CLIMATE: An analysis finds that new global pledges to lower emissions will only limit global warming to 6 degrees Fahrenheit, which scientists warn will still be catastrophic. (New York Times)
OIL AND GAS:
• After spending $7 billion, Shell abandons its Arctic drilling operation “for the foreseeable future.” (Bloomberg, New York Times)
• A new report challenges industry claims that worker safety is improving. (Denver Post)
• Colorado drillers may soon be cut off from credit lines. (Denver Post)
VW POLLUTION CASE:
• The EPA says it will add on-road tests to its vehicle emissions evaluations in response to VW’s software designed to bypass regulations. (Associated Press)
• California is planning a “major enforcement action” against the company. (ClimateWire)
SOLAR:
• An Arizona utility says it will withdraw its plan to increase rates on solar customers while regulators study the issue. (Arizona Republic)
• Proposals by California utilities could eliminate cost savings from residential solar, a situation one developer calls “catastrophic.” (Los Angeles Times)
• A North Carolina sustainable energy group says the state has built one gigawatt of solar power capacity accounting for $1.6 billion in revenue. (United Press International)
• Republican lawmakers in Michigan look to settle the value of solar debate after various stakeholders spent months trying unsuccessfully to reach consensus. (Midwest Energy News)
WIND: While prospects dim for the Cape Wind project, other developers are eyeing offshore wind sites off the Massachusetts coast. (MetroWest Daily News)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: California lawmakers are working to expand renewable energy to low-income and minority communities. (Al Jazeera)
CLEAN POWER PLAN: Opponents eagerly await for the final rule to be published in the Federal Register so they can mount formal challenges. (EnergyWire)
POLLUTION:
• Industry groups and several states ask the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out the EPA’s rules for reducing mercury at coal plants. (Greenwire)
• A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduce legislation that would delay compliance for some under a stricter ozone standard. (E&E Daily)
UTILITIES: Exelon officials say they plan to refile a bid today to acquire Pepco in a $6.8 billion merger after regulators rejected a previous deal. (Baltimore Business Journal)
COMMENTARY: A self-described “oil guy” explains why he’s bullish on solar. (Fortune)