SOLAR: A new analysis by the TVA takes a first step toward recognizing the value of solar energy and the costs it avoids. (Southern Environmental Law Center)
WIND:
• A developer drops plans for a large wind farm in Alabama after local residents sue to block it. (The Anniston Star)
• A North Carolina environmental official disputes a newspaper’s claim that the state opposes wind turbines off the Wilmington coastline. (Wilmington Star News)
EFFICIENCY: Savannah, Georgia is switching more than 16,000 street lights to LED bulbs. (Savannah Morning News)
CLEAN POWER PLAN: States faced with closures of coal-fired power plants may find easier compliance through multi-state solutions. (EnergyWire)
DEMAND RESPONSE: The Supreme Court may invalidate one of the biggest electricity innovations ever by utilities trying to balance the supply and demand for power. (The Washington Post)
BLANKENSHIP TRIAL:
• A former Massey Energy miner testifies about the “fear, intimidation and propaganda” of working there. (West Virginia Public Broadcasting)
• Attorneys for former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship try to block recordings of calls with mine managers. (SNL)
• The Blankenship jury hears about missing water sprays which could have helped prevent a deadly explosion in 2010 at the Upper Big Branch mine. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
PIPELINES: Duke Energy says the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline will lower ratepayers’ natural gas bills. (WRAL-TV)
UTILITIES: Advocacy groups in North Carolina say they will fight a proposed natural gas-fueled power plant in Asheville. (Charlotte Business Journal)
OIL TRAINS: A lawsuit against CSX was moved to a federal court in West Virginia where the rail operator is expected to file a motion to dismiss it. (Beckley Register-Herald)
COAL: Imaginations vary widely in Virginia about how to reuse former coal plant sites.(Virginia Public Radio)
COMMENTARY: More local jurisdictions are hiring “chief resiliency officers” to mitigate the effects of climate change. (Miami Herald)