STORAGE: Pumped storage facilities make up a growing share of hydropower projects proposed or under development as a potentially cost-effective tool to help balance variable renewables on the grid. (E&E News)

CLEAN ENERGY:
• On March 29, the country’s wind turbines for the first time produced more electricity than coal or nuclear power plants, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Bloomberg)
• California’s grid operator set a record on April 3 by obtaining almost 98% of its power from renewables, and officials say even higher numbers are possible later this month. (Bloomberg)

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EPA:
• Four environmental groups sue the U.S. EPA, claiming it has failed to enforce the Clean Air Act’s haze rules. (The Hill)
• The Biden administration releases “equity action plans” for every Cabinet-level agency, including the EPA’s plan to strengthen civil rights enforcement and push for community-led environmental projects. (E&E News)

CLIMATE:
• Energy Secretary Gina McCarthy is reportedly frustrated with the White House’s slow progress on climate issues and plans to step down soon; she was expected to stay for a year when she took office. (New York Times)
• Louisiana’s attorney general says he will appeal a ruling that allowed the Biden administration to resume using its interim social cost metric for greenhouse gas estimates. (E&E News)
• Scientists and urban planners argue the federal government should prioritize funding infrastructure that combats worsening flooding and storms over projects that ignore climate change. (NPR)
• A Maine climate group is helping other groups achieve their climate resilience goals through a series of virtual meetings. (Energy News Network)

GRID: New York utility regulators authorize contracts for two major transmission lines to deliver cleaner energy downstate and help the state leap toward its climate goals. (NY1, The City)

EFFICIENCY: An energy expert argues it’s time to stop eking out efficiency gains while continuing to burn fossil fuels and make the switch to full electrification. (Inside Climate News)

MINING:
• An industry executive looks to certify electric vehicle batteries as responsibly produced and help consumers understand their environmental impact. (Time)
• Residents of California’s Salton Sea region brace for the economic benefits and environmental impacts of an impending lithium extraction boom. (Capital & Main)

FINANCE: The U.S. Export-Import Bank launches a new tool to support facilities that will export products related to liquefied natural gas, renewables and energy storage. (E&E News)

OIL & GAS:
• Increased heating demand this winter led the U.S to withdraw more natural gas from storage this year than usual. (Energy Information Administration)
• New York’s attorney general begins an investigation to determine whether major oil companies are intentionally gouging gas prices. (Reuters)

COMMENTARY: Historically Black colleges and universities can offer training to diversify the workforce building the clean energy economy, writes U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. (Charleston Post and Courier)

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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.