COAL: In a filing to Colorado regulators, Xcel Energy says it will cost ratepayers $1.4 billion to close its remaining coal plants, a figure that will likely be challenged in proceedings. (Colorado Sun)
TECHNOLOGY: A California environmental data mapping tool could help the Biden administration find and remediate polluted neighborhoods nationwide. (Reuters)
CLEAN ENERGY:
• A proposed Alaska bill aims to expedite the funding of sustainable energy development projects through private sector partnerships and an initial $10 million investment from the state. (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, subscription)
• A Colorado city partners with Xcel Energy to develop and implement its clean energy goals, including reducing the city’s carbon footprint. (news release)
UTILITIES:
• Three federal judges hear arguments in a lawsuit aiming to invalidate a California bill allowing PG&E to be certified as a “safe” utility despite criminal investigations for multiple deadly and destructive wildfires. (KXTV)
• Consumer advocates warn PG&E ratepayers could be adversely impacted by the utility’s effort to securitize $7.5 billion in costs associated with wildfires in its service territory in 2017. (Utility Dive)
SOLAR:
• California solar groups and utilities agree the state’s solar net metering policy must balance the fundamental needs of the grid and those of low income ratepayers. (Canary Media)
• A California-based renewable energy company begins construction on two projects in Hawaii totaling 75 MW of solar backed by a combined 300 MWh of storage, representing a $280 million investment. (PV Magazine)
WIND: A New Mexico regulator says the company hoping to merge with the state’s largest power utility needs to address its “regulatory shortcuts” on two existing wind farm projects in the state. (Santa Fe New Mexican)
OIL & GAS: A research firm projects oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin will increase by more than 70 rigs by early 2022, the possible beginning of a new multi-year growth cycle. (Reuters)
TRANSPORTATION:
• The Washington House passes a bill that will establish an eight-year pilot project reducing sales tax on hydrogen vehicle purchases. (H2 View)
• California is set to launch a $50 million program today adding sites to recharge and refuel zero-emission buses and trucks. (E&E News, subscription)
• An Arizona utility is offering a $1,000 rebate for buying or leasing a new electric vehicle from a local dealership in a bid to decrease area emissions. (KNXV)
• A proposed California bill aims to establish a pilot program to encourage the purchase of electric bicycles through rebates. (Davis Vanguard)
EFFICIENCY: A California official says a green energy loan program targeting low-income homeowners engaged in “some predatory behavior.” (KPIX)
COMMENTARY:
• Two Idaho lawmakers say they are committed to keeping Columbia-Snake River System dams, the four Lower Snake River dams in particular. (Challis Post Register)
• Two Arizona advocates say state lawmakers lack the power to interfere with utility regulators’ clean energy rules, citing a 2020 ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court. (Arizona Republic)
• A California physician says it’s vital the state institutes 2,500-foot setbacks for oil wells, citing the adverse impacts of toxic pollution on the health of marginalized communities. (CalMatters)
• Two Nevada climate advocates hope U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei will co-sponsor a federal bill aiming to decrease carbon pollution to net zero by 2050 and accelerate the clean energy transition. (Reno Gazette Journal)