CLEAN ENERGY: Conservationists’ and tribes’ opposition to proposed lithium mines and a geothermal project in Nevada cast doubt on the Biden administration’s ability to reach clean energy goals by 2035. (Associated Press) 

OIL & GAS:
• New Mexico conservationists call on regulators to declare dozens of aging, non-producing oil and gas wells inactive to clear the way for them to be plugged and reclaimed. (Land Desk)
• California environmental justice advocates resign from an oil and gas region’s air pollution advisory group after a news report raises concerns about an emissions credit system’s efficacy. (Capital & Main)
• A U.S. House panel is set to probe flawed efforts to keep suspended or debarred companies from receiving federal oil and gas leases. (E&E News, subscription)

UTILITIES: New Mexico utility officials say more than two dozen companies are considering relocating to the state to take advantage of new renewable energy installations. (Albuquerque Journal)

WIND: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado awards $1.1 million to support research aimed at reducing bat-wind turbine collisions. (Windpower)  

SOLAR: A New Mexico utility asks the state Supreme Court to block implementation of a new state community solar program, saying it lacks consumer protections. (NM Political Report) 

COAL: The developer of a controversial coal export terminal proposed for Oakland, California, backs out of settlement talks, likely sending the case to trial. (Oaklandside)

CARBON CAPTURE:
• California conservationists say a proposed plan that would rely on carbon capture to cut emissions will increase petroleum production if the carbon is used to stimulate aging oil and gas wells. (Los Angeles Times)  
• Conservationists, pipeline safety advocates and landowners oppose a plan to convert a natural gas pipeline to carry carbon dioxide between Nebraska and Wyoming. (Hastings Tribune)

CRYPTOCURRENCY: Cryptocurrency mining operations that once flocked to Washington state for affordable and abundant hydropower begin leaving after utilities raise their rates. (Seattle Times) 

HYDROPOWER: A peer-reviewed study finds Lakes Powell and Mead’s hydropower systems — the largest in the Southwest — could both collapse without significant water use cuts. (Salt Lake Tribune) 

CLIMATE: California Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for a halt to natural gas plant construction and for a law requiring the state to reach carbon neutrality. (Bloomberg)

HYDROGEN: A study commissioned by California regulators finds hydrogen blends above 5% in the natural gas system raise the chances of pipeline and appliance leaks. (Utility Dive) 

COMMENTARY: A California editorial board says federally funded oil and gas well reclamation efforts will bring new jobs to the state’s heavy drilling areas. (Bakersfield Californian)

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Jonathan hails from southwestern Colorado and has been writing about the land, cultures, and communities of the Western United States for more than two decades. He compiles the Western Energy News digest. He is the author of three books, a contributing editor at High Country News, and the editor of the Land Desk, an e-newsletter that provides coverage and context on issues critical to the West.