RENEWABLES: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announces an initiative that will offer educational tools and resources for clean energy companies moving to or expanding in the state. (WHSV, CBS19)
SOLAR:
• Developers of Culpeper, Virginia’s first utility-scale solar project — heavily opposed by some residents — are seeking approval of a site plan from county officials this week. (Culpeper Star-Exponent)
• More than 1,000 sheep are helping to control vegetation at a Tennessee solar farm. (Daily Memphian)
• Duke Energy’s largest solar project in Texas, a 200 MW project, comes online. (Charlotte Business Journal, subscription)
***SPONSORED LINK: Register today for Veterans Advanced Energy Week, August 10-13, a virtual learning experience dedicated to military veterans and spouses in advanced energy and national security. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org. ***
EMISSIONS: Houston-based Vistra Energy was the top emitter of carbon dioxide in the U.S. power sector in 2018, followed by Duke Energy and Southern Company, according to an environmental group’s report. (E&E News, subscription)
PIPELINES:
• Atlantic Coast Pipeline opponents say the project’s cancellation is a “testament to perseverance” of environmental groups and landowners fighting the project. (Associated Press)
• Climate activists say they see a “new era” of clean energy after three major pipelines were canceled or dealt major setbacks this week. (InsideClimate News)
• The temporary closure of the Dakota Access Pipeline will not affect Louisiana’s Bayou Bridge Pipeline, according to the company that owns both projects. (WWNO)
OIL & GAS:
• Shell may sell one of its refineries in southern Louisiana and various facilities associated with the site. (The Advocate)
• A financially troubled oil and natural gas producer in San Antonio turned a profit in the first quarter despite the oil market collapse. (San Antonio Express-News)
COAL: More than 50 Ohio Valley coal companies received loans totaling $119 million through the Paycheck Protection Program meant to keep people employed during the pandemic. (Ohio Valley Resource)
***SPONSORED LINK: Join Southern Alliance for Clean Energy & Electrify the South for a free virtual Electric Vehicle test drive to see why so many people are going electric. Learn more & register here: https://www.electrifythesouth.org/events.***
POLITICS: Two Democrats are vying for a chance to run for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. (Texas Standard)
COMMENTARY: With the Atlantic Coast Pipeline canceled, Virginia’s new clean economy movement is even more urgent, an editorial board says. (Virginian-Pilot)