CLIMATE: A report commissioned by Trump administration appointees warns that “frequent and devastating shocks” from climate change threaten U.S. financial markets, but also warns of impacts from transitioning away from fossil fuels too quickly. (New York Times)

ALSO:
• Calling himself “the great environmentalist,” President Trump tries to recast his record as voters become more concerned about climate change. (Los Angeles Times)
• States and cities are seeking stimulus funds to help support climate initiatives they’ve taken on in the absence of federal leadership. (InsideClimate News)
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he has “no patience for climate change deniers” and the state will continue to pursue policies that combat climate change as it deals with historic wildfires. (Politico) 

***SPONSORED LINK: The Rise Up! podcast brings real-time, relevant energy and policy information to Midwest stakeholders through an engaging and entertaining medium. Episode 4: “Credit Where Credit is Due” with special guest Andy Johnson is out now! #RiseUpMidwest*** 

COAL:
• Democrats criticize the inclusion of $161 million in funds for the coal industry in a proposed coronavirus relief package. (The Hill)
• Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon says the state having regulatory primacy over its carbon dioxide injection wells will help keep coal-fired power plants operating and coal miners employed. (Casper Star-Tribune)

OIL & GAS:
• President Trump signs an executive order reinstating an Obama-era moratorium on oil drilling off the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, a move critics described as a self-serving campaign ploy. (Post and Courier, Tampa Bay Times)
• A coalition of more than 40 groups urges the federal government to provide coronavirus protection for oil and gas workers. (The Hill)
• Natural gas, much like coal before it, is falling out of favor with everyone from regulators to asset managers amid rapid changes in public opinion. (Bloomberg)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: General Motors announces a deal giving it a $2 billion stake in electric truck maker Nikola that will eventually reduce costs for both companies and help GM commercialize its EV technology. (Detroit Free Press)

SOLAR:
• A Vermont solar developer worries that a decade-long boom may be ending as state and federal support begins to shrink. (Energy News Network)
• A Montana Supreme Court ruling that regulators violated renewable energy law when dealing with solar has stopped many projects previously under development in the state. (Billings Gazette)

EFFICIENCY: An assistant professor at Virginia Tech discusses the importance of designing energy efficient buildings that align with people’s needs. (Energy News Network) 

GRID: The president of California’s grid operator says its problems are the result of “operating too close to the margin” with no room for error. (Los Angeles Times)

***SPONSORED LINK: Energy vs Climate is a webinar series and podcast that breaks down the trade-offs and hard truths of the energy transition in Alberta, Canada, and beyond. Episode 4: Build Back Better explores options for a post-COVID energy recovery. Register now!***

UTILITIES:
• Performance-based regulation is one of the leading trends in utility commission proceedings this year. (Greentech Media)
• Connecticut utilities warn that a proposed requirement to fix outages within three days would “have devastating cost impacts on customers.” (CT Mirror)

COMMENTARY:
• A columnist who covered California’s deregulation crisis in the 2000s says renewable energy is the solution to the state’s grid issues. (Forbes)
• A company that certifies energy efficient homes says that even without tax credits, solar is still a smart investment for homeowners (Energy News Network, sponsored)

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.