U.S. Energy News is one of five regional services published by the Energy News Network. Today’s edition was compiled by Kathryn Krawczyk.

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OIL & GAS: President Biden says he’ll release 1 million barrels of oil a day from the U.S.’s strategic reserves to combat high gasoline prices, using the announcement to push for a transition from fossil fuels. (Politico, New York Times)

ALSO:
• The Biden administration will roll out a new vehicle fuel efficiency rule today that’s stricter than a previously proposed increase. (E&E News)
• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she agrees with President Biden’s push for federal energy leasing reforms to encourage use of unused leases and boost oil and gas production. (E&E News)
• The U.S. Transportation Department adopts new rules requiring oil and gas pipeline operators to install emergency valves that can cut off the flow in new or replaced pipelines. (Associated Press)

OFFSHORE WIND:
• The U.S. offshore wind industry needs to build 2,100 turbines and 6,800 miles of transmission cable, as well as expand its workforce, to meet the country’s goal of 30 GW installed by 2030. (Utility Dive)
• A solar developer suing in federal court to overturn approvals for Vineyard Wind, the country’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, amends his complaint to include the authorization of the South Fork Wind farm. (Energy News Network)

STORAGE: The U.S. added a record 3,508 MW of battery storage capacity in 2021, including three major projects in California and Florida. (Inside Climate News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A House committee will hold a hearing to discuss the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to replace its current fleet with thousands of gasoline-powered vehicles, instead of electric models the White House pushed for. (Washington Post)

SOLAR:
• Several states are targeting net-metering payments and subsidies that make rooftop solar arrays more affordable. (Washington Post)
• The company trying to build what would’ve been one of New Hampshire’s largest solar farms stops development, in part over interconnection costs. (New Hampshire Public Radio)

CLEAN ENERGY: California lawmakers consider a slew of climate and clean energy bills to boost wind and solar deployment, help fossil fuel workers transition to new jobs, electrify vehicles, and more. (Los Angeles Times)

COAL: Miners have been striking against an Alabama coal company for a year, but say their morale remains high as they seek better pay and benefits. (AL.com) 

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Illinois activists who led fights against coal plants and petroleum coke storage sites now champion legislation that would create more robust community participation and oversight for new industry in environmental justice areas. (Energy News Network)

GEOTHERMAL: University of California, Berkeley researchers explore using subterranean “natural heat pumps” to heat and cool campus buildings. (KPIX) 

COMMENTARY: Other cities should replicate a Texas city’s plan to power all of its municipal operations by developing a solar farm on a former landfill, writes an editorial board. (Dallas Morning News)

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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.