Lawmakers in California pass legislation focused on climate, power grid, and utility reforms
In the world of environmental policy and clean energy, there's been a flurry of activity across the United States. Here's a roundup of some of the latest developments:
Colorado Springs Utilities Contemplate Solar Rate Hike
Colorado Springs Utilities are considering a proposal to increase rooftop solar customers' monthly rates by $50. The move aims to address cost-shifting concerns, as solar customers currently don't contribute equally to the maintenance of the power grid (KOAA).
Electric Boats Splash Down in Rural Maine
In a move towards sustainable transportation, electric boats have been introduced in rural Maine's coastal waters. This new addition is part of a growing trend towards environmentally friendly boating (New from Canary: Maria Gallucci and Julia Tilton).
California Grid Operator to Join Power Market and Regional Transmission Organization
Following the passage of a bill, California's grid operator is set to join a Western day-ahead power market and a regional transmission organization. This move is expected to improve the state's energy management and grid reliability (CalMatters).
California Teenager Launches Online Journal on Climate Crisis and Economics
A California teenager has launched an online journal to explore the connections between economic forces, climate crisis, carbon markets, inequality, trade, and development. The journal aims to provide insights and solutions for a sustainable future (Inside Climate News).
Advocates Push for Energy Assistance and Lower Utility Shutoff Thresholds in Nevada
Nevada advocates are urging for lower utility shutoff ban thresholds and increased energy assistance funding to protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat. The measures aim to ensure energy access for all, especially during hot summer months (Nevada Independent).
Southern California Edison Customers Oppose Proposed Rate Hike
Southern California Edison customers have voiced their opposition to a proposed 10% rate hike, citing insufficient spending on wildfire mitigation and prevention. State regulators are currently reviewing the proposal (Los Angeles Times).
New Mexico Pueblo Leaders Urge Protection of Chaco Culture National Historical Park
New Mexico Pueblo leaders are urging federal lawmakers and the Trump administration to maintain a 20-year ban on new oil and gas leases around Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The ban aims to protect the area's cultural and environmental integrity (Santa Fe New Mexican).
School Districts Seek Alternate Funding for Clean Energy Projects
School districts in Arizona, Colorado, and California are seeking alternate funding sources for installing solar arrays and acquiring electric buses. The move comes after the elimination of clean energy tax credits and incentives by the Trump administration and congressional Republicans (Hechinger Report).
Trump's Immigration Policies Affect Clean Energy Sector
Immigration policies under the Trump administration are having a ripple effect on the clean energy sector, as many companies rely on immigrant workers for construction and maintenance jobs (New from Canary: Kathryn Krawczyk).
Colorado Residents Oppose Oil and Gas Drilling Near Neighborhoods and Reservoirs
Colorado residents are pushing back against a proposal to drill 32 new oil and gas wells on state land adjacent to residential neighborhoods and a drinking water reservoir. Concerns include the potential impact on water quality and public health (CPR).
Newark Airport's Terminal Gets All-Electric Makeover
Newark Airport's historic terminal has received an all-electric makeover, marking a step towards sustainable aviation infrastructure (New from Canary: Alison F. Takemura).
Women Near Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility Had Higher Rates of Low Birth Weight
A study has found that women living near the 2015 Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility incident and who were pregnant during that time had babies with low birth weights at rates almost 50% higher than normal (LAist).
California Wildfire Fund Bolstered to Help Utilities Pay for Blaze-Related Damages
California lawmakers have passed legislation to bolster the state's $18 billion wildfire fund, which helps utilities pay for blaze-related damages (CalMatters).
California Allows Thousands of New Oil and Gas Wells, Restricts Offshore Drilling
California lawmakers have passed a bill allowing up to 2,000 new oil and gas wells in the San Joaquin Valley, while further restricting offshore drilling. The move aims to balance energy production with environmental concerns (Los Angeles Times).
Federal Bureau of Land Management Seeks Public Input on Oil and Gas Leases
The federal Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on supplemental environmental reviews for litigated oil and gas leases in seven states. The reviews aim to ensure compliance with environmental regulations (news release).
Lawsuit Allows Challenge to Oil Platform Restart Off California's Coast
A federal court has rejected Sable Offshore's bid to dismiss environmentalists' lawsuit seeking to block the firm from restarting three aging oil platforms off California's coast. The challenge will proceed, allowing for continued debate on the environmental impacts of offshore drilling (E&E News).
Gasoline Prices Surge in Oregon After Pipeline Shutdown
Gasoline prices have surged in Oregon after a major fuel pipeline into the state was shut down for 10 days for undisclosed reasons. The shutdown has caused supply disruptions and price increases (OPB).
New Mexico Advocate Calls for Resistance to Oil and Gas Wastewater Recycling
A New Mexico advocate is calling on state regulators to resist industry pressure to loosen rules on reusing oil and gas wastewater outside of the oilfield. The advocate cites the risks of recycling as too great (Albuquerque Journal).
California's Carbon Cap-and-Trade Program Reauthorized, Funds High-Speed Rail
California's carbon cap-and-trade program has been reauthorized through 2045, aligning with climate targets, and $1 billion will be allocated to high-speed rail. The moves aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve transportation infrastructure (Mendocino Voice).
