UTILITIES:
• Warren Buffett says challenges from clean energy and efficiency are forcing utilities to be less “sloppy” and more competitive. (Greentech Media)
• An analyst says D.C. regulators support of the Exelon-Pepco merger signals “a clear path to approval.” (SNL Energy)
• Wal-Mart steps into a case over a small Arizona utility’s effort to impose a demand charge on customers. (Phoenix Business Journal)
POLLUTION:
• Health advocates say there will be costs to to the public if emissions rules like the Clean Power Plan continue to be delayed. (Midwest Energy News)
• A federal judge sets a March deadline for Volkswagen to outline an emissions fix for diesel vehicles. (Reuters)
EPA: By seeking to halt the U.S. EPA’s latest rules on mercury emissions, opponents appear to be testing Supreme Court justices’ willingness to grant such requests. (Greenwire)
CLIMATE:
• Exxon’s annual report fails to mention that it’s under investigation in New York for its communications on climate change. (InsideClimate News)
• Washington state regulators put new carbon rules on hold amid “some concerns from our industry folks.” (KUOW)
• Members of a Louisiana tribe are the first official climate refugees in the continental U.S., receiving $48 million to relocate. (The Weather Channel)
WIND:
• Industry leaders will gather in Boston this week to promote offshore wind. (South Coast Today)
• Maryland begins accepting applications for offshore wind projects. (North American Windpower)
SOLAR: A program in Connecticut helps make solar affordable for low-income families. (InsideClimate News)
OIL AND GAS:
• North Dakota’s largest producer announces major cutbacks to operations in the state. (Associated Press)
• Local officials in western Colorado voice support for a crackdown on flaring of natural gas. (Associated Press)
• Low gas prices lead to a proliferation of pipelines in New Jersey. (Press of Atlantic City)
OFFSHORE DRILLING: The federal government is finalizing a new rule aimed at preventing the type of undersea oil well blowout that led to the 2010 BP spill. (The Hill)
CLEAN ENERGY: Experts wonder whether the transition to wind, solar and natural gas will create a lack of fuel diversity. (EnergyWire)
COAL: Federal lawmakers look to extend a tax incentive for carbon capture equipment at coal facilities as well as increasing the credit value of using carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery. (Utility Dive)
OVERSIGHT: U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski expresses concerns about vacancies at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (Argus Media)
COMMENTARY:
• Four charts that show a bright future for electric vehicles. (Mother Jones)
• Why rural co-ops are getting into solar. (Vox)