EQUITY: “Equity and justice are central to everything that we do”: As the U.S. Department of Energy’s deputy director for energy justice, Dr. Tony Reames helps put equitable energy policy into action. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:
• The Biden administration established and funded a U.S. EPA office for environmental justice six months ago, but has yet to nominate its leader. (E&E News)
• New York’s finalized disadvantaged communities list — which would help the state identify where climate funds and environmental cleanup efforts should be directed — includes just over a third of the state’s census tracts. (Gothamist)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Lawmakers and electric vehicle industry leaders raise concerns about transparency, jobs, and trade agreements as the U.S. Treasury Department prepares to release EV incentive guidance. (E&E News)

PIPELINES: The long-stalled Mountain Valley Pipeline remains in a legal and regulatory stalemate, although an expert sees a narrow path that could quickly allow its completion this year. (E&E News)

WIND: The global wind industry predicts rapid growth this year, pointing to Inflation Reduction Act incentives in the U.S. (NBC News)

NUCLEAR: Reusing retiring coal plants to house small modular reactors could cut their construction costs by as much as 35%, a think tank estimates. (Utility Dive)

STORAGE: Batteries in stoves, washing machines and other appliances could soon be key to electrifying homes without installing high-voltage power lines and upgrading electric panels. (Washington Post)

POLITICS:
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as oil and renewable energy companies, call on Congress to pass energy permitting reforms by the end of the summer. (The Hill)
• The Republican House rushes to pass its Lower Energy Costs Act before Easter, knowing Democrats will vote it down ahead of an expected summertime increase in gasoline prices. (Washington Post)

SOLAR:
• The U.S. Department of Energy will expand its SolSmart program to another 500 communities, doubling the program that provides free solar energy technical assistance to local governments. (Utility Dive)
• North Carolina solar advocates worry Duke Energy’s plan to add a new monthly fee and reduce rates for net-metering will slow the transition to renewables. (WFAE)

OIL & GAS: California lawmakers pass a bill authorizing regulators to penalize oil companies for price gouging and requiring pricing information disclosure. (Guardian)

EFFICIENCY: New federal efficiency standards for air conditioners and purifiers will save customers $1.5 billion annually on electricity, the U.S. Energy Department estimates. (Utility Dive)

CLIMATE: “Rewilding” portions of the Earth to let plants and animals thrive could create biological carbon pumps that remove and sequester the greenhouse gas. (Inside Climate News)

CARBON CAPTURE: Minnesota’s CenterPoint Energy is piloting a technology that captures carbon dioxide from flue exhaust in gas-powered water heaters and boilers to produce grist for making soap. (Star Tribune)

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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.