SOLAR: Rooftop solar could cost generators in the eastern U.S. $2 billion in lost revenue in the coming years. (Bloomberg)
ALSO:
• Massachusetts lawmakers urge colleagues to embrace a net metering compromise that helps the state’s solar industry. (Boston Globe)
• Why Wisconsin’s rural co-ops are powering the state’s solar growth. (Midwest Energy News)
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WIND: A study says U.S. offshore wind costs could drop as much as 55 percent over the next 13 years. (Bloomberg)
COAL:
• In a regulatory filing, Peabody Energy says it may need to file for bankruptcy. (Bloomberg)
• Colorado businesses push the EPA to crack down on emissions from Utah coal plants. (Denver Post)
• A Montana lawmaker says a West Coast coal shipping terminal appears headed for rejection. (Billings Gazette)
• A lawsuit targets coal mining in Wyoming and Montana, seeking greater sage grouse protection. (Billings Gazette)
• Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship seeks to delay the sentencing tied to his conviction for conspiring to violate mine safety laws. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
OIL AND GAS:
• North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says the Obama administration’s decision to block oil exploration off its coast could cost the state much-needed revenue and jobs; South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley calls the decision “another disappointment from D.C.” (Associated Press, The State)
• A natural gas surplus will delay financial recovery for the industry. (Houston Chronicle)
• Members of a North Dakota tribe have no regrets about banning fracking on their reservation. (AlterNet)
FRACKING:
• A recent $4.2 million jury award in a Pennsylvania case will likely encourage more fracking lawsuits. (Bloomberg BNA)
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expands the no-fracking zone around a Texas dam. (Dallas Morning News)
NUCLEAR:
• New York lawmakers want revenue from carbon trading to support a $100 million bailout of the state’s nuclear plants. (Albany Times Union)
• Exelon’s CEO is again pushing Illinois lawmakers to help support the utility’s nuclear plants. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
UTILITIES: Utilities debate the pros and cons of using demand charges as a way to deal with more distributed energy on the grid. (Utility Dive)
FUEL CELLS: California regulators say Bloom Energy’s fuel cells shouldn’t qualify for state incentives. (Greentech Media)
GEOTHERMAL: An Australian company is planning a 250 MW geothermal power plant near California’s Salton Sea. (Palm Springs Desert Sun)
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TRANSPORTATION: Georgia-based United Parcel Service sets a $100 million plan to expand natural gas fueling infrastructure for its trucks. (Atlanta Business Chronicle)
COMMENTARY:
• Why President Obama reversed course on offshore drilling in the Atlantic. (Vox)
• An ExxonMobil executive responds to accusations the company isn’t doing enough on climate change. (Los Angeles Times)