PIPELINES: The National Park Service will issue a right-of-way permit for the Mountain Valley Pipeline to cross the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway — one of three federal permits the project still needs. (Roanoke Times)
ALSO: A letter sent by Atlantic Coast Pipeline developers reveals it remains uncertain what they plan to do with land they gained control over for the project, in some cases through eminent domain. (Virginia Mercury)
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OIL & GAS:
• Oil and gas producers find some “common ground” in Joe Biden’s plan to address climate change, which would not ban fracking. (New York Times)
• Oil and gas permitting hit a three-month high last week, with applicants including a company backed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. (San Antonio Business Journal, subscription)
NUCLEAR:
• A former plantation given up by a South Carolina utility in a settlement over a failed nuclear project is for sale, and profits will eventually go to SCE&G customers. (Post and Courier)
• Jacksonville Electric Authority is still on the hook for nearly $3 billion for the Plant Vogtle nuclear project but is trying to reach a settlement. (News 4 Jax)
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UTILITIES: Duke Energy’s rate increase hearings are delayed after the utility makes a partial settlement with regulators, which a Duke spokesperson says is “a significant step.” (Charlotte Business Journal, subscription)
COMMENTARY:
• An Atlantic Coast Pipeline opponent says the project revealed “systemic injustices that permeate our regulatory system” and put “a spotlight on the apathy” of the governor and attorney general. (Roanoke Times)
• A clean energy group examines the policies and positions of Robert Bryant, the Democratic candidate for Georgia’s Public Service Commission. (SACE)
• The partial settlement in the Duke Energy rate case “will provide much-needed relief” via financing for efficiency upgrades and rooftop solar for low-income people, environmental lawyers say. (SELC)