PUBLIC OPINION: The Charlotte-based ClearPath Foundation releases polling illustrating significant support among Republicans for clean energy state-by-state. (ClearPath Foundation)
SOLAR:
• A new report names Georgia and North Carolina among the leading state markets for utility-scale solar in 2016. (Greentech Media)
• A non-profit is hosting students from three North Carolina universities during their spring breaks to help build solar systems in low-income communities. (Alt Energy Mag)
• Details emerge on future solar energy investments in South Carolina by newcomer Cypress Creek Renewables. (WCSC-TV)
***SPONSORED LINK: Join resiliency stakeholders and problem solvers from state and local government, businesses, universities, and the military in the first statewide Resilient Virginia Conference, March 22-23 in Richmond, Virginia. Register today to build Virginia’s resilient future!***
CYBER SECURITY: Duke Energy Lynn Good says she’s “astounded” by the volume of cyber attacks on the company’s computer networks. (Associated Press)
CLIMATE:
• A University of Florida professor leads research documenting the inevitable impacts of rising sea-levels. (The Atlantic)
• New research shows Louisiana’s master plan for mitigating climate change is ill-equipped to deal with rising sea levels. (The Lens)
FRACKING: A Florida state Senate committee fails to revive a bill that would have banned local fracking controls, meaning it’s likely dead for this session. (Tallahassee Democrat)
SUSTAINABILITY: Virginia ranks 9th in the latest tally of LEED-certified buildings in the U.S. (The Energy Collective / U.S. Green Building Council)
UTILITIES: Florida Power & Light’s higher rates are set to help recoup costs of its growing solar investments. (Fort Myers Florida Weekly)
COAL:
• Mine cleanup concerns rise as companies’ self-bonding comes under growing scrutiny. (Greenwire)
• While coal prices keep declining, the costs to haul it via rail are rising. (The Register-Herald)
• The United Mine Workers blesses a bill progressing through the West Virginia legislature that would weaken mine safety practices. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
COAL ASH:
• North Carolina begins hearings running through March 29 seeking options for disposing of the state’s millions of tons of coal ash. (Associated Press)
•A new video from an environmental group in North Carolina illustrates how a family living close to a coal ash dump may never be able to trust their tap water again. (North Carolina Policy Watch)
WEST VIRGINIA: Lawmakers rally to reduce more taxes on in-state coal and natural gas exploration. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
BIOENERGY: A coal plant in North Carolina slated to burn wood products for electricity could create about 200 jobs. (The Robesonian)
OIL & GAS: Teachers and parents in a Kentucky community are asking a lot of questions about a dump receiving out-of-state radioactive drilling waste near two public schools. (Louisville Courier-Journal)
OFFSHORE DRILLING:
• New videos challenge Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s support for drilling while backing Hillary Clinton, who opposes it. (The Virginian-Pilot)
• A Congressional caucus reaffirms its support for opening the mid-Atlantic coast for oil exploration. (Offshore Engineer)
• A debate at a South Carolina university balances environmental risks facing coastal communities versus potential economic rewards. (Charleston Business)
PIPELINES:
• A Georgia judge rejects an appeal by the developer of the proposed Palmetto Pipeline designed to transport petroleum products from Georgia through South Carolina into Florida. (Associated Press)
• Virginia residents in the path of the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline express concerns over how a mishap similar to a 2008 accident could affect them. (The Franklin News-Post)
COMMENTARY:
• Four reasons why North Carolina should move forward even with the Clean Power Plan on hold. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Can Miami Beach survive climate change and rising sea levels? (CNN)
• Now is the time for North Carolinians to weigh in on coal ash disposal options. (Southern Environmental Law Center)