KEYSTONE XL: In an abrupt move, TransCanada asks the Obama administration to suspend its review of the project, which clean-energy advocates denounced as a bid to avoid a near-certain rejection. (New York Times)
CLIMATE:
• Four members of Congress ask the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether ExxonMobil violated federal law by failing to disclose climate risks. (InsideClimate News)
• California’s petroleum industry spent more than $11 million on lobbying to fight climate policy this year. (Los Angeles Times)
• A Supreme Court case on demand response could have a major impact on California’s climate goals. (Greenwire)
VOLKSWAGEN SCANDAL: The U.S. EPA accuses the automaker of cheating a second time on emissions reporting for thousands more vehicles. (Associated Press)
CLEAN POWER PLAN: A Northwest energy council says efficiency will be the best way for the region to meet carbon targets. (Flathead Beacon)
SOLAR:
• An Arizona regulatory proceeding could have a major impact on how the value of solar power is calculated. (Utility Dive)
• Reports are surfacing of people who say they mistakenly signed the wrong petition in Florida’s showdown between advocates for solar sales by third parties and utilities which oppose it. (Orlando Sentinel)
• A Minnesota group is a case study on the challenges of bringing community solar to a rural area and garnering support from residents who may not understand the concept. (Midwest Energy News)
• San Diego plans to quadruple the amount of solar capacity installed on city buildings. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Scientists show that expanding the amount of large solar arrays may affect the local climate more than previously thought. (Washington Post)
COAL: A proposed ballot measure in Oregon would prohibit coal-fired power by 2030. (Oregonian)
NATURAL GAS: Texas is making a dramatic shift from coal to renewables and natural gas. (EnergyWire)
FRACKING: Environmental groups announce their intent to sue Oklahoma companies over earthquakes linked to wastewater disposal wells. (Oklahoman)
SMART METERS: A Maryland utility may be forced to cut its opt-out fee for smart meters as demand is three times higher than anticipated. (Baltimore Sun)
TECHNOLOGY: The challenge for expanding the use of battery technology isn’t with chemistry and physics, but “regulations and market forces.” (ClimateWire)
ELECTRIC CARS: Denver officials explain why usage is not the metric for success for electric car charging stations. (7 News Denver)
COMMENTARY:
• Three experts debate the environmental impact of large-scale solar facilities. (New York Times)
• Wind energy is being held back in California. (Sacramento Bee)
• Why we need a Ma Bell for utilities. (Technology Review)