GRID: Adding transmission connections between electric grids in the eastern and western U.S. would lower clean energy costs and help balance the grid even with less overall generation capacity, a recent federal study finds. (Utility Dive)

ALSO:
• A Western regional transmission organization could save customers $2 billion per year while bolstering reliability and expediting renewable energy development, according to a federally funded study. (news release)
• Maine environmental regulators contemplate canceling a permit for a Central Maine Power transmission project after a court ruling jeopardizes a small piece of the line’s route. (Maine Public)
• Three Tennessee power companies that considered splitting from the Tennessee Valley Authority claim the utility is improperly restricting necessary upgrades to its transmission lines. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

POLITICS:
• Democratic U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Jon Tester both voice opposition to a carbon tax after it’s revived in congressional talks, though the White House says the fees are still in consideration. (The Hill, Reuters)
• A California congress member suggests carving out a clean electricity program exception for West Virginia to get Sen. Joe Manchin onboard Democrats’ reconciliation bill. (E&E News)

CLIMATE:
• Police departments are increasingly citing extreme, climate change-fueled weather events when requesting military-style gear and armored vehicles from the federal government. (HuffPost)
• The Biden administration and congressional allies insist the U.S. can still meet its Paris agreement goals even without the clean electricity program through other executive and legislative action. (Washington Post)
• The country’s top financial regulators will release a report this week detailing their first steps toward tackling climate change. (E&E News)

WIND:
• While most conservation groups support a balance of protecting birds and building wind power, one avian-backing nonprofit is challenging turbine development at every turn. (Grist)
• Indigenous and environmental advocates urge President Biden to designate a national monument on southern Nevada land where a Swedish developer is pursuing a large-scale wind power installation. (E&E News)
• A central Iowa wind turbine blade manufacturer plans to close by the end of the year and eliminate 710 jobs; U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley will urge President Biden to consider having the plant manufacture components for offshore wind projects to keep the facility afloat. (Des Moines Register, Radio Iowa)

LITHIUM: A federal court’s rejection of an effort to block lithium mining at Nevada’s Thacker Pass highlights the legal obstacles Indigenous advocates face in protecting sacred sites. (Guardian)

CLEAN ENERGY: Indiana clean energy advocates say a state energy task force’s recent interest in small nuclear reactors distracts from more prudent solutions such as renewables and demand response. (Energy News Network)

EFFICIENCY: U.S. cities and states ask the federal government to rescind Trump-era rules that curbed efficiency measures. (Utility Dive)

COMMENTARY:
• The country’s broken supply chain is hindering the clean energy transition, especially when it comes to solar development, a consultant and former Michigan utility regulator writes. (Utility Dive)
• Electrification advocate Saul Griffith argues the tall challenge of replacing fossil-fueled appliances, cars and heating systems is worth the economic and climate benefits. (Yale Environment 360)

Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.