ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The New York auto show features more than 30 new electric vehicle models but few new charging solutions, even as experts stress the importance of more public charging infrastructure. (Canary Media)
ALSO:
• The U.S. EPA has long faced challenges when it tries to regulate tailpipe emissions but may have more legal backing as it rolls out its strictest rules ever this week thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. (E&E News)
• Most automakers are committed to the electric vehicle transition, but EVs still only make up a small chunk of all car sales as polling shows adoption remains hard for renters and low-income people. (New York Times, Associated Press)
• A report finds the nation’s most “EV-friendly” metro areas are all in the Western U.S., with Seattle in the top spot. (Smart Cities Dive)
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Upper Midwest Electrical Expo
NCEL invites you to register for the Upper Midwest Electrical Expo on April 19th and 20th. Registration is free! The Expo will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. We hope to see you there!
OVERSIGHT: The U.S. EPA faces questioning from a senator and a lawsuit from advocates after approving a fuel made from discarded plastic under a “climate-friendly” program despite toxic pollution released during its production. (Guardian)
OIL & GAS: Contractors embark on the big task of plugging hundreds of thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells, including more than 4,500 “orphan” wells with no viable owners in Louisiana alone. (Washington Post)
CLIMATE:
• Studies show a dramatic rise in sea levels along the Gulf Coast and Southeast shores since 2010, raising concerns that coastal cities may be even more at risk of flooding than previously thought. (Washington Post)
• Scientists studying the Earth’s past find major greenhouse gas releases they classified as “climate tipping points” preceded three periods of rapid warming. (The Hill)
• Washington lawmakers look to spend revenues from the state’s new carbon-cap program on electric buses and ferries and other clean energy projects. (Crosscut)
STORAGE: Tesla announces it’ll build a second factory in China, focused on building its large-scale battery storage units, to complement its San Francisco location. (Washington Post)
GRID: Federal regulators decide PJM Interconnection can allow market participants to stay in the market under certain conditions even if they fail to perform. (Utility Dive)
WIND:
• Maryland lawmakers advance a bill that increases the state’s offshore wind generation goal to 8.5 GW by 2031 to the governor’s desk, where he’s expected to sign it into law. (Maryland Matters)
• Wind energy development has brought in crucial revenue for local governments and landowners in Nebraska, though growing opposition threatens further expansion. (The Reader)
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Midwest Energy Policy Series
Network and learn from leading industry experts at the Midwest Energy Policy Series on infrastructure, the premiere conference for energy professionals in the Midwest, on April 25th in Kansas City or virtually. Register here or contact meps@moenergy.org with any questions.
PIPELINES: Environmental groups sue to challenge a federal agency’s biological opinion that construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline would not threaten endangered species. (Roanoke Times)
COMMENTARY:
• Energy analysts urge states to follow California’s plan to phase out fossil fuel-powered car sales by 2035, saying it will create jobs, reduce pollution and save drivers money. (Energy News Network)
• A columnist suggests leasing instead of buying an electric vehicle given the limits on federal tax incentives and the quick and ongoing development of EV technology. (Axios)
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