GRID: Texas’ grid operator says growth in natural gas, wind and solar is making the state’s grid increasingly stable. (Dallas Morning News)
CLIMATE CHANGE:
• In a symbolic vote meant to undercut President Obama while in Paris, the U.S. House follows the Senate in attempting to block domestic efforts to curb climate change. (New York Times)
• “The truth is,” no one has done more in the climate trenches than Secretary of State John Kerry. (Rolling Stone)
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UTILITIES:
• A utility income-guarantee proposal emerges in Ohio for struggling power plants. FirstEnergy says it will ultimately help ratepayers and the company, while critics say it will cost billions. (Toledo Blade)
• An Illinois utility seeks mandatory demand charges, which are normally used for big industrial and commercial customers, on all ratepayers as a way to get all users to “pay their fair share.” (Midwest Energy News)
EFFICIENCY: A “pay-for-performance” pilot program in California would be a wholesale shift in how to deliver and pay for efficiency upgrades. (Greentech Media)
PARIS:
• Officials say commitment to a climate agreement is one bright spot of cooperation between the U.S. and China. (ClimateWire)
• Countries debate the role of nuclear power going forward. (NPR)
• President Obama wants a legally binding agreement, which will likely further rile congressional Republicans. (Associated Press)
EXXON MOBIL:
• The oil company hires a high-profile attorney to represent it amid a New York investigation over whether the company misled investors about climate risks. (Reuters)
• More documents reveal how much the company knew about climate change 35 years ago. (InsideClimate News)
CLEAN TECH: Funding research and development for clean-energy research traditionally has had bipartisan support, but it’s unclear how Republicans will react to President Obama’s commitments with business groups in Paris. (ClimateWire)
OIL AND GAS: A California utility will take at least three more months to plug a massive underground natural-gas leak that has been seeping since October and is making residents sick. (Reuters)
BIOFUELS: After the EPA’s announcement, Congressional lawmakers attempt to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard through their own amendments. (E&E Daily)
MICHIGAN: State lawmakers say an energy overhaul bill package won’t get passed this year. (MLive)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: The U.S. EPA begins a “wholesale attempt to lay a new foundation” for its Office of Civil Rights, which has faced criticism for the way it handles complaints. (Center for Public Integrity)
COMMENTARY:
• California has an opportunity to further increase its energy-efficiency clout with proposed legislation. (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy)
• The federal POWER Act stands out as a strong bipartisan initiative to encourage development of industrial energy efficiency. (Midwest Energy News)