ELECTRIC VEHICLES: More than 50 utilities announce a coalition to build a coast-to-coast, electric vehicle fast-charging network by the end of 2023. (E&E News)

ALSO:
• Mexico and Canada lobby against proposed tax credits for U.S.-built electric vehicles, with a Mexican official saying it could be worse for their country than former President Trump’s threatened tariff on all imports. (The Hill)
• Toyota announces a $1.3 billion battery factory in North Carolina to support electric car production after the state approved a $438.7 million incentive package. (Raleigh News & Observer)
• Federal regulators open an investigation into Tesla after a former employee complained the company failed to notify the public and shareholders about solar panel fire risks. (Reuters, Austin American-Statesman)

CLIMATE:
• States passed a wave of ambitious climate action policies this year — something that’s usually rare with Democrats in control of the White House and Congress. (E&E News)
• Chicago’s $188 million climate plan adopted last month includes an effort to plant 75,000 trees in neighborhoods populated by people of color and those disproportionately affected by climate change. (Energy News Network)
• The upper Midwest has begun labelling itself a “climate haven,” but its cities still need to build up infrastructure and otherwise prepare for a potential flock of new residents. (Grist)

EQUITY: Wahleah Johns, who leads the U.S. Energy Department’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, discusses her Navajo roots, growing up near a major coal mine, and how it all influences her work to transition tribes to clean energy. (The Hill)

OIL & GAS:
• Exxon Mobil plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 at its Permian Basin operations by ending routine flaring, electrifying equipment and improving methane leak-detection and capture. (New York Times)
• Oil and gas tycoons are among the ultrarich Americans who have earned billions but managed to repeatedly avoid paying any federal income tax by claiming huge losses. (ProPublica)
• Major oil and gas companies made $174 billion in the first nine months of 2021 while gasoline and fuel prices continually rose. (Guardian)
• The CEOs of Chevron and Exxon tell attendees at the World Petroleum Congress that carbon capture can enable fossil fuels to keep thriving even as the world shifts to cleaner energy. (Houston Chronicle)

COAL: The Build Back Better bill includes $12.6 billion to help rural electric cooperatives retire coal plants and invest in clean energy. (E&E News)

TRANSPORTATION:
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu wants to erase fares across public transportation to enhance racial equity and climate justice, but that idea can’t happen without state and federal support. (Grist)
• Union Pacific Railroad aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but officials say battery-powered long-haul locomotives are not yet ready for deployment. (Trains) 

EFFICIENCY: The Biden administration proposes a lightbulb efficiency standard to shift the market toward LED bulbs. (The Hill)

COMMENTARY: The U.S. faces an inherent contradiction as both a massive consumer and producer of fossil fuels, but also a major force trying to curb emissions, a historian writes. (Foreign Policy)

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Kathryn Krawczyk

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.