ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: A prominent environmental justice leader says the Biden administration must convince Congress to pass voting rights protections if it wants to put racial equity at the heart of its climate work, though two senators’ opposition may stymie the legislation. (E&E News, The Hill)

CLIMATE: The last seven years were the hottest on record, new data show, with 2021 tying for the sixth-hottest year globally. (Washington Post)

HIRING: The U.S. Energy Department looks to hire a Clean Energy Corps of around 1,000 new workers using bipartisan infrastructure law funding, while the Department of Homeland Security launches its own climate change-focused hiring program. (E&E News, news release)

POLITICS: Sen. Joe Manchin suggests that a tax credit to keep nuclear plants running could convince him to support the Build Back Better legislation. (Bloomberg)

FOSSIL FUELS: The U.S. Interior Department will extend its abandoned mine reclamation program through 2034 using bipartisan infrastructure law funding. (The Hill)

EFFICIENCY: The Biden administration reverses a rule that exempted dishwashers, washers and dryers with quick cycles from efficiency regulations, but critics say President Biden isn’t moving fast enough to unravel Trump administration efficiency changes. (The Hill, Grist)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Automakers are rolling out work-friendly trucks and other models with price tags and ranges comparable to gas-powered vehicles. (Bloomberg)
• Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposed state budget includes $125 million to support electric vehicle maker Rivian’s planned factory near Atlanta. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

OVERSIGHT:
• A House committee will hold a hearing on cryptocurrency mining’s energy use next week. (Axios)
• President Biden names climate finance hawk Sarah Bloom Raskin to oversee the Federal Reserve. (E&E News)

SOLAR: The Biden administration approves a 500 MW solar facility backed up by 200 MW of battery storage in southern California that faced opposition over its potential impacts to rare wildlife and plants. (Desert Sun)

UTILITIES: Ohio consumer advocates say utilities should still be required to make in-person visits before disconnecting power to smart meter customers as the latest utility seeks an exemption from regulators. (Energy News Network)

GRID:
• The developer of an underground transmission line between Iowa and Illinois says the biggest obstacles to the project are “outdated regulations and market rules imposed on us by unaccountable grid operators” like PJM. (Utility Dive)
• Texas doesn’t track natural gas production outages in real time, creating a problem for a state electric grid that relies largely on gas-fired power plants. (Bloomberg)

EMISSIONS: The Federal Aviation Administration prepares to roll out new standards that allow planes to idle during their descents, saving fuel and reducing emissions. (Axios)

COAL: Sen. Cynthia Lummis blocks one of President Biden’s EPA picks over the administration’s handling of a haze rule affecting one of her state’s coal power plants. (E&E News)

COMMENTARY: “Don’t Look Up” filmmaker Adam McKay and scientist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson argue comedy can help push its consumers to tackle climate change. (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.