WIND:
• All 50 states could become wind energy producers once the next generation of larger, taller turbines hits the market, according to federal report released Tuesday. (The New York Times)
• General Electric introduced new sensor and software technology Tuesday that executives said will improve wind energy output by 20 percent. (Albany Business Review)
POWER SHIFT: A poll of energy executives found nearly 70 percent see a move away from traditional regulated utilities toward an unbundled, distributed energy supply market. (FierceEnergy)
NEW PACT: California’s governor signed a pact Tuesday with 11 other states and countries to slash greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. (International Business Times)
JOBS: A new survey finds that Ohio had 89,000 clean-energy jobs last year, a figure that is growing despite state policies some critics say hinder the industry. (The Columbus Dispatch)
SHALE OIL: A major credit ratings agency believes 7.4 percent of U.S. oil producers could default over the next year on the debt that fueled the nation’s shale boom. (FuelFix)
SOLAR:
• The amount of solar capacity installed in the U.S. is forecast to nearly double to 40 gigawatts by 2017, according to a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association. (PV Tech)
• The solar industry views Florida as a sleeping giant that could rival California in potential, but the state lags behind because old laws favor utilities over private enterprise. (Associated Press)
COAL:
• Duke Energy said Tuesday it will build a $750 million natural gas plant to replace its coal-fired plant in Asheville, North Carolina, and add a solar farm to the site. (Associated Press)
• Wyoming ‘s governor told the governor of Oregon Tuesday that the future of Wyoming’s coal industry requires getting access to deep-water ports to allow exports to Asian markets. (Associated Press)
CLEAN POWER PLAN:
• Colorado’s governor has rejected Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s call for states to boycott EPA emissions limits for power plants, citing Colorado’s long history of protecting its environment despite its heavy reliance on coal. (Associated Press)
• For many supporters of the EPA’s proposed rule to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants, Kentucky is an example of the plan’s viability—even though it’s a major producer and consumer of coal. (E&E Daily)
SHELL:
• Shell shareholders approved a resolution Tuesday requiring the oil giant to test its business against international goals to limit climate change. (Guardian)
• Shell will press on with exploring the Arctic for oil this summer despite protests in Seattle, the company’s CEO said on Tuesday. (Reuters)
EDUCATION:
• Students in South Dakota, like those in 13 other states and the District of Columbia, will be taught about climate change in public schools after a unanimous vote by the state’s board of education this week. (Midwest Energy News)
• The California State Parent Teacher Association, representing nearly 1 million parents and educators, will urge schools to prioritize climate curriculum and improve energy efficiency. (InsideClimate News)