CLEAN ENERGY: The U.S. is quickly catching up to Europe when it comes to clean energy, but fossil fuel interests and opposition to projects by neighbors and conservation groups could slow progress. (New York Times)

POLITICS:
• As climate and clean energy spending in the Inflation Reduction Act benefits rural, Republican-voting areas, some residents complain about government overreach while others are happy about the economic benefits. (Politico)
• Recent court filings indicate that former FirstEnergy executives and a former regulator are likely being investigated for their roles in the Ohio public bribery scheme. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• Environmental advocates say U.S. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota has emerged as an unsung hero in Washington, and played a key role in helping to pass climate provisions the Inflation Reduction Act. (HuffPost)

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CLIMATE:
• At least 96 people were confirmed dead in Maui’s wildfires as rescue efforts continue, becoming the country’s deadliest wildfire in a century despite its relatively small footprint. (Associated Press, Washington Post)
• Hawaiian Electric faces scrutiny and lawsuits for not de-energizing power lines as high winds and dry conditions gripped Hawaii in the leadup to the deadly Maui wildfires. (Washington Post, Honolulu Standard-Advertiser)
• Extreme heat may have killed as many as 300 people in Phoenix in July, which marked the city’s hottest month on record. (Guardian)
• President Biden’s call for Congress to refill a depleted federal disaster fund could be too late as legislators remain on recess until September. (E&E News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Clean energy advocates and electric vehicle enthusiasts offer skeptical consumers test drives to convince them EVs are reliable and can save them money. (New York Times)
• A new report estimates that by 2030, Massachusetts will need to spend billions of dollars to build 10,000 fast chargers and 35,000 Level 2 chargers to support the number of electric vehicles it wants to see on the road. (Boston Globe)

PIPELINES: A federal court dismisses challenges to the Mountain Valley Pipeline after Congress passed a law to force its completion, even as two of three judges question the shifting balance in legislative and judicial power. (Cardinal News)

CARBON CAPTURE: Louisiana environmentalists scoff at federal officials’ award of more than $1 billion to carbon capture projects in Louisiana and Texas, which they say is risky and encourages fossil fuel companies to continue the status quo. (Guardian, Grist)

COAL: Data reveals higher rates of asthma and lower life expectancy among residents who live near West Virginia coal-fired power plants, even as state leaders fight a proposed U.S. EPA rule to strengthen carbon pollution standards for power plants. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)

NUCLEAR: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker vetoes a measure that would have lifted the state’s ban on new nuclear power plant construction as supporters of the technology promote small modular reactors as a potential climate solution. (Energy News Network)

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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.