ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: States and the federal government differ in their definitions of environmental justice and disadvantaged communities, complicating advocates’ efforts to avoid siting fossil fuel infrastructure in vulnerable areas. (Utility Dive)
ALSO: The U.S. EPA announces $550 million for nonprofits working on pollution-cutting projects, adding to a previously announced $100 million fund. (The Hill)
Sponsored Link
2023 International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum
The 2023 International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) will be held March 28-30 in Baltimore. IPF brings together global leaders and businesses in the supply chain, offers unparalleled networking opportunities, and delivers breaking updates on the industry, from technology to policy. Register: 2023IPF.com
SOLAR:
• Texas’ rapid solar additions position it to surpass California as the top state for utility-scale solar capacity as soon as this May. (Canary Media)
• The U.S. EPA has started setting up a $7 billion fund through the Inflation Reduction Act to support community solar development. (Inside Climate News)
GRID:
• A growing number of states have passed or are considering bills to give incumbent utilities first rights to build transmission lines, with big financial implications amid a widespread transmission buildout. (Utility Dive)
• Developers are delaying and canceling new solar and wind projects because of years-long waits to connect to the grid. (New York Times)
CLIMATE: Much of the Southeast U.S. is already seeing spring conditions a month early after several cities recorded their warmest January on record. (Guardian)
OFFSHORE WIND:
• Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says the state is ready to jump into the offshore wind industry, including floating turbine technology. (WVLA)
• Maine’s governor touts the publication of the state’s new offshore wind roadmap, which shows floating turbine tech won’t significantly contribute to energy production until at least 2030. (Bangor Daily News, WMTW)
EFFICIENCY: Half of gas stove models sold in the U.S. today won’t comply with a forthcoming federal efficiency rule. (E&E News)
STORAGE: Since the Inflation Reduction Act’s passage, battery manufacturers have announced 17 new facilities that will benefit from federal incentives. (Utility Dive)
CARBON CAPTURE: More than 20 carbon removal companies form an industry group to push for federal and state support as they scale up and commercialize. (Axios)
OIL & GAS: Louisiana’s three liquified natural gas terminals exported more than 2.45 trillion cubic feet in 2022, pushing the United States’ overall output well above 2021 levels. (The Advocate)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Numerous Black employees of Tesla’s electric vehicle factory in Buffalo, New York, report being subject to racist comments and biased treatment. (Investigative Post)
Check out our job board!
Looking for a clean energy job, or want to spread the word about your open position? Check out our new job listings board! Listings are also included in our weekly newsletter.
HYDROPOWER: Western hydropower production increased 13% in 2022 thanks to increased precipitation, after falling to a 20-year low in 2021. (KUOW)
COMMENTARY: A Union of Concerned Scientists regional director writes that the continued reliance on fossil fuels is a greater threat to whales and the lobster industry in the Northeast than offshore wind. (Union of Concerned Scientists)
More from the Energy News Network: Midwest | Southeast | Northeast | West