GRID: Texas’ grid operator releases a report on February’s storm-related outages in which power plants operators attribute their problems as “weather related,” sparking outrage and mockery. (Austin American-Statesman; E&E News, subscription)
COAL:
• The United Mine Workers of America announce a tentative deal with Warrior Met Coal that could end a strike for 1,100 workers in Alabama — including Kentucky miners who previously worked for bankrupt Blackjewel. (AL.com, WYMT)
• West Virginia lawmakers advance a bill to require coal-fired power plants maintain at least a 30-day supply of fuel for the duration of their lifespans. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
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OIL & GAS:
• Phillips 66 Partners withdraws from a pandemic-delayed pipeline project to move crude oil from Wyoming to Oklahoma. (S&P Global)
• A Texas oil firm that has tried to position itself as climate-forward splits from the industry by opposing a potential U.S. carbon tax in favor of tax credits for carbon capture and reduced emissions. (Bloomberg)
UTILITIES: The Memphis city council votes for the city’s utility to seek bids for its electricity, a big step toward leaving the Tennessee Valley Authority. (Memphis Commercial Appeal)
OVERSIGHT: Georgia environmentalists mostly see setbacks as the state legislative session ends, including the passage of a bill prohibiting local governments from restricting fossil fuels in building codes. (Capitol Beat News Service/Albany Herald)
SOLAR:
• Florida Power & Light moves toward increasing its solar capacity with 37 solar energy centers in operation and nine more under construction. (Daily Energy Insider, St. Augustine Record)
• A Virginia planning commission recommends approval of a 240 MW solar farm. (Smithfield Times)
• A North Carolina electric cooperative selects a partner to build an 11 MW solar project. (Watauga Democrat)
• An Arkansas county flips the switch on the first of two announced solar projects that combined will provide 86% of the county’s existing electricity demand. (Arkansas Business)
• A Florida development authority announces plans for a 5,000-acre solar farm dubbed “Project Peach.” (Brunswick News)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: West Virginia lawmakers advance a bill to reduce energy usage in state buildings to 25% below 2018 levels by 2030. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
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MEDIA: Canary Media — the successor to Greentech Media — launches with an edition that includes a look at how distributed energy resources can harden the Texas power grid. (E&E News, Canary Media)
COMMENTARY:
• After its natural gas plants were thrown into chaos during February’s storm, Texas should diversify its electricity by investing in geothermal energy, write two geothermal trade association staffers. (Dallas Morning News)
• Virginia lawmakers wrap up a historic legislative session today but whiffed on multiple chances for utility reform, writes the director of Virginia Organizing. (Roanoke Times)