OIL & GAS: The companies responsible for a 2016 oil spill in Southern California agree to pay $1.6 million in civil penalties, costs, and natural resources damage. (Los Angeles Times)
ALSO:
• Chevron is using one of California’s clean energy programs to produce oil more cheaply, which environmentalists say could undermine the program’s aim to usher in more renewable fuels. (Bloomberg)
• Montana Gov. Mark Gordon is pleased with a federal ruling that will allow the state to resume litigation challenging a rule that forces energy companies to capture and use natural gas rather than vent or flare it. (Cowboy State Daily)
***SPONSORED LINK: Register today for Veterans Advanced Energy Week, August 10-13, a virtual learning experience dedicated to military veterans and spouses in advanced energy and national security. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org. ***
COAL:
• Local officials are preparing for the economic consequences of the impending shutdown of New Mexico’s coal-fired Escalante Generating Station. (Associated Press)
• PacifiCorp agrees yet again to accelerate its exit from coal power, agreeing to remove Colstrip costs from customer bills in Washington state by 2023. (Billings Gazette)
• New Mexico regulators must make a decision by the end of the month on solar contracts that would replace San Juan Generating Station power. (Farmington Daily Times)
• Colorado clean energy advocates see a utility’s early closure of a coal-powered power plant as a sign of major change for Colorado Springs’ energy future. (KRCC)
HYDROPOWER: A pumped-hydropower energy storage developer is considering a Wyoming reservoir for a new project. (Wyoming News Exchange)
PIPELINES: Wyoming lawmakers, citizens, and industry leaders are divided over the Trump administration’s revisions to regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act. (Casper Star-Tribune)
SOLAR:
• California’s mandate requiring solar panels on the roofs of most new homes may take longer to implement due to construction slowdowns and fewer permits being issued as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. (Greentech Media)
• Elon Musk predicts a big future for Tesla’s energy business, despite the company’s worst-ever quarter for solar installations. (Greentech Media)
STORAGE: A Nevada-based alternative and renewable energy technology company purchases a 20 MW energy storage plant in California. (Renewables Now)
UTILITIES:
• Arizona regulatory staff propose a technology-based 100% Clean Energy Standard by 2050. (Utility Dive)
• New Mexico’s largest electricity provider announces the advancement of its initiative aiming to strengthen the utility’s sustainability efforts. (news release)
***SPONSORED LINK: Register today for Fresh Energy’s Truly Affordable Webinar Series on Thursdays in July! Now more than ever the topic of affordable, energy efficient housing has become even more critical.***
ACTIVISM: The Sierra Club confronts the racist views held by its 19th-century founder, John Muir. (Los Angeles Times)
COMMENTARY: A Colorado journalist discusses the impact of months of oil market volatility on drillers in the northern part of the state. (KUNC)