CLEAN ENERGY: A new study says the U.S. grid could be powered by 90% clean energy by 2035, at a cost cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. (Greentech Media)
POLITICS:
• White House energy advisors say a second Trump term would mean further dismantling of environmental protection and expansion of the fossil fuel industry. (E&E News)
• Federal agencies are investigating a hacking campaign that has targeted activists, banks, journalists and others critical of the oil industry. (New York Times)
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WIND:
• Federal officials release the environmental assessment for the Vineyard Wind offshore wind project that says six configurations would have roughly the same effect on the fishing industry. (CommonWealth Magazine)
• Massachusetts fishermen criticize a state compensation plan to offset the effects of offshore wind development, saying it undervalues industry contributions and was developed without their input. (National Fisherman)
• The Department of Energy is working with the International Energy Agency on development of massive turbines that could produce up to 15 MW each for offshore wind farms. (E&E News, subscription required)
• A new Nature Conservancy project maps areas where wind farms will have the least impact on wildlife. (Yale Climate Connections)
PUBLIC LANDS: The Trump administration’s disregard for climate change is being met with resistance from federal judges, jeopardizing oil and gas development plans throughout the West. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)
NATURAL GAS: California officials face the challenge of planning the state’s future natural gas system as cities adopt electrification ordinances. (Utility Dive)
PIPELINES: A federal appeals court upholds Enbridge’s plans for dealing with a potential spill from the Line 5 pipeline in the Great Lakes. (Associated Press)
COAL: Washington state officials say the U.S. Supreme Court shouldn’t “waste its valuable time” on a case challenging its rejection of a proposed coal export project. (E&E News, subscription)
TECHNOLOGY: Florida researchers are experimenting with wave energy technology that they say within five years could produce 5 GW of electricity from turbines spun by the Gulf Stream. (Washington Post)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: At least two workers at a California Tesla plant have tested positive for coronavirus after Elon Musk defied county restrictions to reopen it. (Washington Post)
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ACTIVISM: Black Louisiana residents living near petrochemical sites protest environmental racism along with police violence. (Desmog)
COMMENTARY: A black climate activist explains why all environmentalists need to be anti-racist. (Vogue)