COAL: New Mexico regulators approve a plan that replaces coal-fired San Juan Generating Station electric power with 100% renewables and battery storage, but still leaves open the possibility of a controversial carbon-capture project. (New Mexico Political Report) 

ALSO:
• A new report says mine cleanup could create thousands of jobs in Western states. (Casper Star Tribune)
• Arch Resources’ CEO says a joint venture with Peabody Energy “is the best path forward” for the company’s Powder River Basin mines. (Gillette News Record)

***SPONSORED LINK: Register today for Veterans Advanced Energy Week, August 10-13, a virtual learning experience dedicated to military veterans and spouses in advanced energy and national security. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org. ***

RENEWABLE ENERGY: Arizona regulators reveal a new proposal mandating that utilities eventually get all their power from carbon-free sources by 2050. (Arizona Republic)

ELECTRIFICATION: A new analysis on the growth of electrification in California finds that the next game-changer for the state is likely to be new regulations next year that will push the market toward all-electric new construction. (Greentech Media)

NATURAL GAS: A new report indicates flaring could increase in the Permian Basin in coming years if new pipeline projects are delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. (E&E News, subscription)

NUCLEAR: New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham writes to President Trump, asking for his support in opposing a proposed nuclear waste facility in the state. (Santa Fe New Mexican)

OIL & GAS: Wyoming officials say there has been no response from Occidental Petroleum on the state’s bid on a large package of land and minerals in Wyoming and Colorado owned by the company. (WyoFile)

PUBLIC LANDS: The Bureau of Land Management is calling for comments on the planned leasing of public lands in Nevada for geothermal development. (news release)

SOLAR: A French renewable energy developer announces a partnership with NV Energy to construct a 200 MW solar plant with a 180 MW/720 MW hour battery for the utility. (Greentech Media)

STORAGE: PG&E & Tesla announce construction has begun on a “landmark” 182.5 MW lithium-ion battery energy storage system at one of the utility’s Northern California electric substations. (news release)

***SPONSORED LINK: Register today for Fresh Energy’s Truly Affordable Webinar Series on Thursdays in July! Now more than ever the topic of affordable, energy efficient housing has become even more critical.***

TRANSPORTATION: Los Angeles advances its electric vehicle efforts including rolling out electric buses and discounting electric car-sharing for low-income residents. (E&E News, subscription)

COMMENTARY:
• The CEO of a California community choice aggregator discusses how it addresses challenges including power shutoffs, wildfire risks, and energy equity. (Utility Dive)
• A Colorado political analyst says Gov. Jared Polis needs to ensure the state is actively working to substantially reduce air pollution. (Colorado Politics)
• A representative of a proposed wind project in Wyoming attempts to set the record straight on wind energy in response to criticism. (Laramie Boomerang)

Lisa is a Lenape and Nanticoke Native American freelance journalist, editor and writer currently based in the U.K. She has more than two decades’ experience working in corporate communications and print and digital media. She compiles the Western Energy News daily email digest. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Temple University; her specializations include data journalism and visualization. She is a member of the Native American Journalists Association, Investigative Reporters & Editors, Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Union of Journalists (U.K.).