BUILDINGS:  The federal government has reduced emissions from its office spaces by 51% compared to 2008 levels, putting it ahead of schedule to reach its net-zero by 2045 goal. (Axios)

CLIMATE: Western wildfires are increasing the number of Americans exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. (Inside Climate News)

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CLEAN ENERGY:
• The Interior Department is accelerating renewable development on public land, saying that it’s on track to approve 48 wind, solar, and geothermal projects with the capacity to power 9.5 million homes by the end of 2025. (E&E News)
• Amazon announces 37 solar and wind projects around the world that it says will get it to 100% clean energy by 2025. (Utility Dive)

SOLAR:
• The solar-generating capacity of just nine U.S. cities now surpasses what the entire country could generate a decade ago, a report finds. (Grist)
• Tesla deployed about half as much solar in the first quarter compared to last year, with the company blaming import challenges for the decline. (Bloomberg)

OIL & GAS:
• Experts warn a deal to boost liquefied natural gas exports to Europe will require years to build export terminals on the Gulf Coast, which could further lock in the use of fossil fuels. (Yale Environment 360)
• A proposed $4.5 billion carbon capture and hydrogen plant in Louisiana that’s part of a wave of projects designed to shore up the oil and gas industry fuels apprehension from activists concerned about air quality. (Associated Press)
• A Long Island landfill will soon become the home of one of the East Coast’s largest anaerobic digesters and its biogas generation, but a residents’ coalition says their community is already environmentally overburdened. (CBS News, Newsday)

TRANSPORTATION:
• The U.S. Transportation Department announces $6.4 billion for local and state initiatives aimed at reducing highway-based carbon emissions, including projects to electrify heavy vehicles and improve bicycle infrastructure. (Washington Post)
• Climate advocates predict California’s proposed aggressive zero-emissions vehicle targets will become a model that other states will follow. (Utility Dive)

UTILITIES:
• An Ohio administrative law judge orders FirstEnergy to hand over to the state’s consumer advocate thousands of documents related to a recent federal audit of the utility’s operational and political spending. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• Maine lawmakers approve an amended utility accountability bill that will mandate quarterly utility performance report cards, among other measures. (Associated Press, Portland Press Herald)

GRID: The planned Grain Belt Express transmission project continues to pit landowner rights against the growing need to move renewable electricity from rural areas to population centers. (Flatland)

POLITICS: Advocates explain how to determine if a political candidate is really dedicated to climate action and make informed voting choices. (Inside Climate 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.