UTILITIES: Despite a recent decision partially in favor of efforts to open up the retail electric market in Virginia, questions remain unresolved as utilities continue to push back. (Southeast Energy News)
COAL:
• A new poll shows more people think President Trump can save the coal industry, even as most accept climate change. (Greentech Media)
• A small, but growing number in West Virginia are saying goodbye to coal mining and staking their future on the state’s solar power industry prospects. (American Prospect)
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SOLAR:
• A bill that would give tax breaks to Florida businesses that install renewable energy devices advanced Thursday to its last committee stop. (Associated Press)
• Meanwhile, a senate panel passed a bill to implement solar tax breaks for homeowners that Florida voters approved last year. (SaintPetersBlog)
• A 78 MW solar farm in North Carolina is now online. (Fayetteville Observer)
HYDRO: A renewable energy company has purchased a defunct hydroelectric plant in Virginia and plans to get it running again. (Roanoke Times)
OIL & GAS:
• Two Louisiana law firms that led the litigation against BP’s 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill will each receive $87.8 million in attorney fees. (Times-Picayune)
• A federal appeals court ruled there will be no rehearing for Louisiana flood board’s suit to make oil and gas companies pay for damage to coastal wetlands. (Associated Press)
TECHNOLOGY: A conference in North Carolina is bringing industry leaders together to focus on energy innovation in the Carolinas. (Charlotte Business Journal)