UTILITIES: Lawmakers from Ohio Valley states received nearly half a million dollars in campaign contributions from a political action committee associated with FirstEnergy, the utility involved in a $61 million bribery scheme. (Ohio Valley Resource)
PIPELINES:
• The companies behind the Mountain Valley Pipeline stand by their expected 2021 start date despite North Carolina denying a key permit for an extension of the project. (Reuters)
• Hays County, Texas, officials approve permits allowing Permian Highway Pipeline developers to bore under three roadways, despite pleas from music legends Willie Nelson and Paul Simon. (Houston Chronicle)
• Energy company Tellurian says it will build only one of four proposed pipelines for its major LNG export project in Louisiana amid the market decline. (S&P Global)
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SOLAR:
• Toyota is planning a $2.7 million solar project in Alabama to help power its plants. (Birmingham Business Journal, subscription)
• An Arkansas solar company announces a solar energy project with the city of Eureka Springs that is expected to save it $750,000 over 25 years. (Talk Business & Politics)
• A 101 MW solar farm goes online in South Carolina. (Times and Democrat)
• A Georgia elementary school installs a small solar project so students can learn about renewable energy. (Coastal Courier)
OVERSIGHT: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has four candidates to choose from for his Public Service Commission appointment, including an incumbent and three outgoing Republican legislators. (Tampa Bay Times)
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OIL & GAS: Small scale liquefied natural gas plants that can chill gas into liquid form could help address the natural gas flaring problem in Texas. (Houston Chronicle)
COMMENTARY: A group of environmental advocates say the Atlantic Coast Pipeline cancellation is good news, but a lot of work is ahead to stop similar projects. (Virginia Mercury)