SOLAR: The U.S. saw record growth in solar jobs in 2016, with one out of 50 new jobs coming from the solar industry, according to a new report. (Greentech Media)
ALSO:
• Less favorable net metering rates in Nevada resulted in the loss of over 2,500 rooftop solar installation jobs in 2016, but the state also added jobs in larger solar project development, according to a new report. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
• Over 400 megawatts of community solar will be installed this year in the U.S. as utilities move beyond pilot programs, according to a new report. (Greentech Media)
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WIND: Oklahoma’s governor unveils a proposal to tax wind power at the highest rate in the nation. (The Oklahoman)
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Major corporations are supporting a Missouri bill that would permit large electricity customers to bypass their utility and purchase power directly from a renewable generator. (Midwest Energy News)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A bill introduced in Hawaii would fine parking lot owners who don’t have enough electric vehicle spaces in their lots. (Pacific Business News)
PIPELINES:
• The companies behind the Dakota Access Pipeline have spilled nearly 200,000 gallons of oil during 42 accidents over the last two years, according to a recent analysis by environmental groups. (Des Moines Register)
• A government lawyer says the U.S. Army secretary could issue the final permit needed to complete the Dakota Access Pipeline as early as Friday. (Reuters)
• Tribal officials say they don’t want law enforcement to forcibly remove Dakota Access Pipeline protesters from a camp in North Dakota. (Washington Post)
• Lawmakers in North Dakota advance four bills aimed at Dakota Access Pipeline protesters, which include harsher penalties for some riot offenses and a law against wearing a face mask while committing a crime. (Forum News Service)
COAL: Critics of Peabody Energy’s reorganization plan file an emergency appeal, alleging the terms of the coal giant’s $1.5 billion private recapitalization plan violate U.S. bankruptcy law. (Reuters)
UTILITIES:
• Moody’s Investors Service says Mississippi Power could lose its investment-grade credit rating due to the declining competitiveness of its $7.1 billion “clean coal” plant. (Associated Press)
• A surge in electricity costs in Maine has some companies threatening to leave the state, as their bills increase by an average of 19 percent. (Portland Press Herald)
NUCLEAR: The closure of a nuclear plant in Vermont contributed to increased CO2 emissions in New England in 2015, compared to the previous year. (Utility Dive)
REGULATION: Hundreds of former EPA employees send a letter urging Congress to reject Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as the new head of the agency, saying he “has gone to disturbing lengths to advance the views and interests of business.” (Washington Post)
COMMENTARY: It will take years of high electric vehicle sales to cause a decrease in oil demand, according to a Forbes contributor.