WIND: Iberdrola Renewables is struggling to find buyers for power to be generated by a large proposed wind farm in North Carolina. (The Daily Reflector)
SOLAR:
• A North Carolina venture fund has raised about $18 million for solar projects in the state. (Charlotte Business Journal)
• A study by the University of Alabama found a proposed 80 megawatt solar farm set for northwest Alabama could create millions of dollars in economic benefits to the area. (Southern Alliance for Clean Energy blog)
CLEAN POWER PLAN:
• The Clean Power Plan will spark an array of cost-competitive compliance options, says a new report from the Advanced Energy Economy Institute. (Fierce Energy)
• A new Public Citizen report estimates power bills in Virginia could decline slightly even under full compliance with the Clean Power Plan by Virginia utilities. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
POLITICS:
• An extension of the 30 percent solar investment tax credit beyond 2016 hangs in the balance as a Senate committee considers it and other tax incentives. (E&E Daily)
• Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AL, is among the lawmakers vowing to block U.S. compliance with any global climate pact. (ClimateWire)
CLIMATE: A new analysis led by a University of Florida scientist portends rising sea levels due to global warming much larger than previously thought. (The Washington Post)
COAL: Coal exports from terminals in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region in June were the lowest in more than six years and down by almost half from a year earlier. (Platts)
OFFSHORE DRILLING:
• A South Carolina congressman introduced legislation that would exclude Atlantic coast waters from being leased over the next five years, countering a move by a North Carolina congressman. (The Post and Courier)
• A Florida congressman offered legislation to protect its Gulf Coast from exploration until 2026. (Southwest Florida Public Radio)
UTILITIES: The North Carolina Utilities Commission has given final approval to the sale of shares of three nuclear and two coal-fired power plants by the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency to Duke Energy. (The Daily Reflector)
WEST VIRGINIA: Gov. Tomblin formed a commission to study workplace safety regulations for the oil and gas industry and recommend improvements. (Associated Press)
BP OIL SPILL SETTLEMENTS:
• The Louisiana town of Jean Lafitte rejected an undisclosed offer to settle its claim against BP. (New Orleans Times-Picayune).
• Four school boards in Louisiana settled their claims for between $32 million and $9 million. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
• Kenner, Louisiana settled its claims for about $9.3 million. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
• Gretna, Louisiana settled its claims for $3.3 million. (WVUE-TV, New Orleans)
• D’Iberville, Mississippi settled its claims for about $948,000. (The Sun Herald)
• Pelham, Louisiana settled its claims for about $106,000. (Alabama Media Group)
COMMENTARY:
• Why would the state’s top consumer advocate and its biggest economic cheerleader want to stifle the free market and oppose solar choice for consumers? (Tampa Bay Times)
• Some Republicans appear willing to talk about climate solutions, just not the science. (Memphis Democrat)