VIRGINIA: Several environmental laws take effect in Virginia today, including one that launches a 21-member environmental justice council and one that authorizes the state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Bloomberg)
WIND: Some lawmakers and other critics say Dominion Energy’s plan to grow offshore wind — which will bring jobs and clean energy — will come at an enormous cost to Virginians because of the utility’s monopoly. (Washington Post)
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SOLAR:
• Two new Florida solar farms are now online that will serve Beaches Energy, a local utility, and can produce enough energy to power 30,000 homes. (WJCT)
• Tampa’s new sustainability and resilience officer says he is looking into buildings downtown that may be suitable for a rooftop solar array. (Tampa Bay Times)
• The first solar-powered home in Florida’s planned solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch, is complete and ready to be sold. (Fort Myers Florida Weekly)
• Advocates urge Clark County, Kentucky, officials to include solar energy in their zoning ordinance. (Winchester Sun)
• A North Carolina solar company files for bankruptcy, with filings showing its debt including more than $266,000 for equipment. (Triangle Business Journal, subscription)
COAL: The Trump administration releases a report touting a strong future for petrochemicals and coal in Appalachia despite concerns about declining demand, supply gluts and environmental harm. (Reuters)
COAL ASH: A meeting in Mobile about Alabama Power’s plans to close coal ash ponds draws a low turnout. (AL.com)
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OIL & GAS: Texas oil and gas company Sable Permian Resources files for bankruptcy. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY:
• A clean energy advocate says Florida should join the states suing oil companies for damages from climate change. (Tampa Tribune)
• A North Carolina newspaper editorial connects climate disasters in Russia with local clean energy efforts, noting “we have nothing to fear from a wind spill.” (Greensboro News & Record)