OIL & GAS: A state-commissioned analysis finds it would cost $8.38 billion to clean up New Mexico’s oil and gas infrastructure, but the state only has about $200 million in bonds to pay for it. (New Mexico Political Report)

ALSO:
• New Mexico has steadily increased its reliance on tax revenue from the oil industry — now accounting for about a third of the state’s budget — complicating clean energy ambitions. (Searchlight New Mexico)
• The Los Angeles City Council passes a resolution calling for the closure of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility, a move that is largely symbolic. (CBS Los Angeles)
• Conservationists say they have enough funding to transform a 384-acre oil field near Newport Beach, California into a park and nature preserve. (Los Angeles Times)
• Colorado landowners are suing two oil companies, alleging they were underpaid on royalties over seven years. (Daily Camera)

EQUITY:
• As California weighs an electric vehicle requirement for rideshare services, a driver advocate worries it will be a “green badge of honor” for the companies while low-income drivers shoulder the cost. (CalMatters)
• A Colorado bill would develop a common definition for environmental justice for use across state agencies. (Colorado Public Radio)

GRID:
• Residents of four California cities will distribute 25,000 free smart thermostats that will help compensate homeowners for conserving energy during times of high electricity demand. (San Francisco Chronicle)
• California officials provide more detail on the state’s preparation for peak demand this summer and what contingencies are available. (Canary Media)

STORAGE:
• Officials in a Montana county are expected to vote today on a proposed 75 MW energy storage facility that some neighbors oppose over aesthetic concerns. (Montana Standard)
• A new software developed by Sandia National Laboratories will help utilities and businesses assess the value of energy storage. (news release)

COAL: The Colorado House advances a bill that would provide $15 million for communities transitioning away from coal. (Colorado Springs Gazette) 

CLIMATE:
• A Washington state lawmaker praises corporations like Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks as “moral-authority thought leaders on climate.” (GeekWire)
• California has been reducing funding for state programs to cut methane emissions from livestock operations as climate advocates warn those efforts need to accelerate. (Agri-Pulse)

UTILITIES:
• Colorado regulators will allow Xcel Energy to offer discounts up to 30% for companies moving to the state, with one commissioner calling the plan “deeply flawed.” (Colorado Sun)
• A Nevada utility is planning a power outage today to prevent wildfires in a mountain community west of Las Vegas. (KTNV)
• Washington regulators will allow utility disconnections to resume starting July 31. (KING 5) 

COMMENTARY:
• Advocates say California needs to more aggressively subsidize electric school buses, which help protect kids from the health impacts of diesel exhaust. (East Bay Times)
• A solar executive says Arizona regulators need to prepare for private companies like Tesla moving into the utility space. (Arizona Republic)

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Ken Paulman

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.