CLIMATE: Leaders of the G7 nations pledge to decarbonize the global economy. (Associated Press)
POLITICS: A North Carolina Republican pledges $175 million to push his party to address climate change. (Politico)
COAL: A coal company and utility seek help from West Virginia regulators to rescue a financially struggling coal plant. (PennEnergy)
SOLAR:
• After a heated debate, Louisiana lawmakers vote to cut tax credits for solar arrays. (New Orleans Advocate)
• Construction workers testify against legislation that would slow solar growth in North Carolina. (Fayetteville Observer)
• A Georgia co-op offers community solar to its members. (WABE)
• A Virginia utility’s philanthropic arm seeks to install 1 kW solar arrays at public schools. (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)
OIL AND GAS:
• The Army Corps of Engineers approves a permit for a controversial Louisiana fracking project. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
• Industry groups continue to push a “forced pooling” bill in West Virginia, which would require landowners to lease their mineral rights if 80 percent of neighbors do so too. (Charleston Gazette)
PIPELINES: A pipeline operator is still trying to determine what caused a 24-inch natural gas line to rupture beneath the Arkansas River last month. (Arkansas Online)
TECHNOLOGY: At an event in New Orleans, Elon Musk says he’s “not really a fan of disruption.” (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
UTILITIES: Security experts warn utilities that substations are vulnerable to attacks. (SNL)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The Department of Energy announces a new initiative to partner with utilities to promote electric vehicles. (The Hill)
CLEAN ECONOMY:
• A new report ranks North Carolina among the top states for clean energy venture capital investment. (Triangle Business Journal)
• Could a “Silicon Holler” rise in Kentucky coal country? (Reuters)
COMMENTARY:
• Why big companies are defending North Carolina’s renewable energy standard. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• South Carolina should focus on bringing solar power to low-income households. (The State)