GRID: Most U.S. power companies are failing to adequately prepare for climate change, with only a few conducting studies that can help them prepare for extreme heat, flooding, and other effects. (New York Times)

ALSO:
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission member Mark Christie emphasizes the importance of state regulators in building out transmission nationwide and says a “national transmission czar” shouldn’t override state decisions. (S&P Global)
• Two competing models for community choice aggregation emerge in New Hampshire, with some local governments coming together to form larger clean power portfolios and others seeking more local control opting to go it alone. (Energy News Network)

CLIMATE: The U.S. Senate’s proposed infrastructure bill would mandate three studies examining negative effects of some clean energy policies and may provide Republicans fodder to fight the Biden administration’s climate agenda. (E&E News)

OIL & GAS:
• The secretly recorded video of an ExxonMobil lobbyist revealing how he fought climate action raises questions about the credibility of notable think tanks the company has donated to. (E&E News)
• Liquified natural gas producers are investing in carbon capture and storage technology as they try to make the case for being part of the clean energy transition. (Houston Chronicle)
• Thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells across the West leak toxic chemicals and emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. (Associated Press)  

TRANSPORTATION:
• The Biden administration is negotiating with major automakers on a pledge to ensure at least 40% of new cars sold are electric starting in 2030. (Washington Post)
• Progressives in Congress aren’t satisfied with the amount of electric vehicle and public transit spending in the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure bill and say they’ll prioritize transportation in a Democratic package. (E&E News)

WIND:
• The Biden administration initiates an environmental review for Avangrid’s Kitty Hawk offshore wind farm, which would be the first offshore wind project off North Carolina. (E&E News, Coastal Review)
• Opponents of offshore wind development in Rhode Island allege Gov. Dan McKee handpicked members of a coastal council who are pro-wind to ensure industry-friendly decisions were made. (Providence Journal)

SOLAR:
• Xcel Energy looks to shrink the size of its popular small-scale solar rebates in Minnesota in order to extend the incentive to more customers. (Energy News Network)
• Investor-owned utilities have spent millions to slow the growth of solar energy in Florida, according to an environmental policy group’s new report. (News4Jax)

UTILITIES:
• A California county prosecutor says Pacific Gas & Electric is “criminally liable” for its role in igniting the Zogg Fire last year that killed four people and burned 200 homes, but has not yet filed charges against the utility. (Los Angeles Times)
• A coalition of 80 groups calls on the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a roadmap for how the Tennessee Valley Authority will transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030. (PV magazine)

PUBLIC LANDS: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland meets Native American leaders who traveled across the U.S. with a totem pole to raise awareness for protecting sacred sites. (The Hill)

GEOTHERMAL: Experts see a growing role for geothermal power as a path for widespread clean energy deployment. (Inside Climate News)

COMMENTARY: President Biden’s nominee to be the U.S. ambassador to Canada faces bilateral disputes between the two countries involving major pipeline projects, an attorney writes. (Forbes)

Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.