GRID: U.S. battery storage deployment exceeded federal expectations in 2022 and has seen a “bonkers rate of acceleration” from just a few years ago, says a clean power expert. (Canary Media)

ALSO: Average retail electricity costs in 35 states that have deregulated their energy markets are higher than in the 15 other states that have not, a study finds. (New York Times)

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COURTS: Federal courts are expected to rule on several climate and energy issues this year, including deciding the fate of an offshore drilling lease sale and the federal government’s authority to put a price tag on greenhouse gases. (E&E News)

OVERSIGHT:
• The Biden administration has missed deadlines to propose clean air rules and climate mandates, setting regulators up for a busy 2023. (E&E News)
• President Biden nominates Willie Phillips to head the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission following Richard Glick’s departure. (The Hill)

CLIMATE:
• U.S. climate envoy John Kerry calls on wealthy countries to help “victimized” nations that produce just a small piece of emissions but face the brunt of climate change. (Guardian)
• Warmer springs threaten the Boston area’s groundwater supply, potentially depleting drinking water supplies and harming agriculture and wildlife, according to a recent University of Massachusetts Boston study. (Boston Globe)

NUCLEAR: New federal incentives for new and existing nuclear power plants point toward a bright future for the industry in 2023, experts say. (Utility Dive)

POLITICS: House Republicans’ proposed changes to chamber rules include eliminating a climate crisis committee and expediting a measure to increase oil and gas drilling. (E&E News)

OIL & GAS:
• Analysts say oil and gas leasing requirements in last year’s Inflation Reduction Act still allow the Biden administration to limit auctions for drilling. (S&P Global)
• A report finds about two-thirds of California’s 59,200 oil and gas workers will be able to move into new jobs without retraining as the industry declines in the state. (Sacramento Bee)

UTILITIES: Ohio utility FirstEnergy agrees to pay a $3.9 million fine for failing to disclose $94 million in House Bill 6 lobbying spending to federal regulators. (Cleveland.com)

BUILDINGS: A project that combines energy efficiency, solar power and electrification is part of a Chicago developer’s mission to invest in under-resourced neighborhoods. (Energy News Network)

BIOENERGY: A U.S. EPA proposal to increase renewable fuel standard requirements reignites a debate over the environmental costs of biofuels. (Grist)

COMMENTARY: Electric vehicle makers’ focus on replicating heavy, overpowered SUVs and pickup trucks threatens the EV transition by using large amounts of essential minerals and producing more emissions than necessary, an urban mobility expert writes. (Atlantic)

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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.