CLIMATE: Twenty separate U.S. climate disasters each caused at least $1 billion in damages in 2021 while killing a combined 688 people, according to a new federal report. (E&E News)

ALSO:
• Top environmental lawyers will argue before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that will determine the EPA’s authority to regulate power plant emissions. (E&E News)
• A landmark bill introduced in New York would require fashion labels that do business in the state to disclose their climate and social impacts and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. (Bloomberg)

STORAGE:
• Tesla is looking to market itself like Apple as it rolls out a suite of products that work together, encouraging customers to buy its solar roof and Powerwall battery storage system along with an electric vehicle. (Bloomberg)
• A leading battery scientist discusses her 20 years in the industry and how the U.S. is aiming to become a storage leader. (Wall Street Journal)

OIL & GAS:
• In 2022, analysts predict oil prices will remain volatile as industry jobs decline, major oil and gas companies feel pressured to curb emissions, and the Biden administration takes aim at drilling on federal land. (E&E News)
• The Biden administration tosses out a Trump-era plan to expand oil and gas development and leasing in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, but will still allow drilling on about half of the 23 million-acre reserve. (Reuters)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Automakers plan to launch dozens of new electric vehicle models in the next two years, shifting the pressure on car companies from developing them to convincing consumers to buy them. (Wall Street Journal)

CRYPTOCURRENCY: Energy-intensive cryptocurrency miners are buying up greenhouse gas emissions offsets, with advocates of the process saying blockchain purchases of these offsets are easier to track. (Wall Street Journal)

RENEWABLES: Solar is expected to make up nearly half of new generating capacity installed in the U.S. in 2022, with natural gas following behind at 21% and wind at 17%. (Today in Energy)

UTILITIES: Advocates press Virginia lawmakers to require electric cooperatives to be more open and transparent with meetings, elections and political spending. (Energy News Network)

WIND: South Fork wind farm surveying and construction prep work off the Rhode Island coast will begin this week ahead of the start of the onshore build-out beginning later this month. (East Hampton Star)

COAL: Environmental groups blast the Biden administration’s defense of a Trump-era public lands coal leasing plan that a court found did not adequately consider impacts of coal mining in the Powder River Basin. (The Hill)

NUCLEAR: Climate advocates adopt 1970s-era No Nuke activists’ methods to rally for the continued operation of California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. (Grist)  

COMMENTARY:
• The United Mine Workers’ support of Democrats’ spending package will force Manchin to decide between coal miners and coal operators, writes a columnist. (Washington Post)
• America’s democracy crisis could lead to electoral changes that make climate action impossible to accomplish, an environmental columnist writes. (Guardian)

Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.