CLIMATE: A new report by two major environmental groups offers the Biden administration a road map for accelerating clean energy deployment and keeping emission reduction goals within reach. (Washington Post)
ALSO:
• The World Trade Organization’s director calls for a global carbon pricing framework that would allow countries to reduce emissions without fear of competition. (The Hill)
• The U.S. State Department and two major philanthropies release early details of their planned carbon credit initiative, raising questions about whether the program will actually raise money and lower emissions. (E&E News)
• A survey of U.S. mayors finds many want to take strong action to combat climate change, like banning new gas appliances, but worry those decisions will jeopardize their jobs. (Axios)
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SOLAR:
• While the U.S. solar industry saw declines in 2022, experts say Inflation Reduction Act incentives may help solar overcome supply chain holdups this year. (Utility Dive)
• A federal study suggests Puerto Rico install solar panels at airports, brownfields and industrial areas to shore up its grid and transition to clean energy. (Associated Press)
NUCLEAR:
• Federal tax credits, lifted bans on nuclear plant construction, and development of small modular reactors are leading state and federal officials to increasingly consider nuclear energy to cut emissions. (Utility Dive)
• Federal regulators certify Oregon startup NuScale’s small modular reactor design, letting the company move forward with installing the first-of-its-kind reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory. (Reuters)
POLITICS:
• Six Republican House leaders — most of them hesitant to acknowledge or address climate change — will have a big say in the Biden administration’s efforts to shift the country off fossil fuels. (Washington Post)
• House Republicans plan to question Biden administration officials on their decision to waive tariffs on Chinese-made solar panels and ultimately reinstate the tariffs. (E&E News)
BUILDINGS: The U.S. Green Building Council puts Massachusetts, Illinois and New York atop its rankings of states with the most LEED-certified building space per capita. (Environment + Energy Leader)
STORAGE: Several thermal storage companies are using cheap mid-day solar power to freeze blocks of ice, then melting those blocks later in the day to cool buildings. (Canary Media)
OVERSIGHT: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Acting Chair Willie Phillips says grid reliability is his top priority in his new role, followed by expanding transmission and environmental justice. (Utility Dive)
TRANSPORTATION:
• A utility regulator association calls on utilities to incentivize heavy-duty vehicle electrification by encouraging charging during off-peak hours and simplifying public charging prices. (Utility Dive)
• A startup unveils an ammonia-powered semi-truck that it says could be refueled in eight minutes. (Freethink)
OFFSHORE WIND: Massachusetts’ wind power pricing problems persist as Avangrid appeals a state decision approving a power purchase agreement the utility said was untenable and Mayflower Wind requests more time and input in the process. (CommonWealth Magazine)
COMMENTARY: Rising trade tensions and competing carbon tariff proposals between the U.S. and EU threaten global climate efforts, four academic researchers write. (The Conversation)
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