ELECTRIFICATION: Colorado advocates say replacing gas furnaces with electric heat pumps would help Xcel Energy cut carbon emissions, but a utility-commissioned study finds the appliances don’t perform well at high altitudes. (Colorado Sun)
ALSO: Colorado firms take advantage of state and federal incentives to develop all-electric, solar-powered residential subdivisions. (Colorado Newsline)
CLIMATE:
• California regulators acknowledge the state may not meet 2030 emissions reduction targets because its climate plan relies too heavily on unproven carbon capture technology. (Sacramento Bee)
• Arizona’s climate-driven heat and housing crisis combine to create a public health emergency. (Arizona Republic)
• President Joe Biden plans to travel to Arizona, Utah and New Mexico this week to tout his administration’s efforts to combat climate change. (Associated Press)
UTILITIES:
• Nevada consumer advocates urge regulators to reject NV Energy’s bid to recover nearly $200,000 it paid for sponsorship deals that included free perks for utility executives. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
• Southern California Edison plans to invest $8 billion in capital projects in coming years with about 85% going into distribution grid upgrades. (Utility Dive)
• A Colorado electric cooperative that recently split with its wholesale provider agrees to purchase power from a solar facility in the southern part of the state. (Greeley Tribune, subscription)
OIL & GAS: Pipeline companies agree to pay a $12.5 million civil penalty over federal clean water law violations related to oil spills in Montana and North Dakota in 2015 and 2016. (Associated Press)
BIOFUELS: Oregon regulators fine BP nearly $206,000 for inaccurately reporting renewable fuel volumes and illegitimately generating more than 11,000 clean fuel credits. (Salem Statesman-Journal)
HYDROPOWER: Construction is set to begin this month on a wave energy testing facility off the Oregon coast. (news release)
TRANSMISSION: Wyoming conservationists sue the federal Bureau of Land Management for allegedly violating environmental laws when approving a transmission line that would carry wind power (E&E News, subscription)
TRANSPORTATION: Arizona lawmakers vote to put a contentious proposed transportation tax extension up for a popular vote next year. (Arizona Republic)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A California company receives $40.5 million in state funding to develop electric truck charging stations in northern California and Oregon. (EV Report)
NUCLEAR: Residents of a Wyoming coal town prepare for the 2025 closure of a power plant and mine and the subsequent arrival of an advanced nuclear reactor. (Cowboy State Daily)
COMMENTARY: California analysts urge state and federal leaders to accelerate offshore wind development to benefit the grid, climate and economy. (Los Angeles Times)
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