GRID: The U.S. Energy Department plans to expedite proposed transmission projects running from New Mexico to Arizona and between Nevada and Utah by purchasing capacity on the lines. (Utility Dive)

ALSO: 

OIL & GAS: A southern California port plans public hearings on a proposed oil storage facility expansion after advocates and residents call for a full environmental review. (Press-Telegram)

SOLAR: 

COAL: 

POLLUTION: 

  • U.S. EPA data show the Laramie River fuel oil and coal power plant in Wyoming was the nation’s 9th largest greenhouse gas emitter last year. (Inside Climate News)
  • The San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona joins Oregon, advocates and other states suing the U.S. EPA for failing to act on a petition urging a greenhouse gas emissions cap under the Clean Air Act. (Common Dreams)

UTILITIES: California’s public advocate finds Pacific Gas & Electric rates have increased 38% in the past three years; the utility says the cost increases fund wildfire risk mitigation work. (NBC Bay Area)

CLIMATE: Washington officials acknowledge the state’s new carbon credit program has resulted in higher gasoline prices, but expect rising public transit ridership and electric vehicle adoption to drive costs down in the long-term. (Spokesman-Review)  

GEOTHERMAL: A Wyoming couple builds a geothermal heated and cooled greenhouse expected to allow them to grow tropical fruit during the state’s sub-zero-degree winters. (Cowboy State Daily)

COMMENTARY: A California columnist urges Los Angeles leaders to transcend “NIMBY” opposition and move forward on a plan to replace a section of freeway with a park and 4,000 affordable housing units. (Los Angeles Times)

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Jonathan hails from southwestern Colorado and has been writing about the land, cultures, and communities of the Western United States for more than two decades. He compiles the Western Energy News digest. He is the author of three books, a contributing editor at High Country News, and the editor of the Land Desk, an e-newsletter that provides coverage and context on issues critical to the West.