an Oregon solar project that will also provide bee habitat. (Capital Press)
• A 2.87 MW solar project goes online in Hawaii. (Maui News)
EFFICIENCY: A new high-efficiency subdivision near Clovis, California is the largest of its kind in the state. (Fresno Bee)
NUCLEAR: A Washington state nuclear plant sets a new record for electricity production. (Forbes)
COAL:
• Why interior Alaska is still heavily dependent on coal. (KTOO)
• A struggling Colorado coal company gets an extension on a loan payment. (KTVQ)
OIL AND GAS:
• Federal regulators are fast-tracking a $45 billion liquified natural gas pipeline in Alaska that is aimed at serving Asian markets. (DC Report/Salon)
• A study finds Coloradans living near oil and gas infrastructure often feel powerless to influence development. (ThinkProgess)
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TRANSMISSION: Officials in a Colorado county delay a decision on a transmission line that is opposed by some nearby residents. (Pueblo Chieftain)
COMMENTARY:
• An Idaho nonprofit says energy resilience is creating new economic opportunities for the state. (Idaho Business Review)
• A newspaper columnist digs into the arguments for and against an Arizona clean energy ballot initiative. (Arizona Daily Star)
A Republican New Mexico lawmaker says advancing clean energy is critical for preserving jobs in his state. (Eastern New Mexico News)