EMISSIONS: Virginia’s carbon dioxide emissions were higher in 2019 than in 2009 because the state’s build-out of natural gas plants has negated coal retirements, according to a review of EPA emissions data. (E&E News)

RENEWABLES: New power from wind and solar is expected to fall this year for the first time in two decades, largely because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the International Energy Agency. (Bloomberg)  

***SPONSORED LINK: Applications are now open for the Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship, a yearlong program for high-performing, high-potential military veterans in advanced energy, presented by the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org/fellowship.***

WIND: As Dominion Energy’s pilot wind project off the coast of Virginia nears completion, the utility is planning a major expansion into offshore wind. (Greentech Media)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Greensboro, North Carolina, will install solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at two city-owned parking lots. (WFMY) 

OIL & GAS:
• Environmental groups raise concerns about groundwater pollution after energy companies get approval to store excess oil and gas underground. (Texas Observer)
• A liquefied natural gas company hires an investment firm to raise money for a proposed Louisiana LNG project that has been dormant for years. (Kallanish Energy)
• Google says it will stop building custom artificial intelligence tools for speeding up oil and gas extraction following a Greenpeace report on the practice. (Associated Press)
• Some Gulf Coast states struggling from the pandemic are pushing Congress on getting a bigger share of offshore oil and gas royalties. (E&E News, subscription)

***SPONSORED LINK: Do you know someone who works hard to facilitate the transition to a clean energy economy? Nominate yourself or someone you know for Energy News Networks’ 40 Under 40 today.***

COAL: A federal judge rejects an effort by coal companies owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice to dismiss a lawsuit alleging they owe a Canadian steel manufacturer millions of dollars. (Weirton Daily Times)

COMMENTARY: Plant Vogtle — one of only two nuclear reactors under construction in the U.S. — is making slow but steady construction progress, some experts say. (IEEE Spectrum)