Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.12.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

EMISSIONS 

Obama administration limits on soot pollution upheld by appeals court (via Los Angeles Times)

Deval Patrick calls for “future free of fossil fuels,” zero coal in four years (via Climate Progress)

Stanford divesting coal helps students seeking domino effect (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY POLICY 

Merkel says Germany would support Siemens-Alstom merger (via Reuters)

Obama doubles down on solar, energy efficiency in climate push (via The Hill)

US failed to inspect thousands of at-risk oil and gas wells, finds report (via The Guardian)

House votes to make energy research tax credit permanent (via ABC News/AP)

RENEWABLES 

Global renewable energy jobs count tops 6.5 million (via BusinessGreen)

UBS: Solar could be 10% global capacity by 2020 (via Renew Economy)

Germany approves 328MW of offshore wind (via Recharge)

Chile approves 110MW solar-thermal plant (via Recharge)

Renewables provide record 27% of German electricity demand (via Bloomberg)

Mexico’s newly opened energy market attracts renewables (via Renewable Energy World)

More solar energy powering corporate America (via USA Today)

Wal-Mart doubles down on solar energy plans (via Wall Street Journal)

SolarCity surges on higher rooftop installation forecast (via Bloomberg)

US hopes to tap offshore wind potential (via Houston Chronicle)

ABB rolls out new grid interconnection technology for wind farms (via Renew Grid)

Solar seen bailing California out of summer hydro shortage (via Bloomberg)

Ohio senate votes to kill state’s renewable energy standard (via Climate Progress)

Hawaii confronts green energy’s bugaboo: Batteries (via Christian Science Monitor)

The only active landfill in Vermont goes solar (via CleanTechnica)

COAL 

China’s coal dependency threatens efforts to curb warming (via New York Times)

Coal investments a bad bet for state pensions (via Times-Union)

After coal ash spill, Dan is a river of calm and caution (via Winston-Salem Journal)

CLIMATE 

Lloyd’s of London urges insurers to factor in climate change risk (via Environmental Leader)

Obama continues to push unilateral action to fight climate change (via National Journal)

As population surges, harsh Southwest climate will only get harsher (via Climate Progress)

South Carolina’s solution to sea level rise: Build more walls (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Senate standoff threatens to kill energy efficiency bill (via The Hill)

Energy bill fizzles as Senate begins debate on tax extenders (via National Journal)

Better Buildings Challenge partners reduce energy use 2.5% (via Energy Manager Today)

PACE is picking up for Michigan efficiency program (via Midwest Energy News)

Philips continues lighting revolution, tweaks LEDs for hydroponic growing (via GigaOm)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Russia ratchets up Ukraine’s gas bills in shift to economic battlefield (via New York Times)

Cleanest fossil fuel is Wall Street’s bet on climate change (via Bloomberg)

EPA weighs rule requiring fracking chemical disclosure (via The Hill)

Hundreds of small quakes in North Texas since December (via StateImpact Texas)

EMISSIONS 

IEA: Decarbonizing world economy will save $71 trillion by 2050 (via RTCC)

Few funds ready to follow Stanford’s lead on fossil fuel stocks (via Reuters) 

OIL 

Oil industry risks $1.1 trillion of investor cash (via Bloomberg)

Saudi Arabia, OPEC said will cover any Ukraine-related oil shortage (via Reuters)

BNSF says federal order won’t affect railroad oil shipments (via Bismarck Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION 

US buyers show little interest in big hybrids (via Autoblog Green)

RMI: What’s the true cost of EV charging stations? (via GreenBiz)

Texas will soon offer $2,500 rebate for EVs, PHEVs, and more (via Autoblog Green)

ENVIRONMENT 

Obama: Palm oil is destroying Malaysia’s rainforests (via Mongabay)

Summer blockbuster? El Nino looking more likely (via Climate Central)

California drought: Parched state braces for fire season (via San Francisco Chronicle)

KEYSTONE XL 

How the Senate’s Keystone XL vote came crumbling down (via EcoWatch)

Keystone XL foes vow to fight South Dakota permit renewal (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

Australian households could go off-grid by 2018 (via Renew Economy)

USDA awards $540 million for electric system upgrades, including $35 million for smart grid (via Renew Grid)

Clean Line wins key FERC approval (via Recharge)

POLITICS 

Rubio on a presidential bid, and climate change (via New York Times)

Colorado – energy’s continental divide (via Politico)

OPINION 

How to phase out incentives and grow solar energy (via Renewable Energy World)

Climate debate isn’t so heated in the US (via New York Times)

Obama’s energy announcements are nice, but we’ll need much more (via Time)

Can Congress ever have a reasonable energy debate? (via National Journal)

Texas is American energy leader – so how can its electricity markets be such a mess? (via Energy Trends Insider)

Obama’s new energy efficiency standards will lead to big electricity, consumer, carbon savings (via NRDC Switchboard)

Obama’s solar move is equivalent to a year without 80 million cars (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.6.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

CLIMATE

Obama turns toward climate action (via The Hill)

Finally Neil deGrasse Tyson and “Cosmos” take on climate change (via Mother Jones)

KEYSTONE XL

Lobbying surges for Keystone XL before Senate vote (via Bloomberg)

56 senators try to force Keystone XL past Obama and the public (via EcoWatch)

RENEWABLES

Solar demand grows in Russia, surges in Chile, stumbles in India, marches on in China (via Greentech Media)

Morocco on track to deliver Africa’s largest wind farm (via BusinessGreen)

UK will install three times more solar than Australia in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

Russia expects solar investment to reach $4.2 billion by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Solar power breakthrough hints at cheaper panels for more roofs (via Christian Science Monitor)

EIA: US ethanol imports from Brazil down in 2013; US net exporter for the year (via Green Car Congress)

Almost 60,000 US farms have on-site renewables (via SustainableBusiness)

Missouri’s solar problem: Too many people like it (via Climate Progress)

Hawaii wants 200MW of energy storage for solar, wind grid challenges (via Greentech Media)

Iowa lawmakers see tax credits opening wider door for solar (via Midwest Energy News)

Kansas House rejects renewable energy standard repeal (via Wichita Eagle)

Kasich urges changes in “green energy” bill (via Columbus Dispatch)

First Dallas wind farm is on college rooftop (via SustainableBusiness)

EMISSIONS

The meteoric rise of carbon dioxide in one video (via Climate Central)

California climate tax is reducing electricity bills (via Triple Pundit)

OIL

BP tech chief: Enhanced oil recovery key to world reserves (via Houston Chronicle)

Canada ups rail tanker safety standards (via Environmental Leader)

TRANSPORTATION

Study details differences in fiscal policies to support EVs across 11 markets (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla wants a Gigafactory or two ready by 2017 (via Climate Progress)

NUCLEAR

China starts 19th nuclear reactor amid construction push (via Bloomberg)

GRID

In Japan, smart meters accelerate (via Navigant Research)

Renewables are key inputs for next-gen microgrids (via Greentech Media)

COAL

Coal reduction in China a long struggle, not a great leap (via Navigant Research)

ENVIRONMENT

Still counting Gulf spill’s dead birds (via New York Times)

POLITICS

Koch’s decline Steyer’s invitation to debate climate change, Keystone XL (via The Hill)

OPINION

Five out-there energy projects moving closer to reality (via GigaOm)

Can’t put solar on your house? Four ways to invest in solar leases (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.6.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

CLIMATE

Obama turns toward climate action (via The Hill)

Finally Neil deGrasse Tyson and “Cosmos” take on climate change (via Mother Jones)

KEYSTONE XL

Lobbying surges for Keystone XL before Senate vote (via Bloomberg)

56 senators try to force Keystone XL past Obama and the public (via EcoWatch)

RENEWABLES

Solar demand grows in Russia, surges in Chile, stumbles in India, marches on in China (via Greentech Media)

Morocco on track to deliver Africa’s largest wind farm (via BusinessGreen)

UK will install three times more solar than Australia in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

Russia expects solar investment to reach $4.2 billion by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Solar power breakthrough hints at cheaper panels for more roofs (via Christian Science Monitor)

EIA: US ethanol imports from Brazil down in 2013; US net exporter for the year (via Green Car Congress)

Almost 60,000 US farms have on-site renewables (via SustainableBusiness)

Missouri’s solar problem: Too many people like it (via Climate Progress)

Hawaii wants 200MW of energy storage for solar, wind grid challenges (via Greentech Media)

Iowa lawmakers see tax credits opening wider door for solar (via Midwest Energy News)

Kansas House rejects renewable energy standard repeal (via Wichita Eagle)

Kasich urges changes in “green energy” bill (via Columbus Dispatch)

First Dallas wind farm is on college rooftop (via SustainableBusiness)

EMISSIONS

The meteoric rise of carbon dioxide in one video (via Climate Central)

California climate tax is reducing electricity bills (via Triple Pundit)

OIL

BP tech chief: Enhanced oil recovery key to world reserves (via Houston Chronicle)

Canada ups rail tanker safety standards (via Environmental Leader)

TRANSPORTATION

Study details differences in fiscal policies to support EVs across 11 markets (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla wants a Gigafactory or two ready by 2017 (via Climate Progress)

NUCLEAR

China starts 19th nuclear reactor amid construction push (via Bloomberg)

GRID

In Japan, smart meters accelerate (via Navigant Research)

Renewables are key inputs for next-gen microgrids (via Greentech Media)

COAL

Coal reduction in China a long struggle, not a great leap (via Navigant Research)

ENVIRONMENT

Still counting Gulf spill’s dead birds (via New York Times)

POLITICS

Koch’s decline Steyer’s invitation to debate climate change, Keystone XL (via The Hill)

OPINION

Five out-there energy projects moving closer to reality (via GigaOm)

Can’t put solar on your house? Four ways to invest in solar leases (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.5.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

CLIMATE 

UN chief urges “bold” action to curb global warming (via The Nation/BBC)

Climate change warming up business in the Arctic (via NPR)

Australia risks “going backwards” on climate change, straining Pacific ties (via The Guardian)

Climate change is clear and present danger, says landmark US report (via The Guardian)

What happens when Washington State attempts major climate action? (via CleanTechnica)

Scientists race to develop farm animals to survive climate change (via Los Angeles Times)

“We don’t know what normal is anymore”: Confronting extreme weather on US farms (via Huffington Post)

COAL 

China’s thirsty coal industry guzzles precious water (via Seattle Times)

RENEWABLES 

US ethanol imports from Brazil down 40% in 2013 (via US EIA)

Dam it: Feds say US can double hydropower (via Climate Central)

New ad links US oil industry’s anti-biofuel campaign to Saudi Arabia (via InsideClimate News)

O’Malley to decided whether some wind turbine projects should be delayed until 2015 (via Washington Post)

Kansas state lawmakers to vote on ending renewable energy standard (via Kansas City Star)

Hawaii’s largest utility ordered to help customers install more rooftop solar (via Climate Progress)

Superfund site is latest conquest in solar’s brownfields campaign (via Solar Industry)

Renewables get vote of financial confidence in NextEra spinoff plans (via EnergyWire)

SunEdison may be too reliant on renewable tax credits, says Barron’s (via Reuters)

OIL 

US DOT says energy companies not sharing test data on Bakken oil (via Wall Street Journal)

Oil-by-rail shippers withholding important data, says DOT (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK electric vehicle sales speed up as UK plugs into global trend (via The Guardian)

China’s BYD electric bus factory comes online in California (via Autoblog)

Why European gas-mileage ratings are so high, and often wrong (via Green Car Reports)

DOE to establish gasoline stockpiles in Northeast (via The Hill)

EMISSIONS 

Switch from gasoline to ethanol linked to higher ozone levels in Brazil (via Los Angeles Times)

Supreme Court cross-state ruling leaves much unsettled for EPA (via Greenwire)

Australian banks lose millions as customers divest (via RTCC)

Seven Washington University students arrested protesting Peabody Coal (via EcoWatch)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Green stock index rejects natural gas, oil, and coal (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Democrats push Obama on LNG exports (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking may induce quakes at greater distance than previously thought (via Yale e360)

Stronger “frackquakes” are on the way, scientists warn (via Climate Progress)

Sources and solutions for carbon pollution along the LNG supply chain (via Breaking Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

US national budget for fighting wildfires is $400 million short (via Climate Progress)

KEYSTONE XL 

Canada finds China option no easy answer to Keystone snub (via Bloomberg)

Wooing of senators to force Keystone XL falling short of votes (via Bloomberg)

Keystone pipeline issue looms as Senate takes up energy efficiency bill (via Washington Post)

ENERGY EFFICENCY 

Top 10 countries for LEED outside the US (via Environmental Leader)

Cree takes on $4 billion fluorescent lighting market with LEDs (via Greentech Media)

GRID 

Introducing New York State’s energy storage testing center (via Renewable Energy World)

ENERGY POLICY 

Obama re-nominates LaFleur as FERC commissioner (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Dissenting voices on climate change (via Washington Post)

A renewables club to change the world (via WRI Insights)

Will midterm elections move the needle on energy issues? (via National Journal)

For Obama, a renewed focus on climate (via Washington Post)

With hope and horror, climate fiction writers depict the future (via ClimateWire)

Divestment and Arctic development, between drilling and the deep blue sea (via EnergyCollective)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.1.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

How 26 states created 85% of America’s energy efficiency savings (via CleanTechnica)

Dems want to boost military energy efficiency (via The Hill)

COAL 

UNESCO alarmed over Australian coal port dredging near Great Barrier Reef (via Reuters)

Southern Company delays clean coal plant until 2015 amid rising costs (via Reuters)

Koch Brothers to face lawsuit over “swirling” Chicago petcoke pollution (via Climate Progress)

RENEWABLES 

Shares shift in global wind turbine market (via Navigant Research)

PV demand in Middle East and Africa to grow 50% this year (via Solar Industry)

Surge in Australian rooftop solar PV displaces more fossil fuels (via Renew Economy)

A new federal push for more hydropower across the US (via Forbes)

Exciting times for West Coast offshore wind (via Recharge)

US solar power installed costs on course for 2020 target (via RTCC)

Cellulosic biofuel set to outpace US volume targets (via Argus Leader)

DOE proceeds with review of Cape Wind loan guarantee after favorable court ruling (via Bloomberg BNA)

NextEra eyes 1.4GW of new wind capacity in US (via Recharge)

Arizona may impose new tax on customers who lease solar panels (via Climate Progress)

Business fears Ohio bill will “kill solar” if approved (via Toledo Blade)

KEYSTONE XL 

As Dem support builds for Keystone XL, pressure’s on Reid (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

World’s coastal megacities sinking 10x faster than rising sea levels (via Times of India)

Sweden delays $45 million climate fund contribution (via RTCC)

Sea change: Vital part of food web dissolving (via Seattle Times)

Extreme rainfall events like Pensacola’s on the rise (via Climate Central)

Climate change and the medical analogy (via Treehugger)

This man is on the hunt for California’s next climate leaders (via Grist)

OIL 

Dutch police storm Greenpeace ship trying to block Arctic oil delivery (via Reuters)

As new shipping rules are studied, another oil train derails (via New York Times)

Explosive Virginia train carried fracked Bakken oil (via DeSmog Blog)

TRANSPORTATION 

2013 model cars in Europe collectively met 2015 CO2 target two years before deadline (via Green Car Congress)

DOE’s advanced vehicle manufacturing loans come under attack in Senate (via ClimateWire)

ENVIRONMENT 

El Nino could be the biggest weather story of 2014 (via Vox)

Court tells EPA to cough up new air pollution standards by December (via Huffington Post)

Group to sue US over changes to eagle protection rules (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

Washington State’s governor wants the state off coal-based electricity (via Washington Post)

Tell your alma mater, fossil fuel divestment just went mainstream (via NRDC Switchboard)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg diverge on fracking (via Greenwire)

GRID 

Exelon will acquire Pepco to form largest US utility (via Greentech Media)

Is an energy storage tsunami about to hit California? (via Greentech Media)

Boulder: Municipal utility will be platform for innovation (via The Daily Camera)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Firms fail to disclose sustainability metrics in executive pay (via Environmental leader)

Monsanto announces aggressive sustainability goals (via TriplePundit)

Corporate America’s sustainability gains “not enough” says Ceres (via GreenBiz)

GREEN BUILDING 

In Asia-Pacific, green buildings gain ground (via Navigant Research)

Zero energy buildings become reality (via Navigant Research)

OPINION 

Status of US-China solar trade petition and what need to be done (via CleanTechnica)

Supreme Court makes the right call on a Clean Air Act provision (via Washington Post)

How loopholes could weaken CAFÉ standards (via Detroit News)

Supreme Court victory gives EPA more ammo in war on coal (via Forbes)

Better than dollars per watt (via Forbes)

Why we are blocking the office of Harvard’s president (via Huffington Post)

Economics trump environment in energy issues poll (via Houston Chronicle)

Link between electricity prices & renewable energy complete warped in Forbes article (via CleanTechnica)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.30.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

CLIMATE 

Indian monsoons becoming more erratic (via RTCC)

Climate change “making extreme rainfall in England more likely” (via The Guardian)

Las Vegas burning: Lessons in resilience from the nation’s driest big city (via Grist)

Oyster reefs could provide “dynamic” sea walls that outpace sea-level rise (via ClimateWire)

COAL 

Supreme Court OKs EPA pollution rules: Another blow for coal (via Christian Science Monitor)

Is underground coal gasification the new fracking? (via Renew Economy)

RENEWABLES 

China hits EU with final duties on polysilicon imports (via Reuters)

Germans installing far fewer solar panels in 2014 (via Reuters)

China fuels highest solar silicon demand since 2011 (via Bloomberg)

Concerns escalate over fresh UK solar subsidy reforms (via BusinessGreen)

Pension funds hold a key to renewable energy finance (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable electricity projections show growth under carbon market assumptions (via US EIA)

Americans are more concerned about clean energy than climate change (via EcoAffect)

ORNL assessment finds >65GW untapped hydropower in US rivers and streams (via Green Car Congress)

World’s largest solar panel farm is completed and live in Arizona (via GigaOm)

SunEdison closes financing on 60MW California solar farm (via Bloomberg)

US regulations push wave-energy project to Australia (via Houston Chronicle)

Tricky political tides challenge East Coast offshore wind projects (via ClimateWire)

Landfill area becoming solar site (via Energy Manager Today)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico expected to present energy reform laws today (via Reuters)

Report: Alstom to accept GE’s $13 billion offer (via Greentech Media)

Exelon expands again, reportedly buys Pepco for $5.4 billion (via Forbes)

EMISSIONS 

April becomes 1st month with CO2 levels above 400 PPM (via Climate Central)

Ending Australia’s carbon tax could deliver $40 billion budget hit (via Renew Economy)

China could expand carbon market to big-polluting industrial regions (via Reuters)

UK political uncertainty undermining carbon targets (via RTCC)

Documents contradict EPA on climate-rule delay (via Politico)

EPA’s powers upheld by Supreme Court with climate rules on deck (via Bloomberg)

Washington State’s governor unveils carbon reduction plan (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Harry Reid leaves door open to Keystone XL pipeline vote (via Reuters)

GRID 

Military advances energy independence with microgrids (via GreenBiz)

Tax credits for energy storage would advance renewable energy technology (via Energy Manager Today)

New York State gets to work on “grid of the future” with sweeping changes to come (via EnergyWire)

Extreme weather topples 38 TVA transmission towers (via Times Free Press)

OIL 

Bakken oil fields market billionth barrel of oil (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK to invest $841 million from 2015-2020 to boost ultra-low emission vehicle industry (via Green Car Congress)

US rollout of electric vehicle charging stations slowing down (via RTCC)

Winners and losers in EPA fuel economy scores (via Navigant Research)

Tesla making plans for Gigafactory in at least two states (via Autoblog Green)

ENVIRONMENT 

Reporter travels to Brazil’s Amazon: Can the battle against deforestation be won? (via InsideClimate News)

Almost half of Americans live with unhealthy levels of air pollution (via The Guardian)

Triple digits expected in California and Texas during early spring heat wave (via Climate Progress)

NATURAL GAS 

Congressional supporters optimistic about natural gas export bill (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Efficiency bill may face roadblocks beyond Keystone XL (via Greenwire)

Maryland county becomes first in US to enact energy benchmarking (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Big donor secrecy: “Irony, but it’s not hypocrisy” (via Politico)

Steyer explores involvement in Colorado contests (via E&E Daily)

OPINION 

EPA is on a legal winning streak (via National Journal)

The reality of a hotter world is already here (via Smithsonian)

George Will knocks out another instant climate classic (via Bloomberg)

What the Supreme Court’s latest air pollution ruling means (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.30.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

CLIMATE 

Indian monsoons becoming more erratic (via RTCC)

Climate change “making extreme rainfall in England more likely” (via The Guardian)

Las Vegas burning: Lessons in resilience from the nation’s driest big city (via Grist)

Oyster reefs could provide “dynamic” sea walls that outpace sea-level rise (via ClimateWire)

COAL 

Supreme Court OKs EPA pollution rules: Another blow for coal (via Christian Science Monitor)

Is underground coal gasification the new fracking? (via Renew Economy)

RENEWABLES 

China hits EU with final duties on polysilicon imports (via Reuters)

Germans installing far fewer solar panels in 2014 (via Reuters)

China fuels highest solar silicon demand since 2011 (via Bloomberg)

Concerns escalate over fresh UK solar subsidy reforms (via BusinessGreen)

Pension funds hold a key to renewable energy finance (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable electricity projections show growth under carbon market assumptions (via US EIA)

Americans are more concerned about clean energy than climate change (via EcoAffect)

ORNL assessment finds >65GW untapped hydropower in US rivers and streams (via Green Car Congress)

World’s largest solar panel farm is completed and live in Arizona (via GigaOm)

SunEdison closes financing on 60MW California solar farm (via Bloomberg)

US regulations push wave-energy project to Australia (via Houston Chronicle)

Tricky political tides challenge East Coast offshore wind projects (via ClimateWire)

Landfill area becoming solar site (via Energy Manager Today)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico expected to present energy reform laws today (via Reuters)

Report: Alstom to accept GE’s $13 billion offer (via Greentech Media)

Exelon expands again, reportedly buys Pepco for $5.4 billion (via Forbes)

EMISSIONS 

April becomes 1st month with CO2 levels above 400 PPM (via Climate Central)

Ending Australia’s carbon tax could deliver $40 billion budget hit (via Renew Economy)

China could expand carbon market to big-polluting industrial regions (via Reuters)

UK political uncertainty undermining carbon targets (via RTCC)

Documents contradict EPA on climate-rule delay (via Politico)

EPA’s powers upheld by Supreme Court with climate rules on deck (via Bloomberg)

Washington State’s governor unveils carbon reduction plan (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Harry Reid leaves door open to Keystone XL pipeline vote (via Reuters)

GRID 

Military advances energy independence with microgrids (via GreenBiz)

Tax credits for energy storage would advance renewable energy technology (via Energy Manager Today)

New York State gets to work on “grid of the future” with sweeping changes to come (via EnergyWire)

Extreme weather topples 38 TVA transmission towers (via Times Free Press)

OIL 

Bakken oil fields market billionth barrel of oil (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK to invest $841 million from 2015-2020 to boost ultra-low emission vehicle industry (via Green Car Congress)

US rollout of electric vehicle charging stations slowing down (via RTCC)

Winners and losers in EPA fuel economy scores (via Navigant Research)

Tesla making plans for Gigafactory in at least two states (via Autoblog Green)

ENVIRONMENT 

Reporter travels to Brazil’s Amazon: Can the battle against deforestation be won? (via InsideClimate News)

Almost half of Americans live with unhealthy levels of air pollution (via The Guardian)

Triple digits expected in California and Texas during early spring heat wave (via Climate Progress)

NATURAL GAS 

Congressional supporters optimistic about natural gas export bill (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Efficiency bill may face roadblocks beyond Keystone XL (via Greenwire)

Maryland county becomes first in US to enact energy benchmarking (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Big donor secrecy: “Irony, but it’s not hypocrisy” (via Politico)

Steyer explores involvement in Colorado contests (via E&E Daily)

OPINION 

EPA is on a legal winning streak (via National Journal)

The reality of a hotter world is already here (via Smithsonian)

George Will knocks out another instant climate classic (via Bloomberg)

What the Supreme Court’s latest air pollution ruling means (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.24.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

ENVIRONMENT 

China says more than half of its groundwater is polluted (via The Guardian)

China to impose tougher penalties on polluters under new law (via Reuters)

Up to a third of wild US seafood likely “illegal” (via Environmental Leader)

New map could refocus California’s pollution battles (via Los Angeles Times)

COAL 

Poland pushes coal on Europe as Putin wields gas weapon (via Bloomberg)

Federal government lowers level of coal dust allowed in mines (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Investment in aging coal plants a losing proposition (via Energy Manager Today)

CDC: West Virginia symptoms “consistent” with coal ash chemical health effects (via Charleston Daily Mail)

RENEWABLES 

Green bonds could cut India clean energy costs 25% (via Bloomberg)

UK approves five offshore wind projects with capacity to power three million homes (via Sustainable Business)

Biomass: The world’s biggest provider of renewable energy (via Energy Collective)

Environmental groups ask US trade rep to drop complaint over India’s solar policy (via Huffington Post)

DOE Secretary: Federal loans possible for Cape Wind project (via Cape Cod Times)

Google and SunPower join forces to fund solar homes (via Forbes)

Unlocking solar energy’s value as an asset class (via Renewable Energy World)

Three new finance models for non-profits to go solar (via Renewable Energy World)

Report says ethanol generates $19.3 billion in economic activity, supports 73,000 jobs in Iowa (via The Gazette)

Illinois still in search of solution for “broken” renewable energy standard (via EnergyWire)

EMISSIONS 

Australia slashes emission penalties in new climate plan (via RTCC)

Ireland outlines low-carbon transition plans with new climate bill (via RTCC)

Two-thirds of mayors can quantify carbon emissions cuts (via Environmental Leader)

Washington University sit-in against Peabody Coal enters third week (via Huffington Post)

OIL 

Report says US not ready for Arctic drilling (via The Hill)

Oil price declines as US oil supplies rise (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US to remain largest plug-in market over next 10 years; Tokyo to take metro lead spot from LA (via Green Car Congress)

Lufthansa says helping to test new aviation biofuel (via Reuters)

Tesla could build EVs in China as soon as 2017 (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL 

White House disputes report on Keystone XL (via National Journal)

Spirit camp embodies Sioux opposition to Keystone pipeline (via National Journal)

CLIMATE 

Greenland’s icecap losing stability (via Alaska Dispatch/Deutsche Welle)

African Development Bank launches new climate change fund (via RTCC)

Climate change threatens California’s air quality, says report (via Los Angeles Times)

Storm surge could flood New York City one in every four years (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS 

In landmark ruling, jury says fracking company must pay $3 million to sickened family (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

PSE&G frustrated by resistance to “Energy Strong” effort (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

CalCharge: A model for California energy storage dominance (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU warned energy efficiency plans are slipping (via BusinessGreen)

Five million reasons for communities to lower their energy use (via Energy.gov)

Opower IPO signals growing market for energy management tools (via Navigant Research)

California schools get $381 million in first wave of energy efficiency upgrades (via Sustainable Business)

Advocates of Ohio’s green energy law say it saves $2 for every $1 spent (via Columbus Dispatch)

OPINION 

Obama’s last shot (via Rolling Stone)

The left’s secret club (via Politico)

Which US universities are the greenest? (via Climate Progress)

What a win-win on unburnable carbon looks like (via GreenBiz)

The green heroes of the Time 100 (via Time)

What’s climate change got to do with lung cancer? (via EcoAffect)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.24.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

ENVIRONMENT 

China says more than half of its groundwater is polluted (via The Guardian)

China to impose tougher penalties on polluters under new law (via Reuters)

Up to a third of wild US seafood likely “illegal” (via Environmental Leader)

New map could refocus California’s pollution battles (via Los Angeles Times)

COAL 

Poland pushes coal on Europe as Putin wields gas weapon (via Bloomberg)

Federal government lowers level of coal dust allowed in mines (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Investment in aging coal plants a losing proposition (via Energy Manager Today)

CDC: West Virginia symptoms “consistent” with coal ash chemical health effects (via Charleston Daily Mail)

RENEWABLES 

Green bonds could cut India clean energy costs 25% (via Bloomberg)

UK approves five offshore wind projects with capacity to power three million homes (via Sustainable Business)

Biomass: The world’s biggest provider of renewable energy (via Energy Collective)

Environmental groups ask US trade rep to drop complaint over India’s solar policy (via Huffington Post)

DOE Secretary: Federal loans possible for Cape Wind project (via Cape Cod Times)

Google and SunPower join forces to fund solar homes (via Forbes)

Unlocking solar energy’s value as an asset class (via Renewable Energy World)

Three new finance models for non-profits to go solar (via Renewable Energy World)

Report says ethanol generates $19.3 billion in economic activity, supports 73,000 jobs in Iowa (via The Gazette)

Illinois still in search of solution for “broken” renewable energy standard (via EnergyWire)

EMISSIONS 

Australia slashes emission penalties in new climate plan (via RTCC)

Ireland outlines low-carbon transition plans with new climate bill (via RTCC)

Two-thirds of mayors can quantify carbon emissions cuts (via Environmental Leader)

Washington University sit-in against Peabody Coal enters third week (via Huffington Post)

OIL 

Report says US not ready for Arctic drilling (via The Hill)

Oil price declines as US oil supplies rise (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US to remain largest plug-in market over next 10 years; Tokyo to take metro lead spot from LA (via Green Car Congress)

Lufthansa says helping to test new aviation biofuel (via Reuters)

Tesla could build EVs in China as soon as 2017 (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL 

White House disputes report on Keystone XL (via National Journal)

Spirit camp embodies Sioux opposition to Keystone pipeline (via National Journal)

CLIMATE 

Greenland’s icecap losing stability (via Alaska Dispatch/Deutsche Welle)

African Development Bank launches new climate change fund (via RTCC)

Climate change threatens California’s air quality, says report (via Los Angeles Times)

Storm surge could flood New York City one in every four years (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS 

In landmark ruling, jury says fracking company must pay $3 million to sickened family (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

PSE&G frustrated by resistance to “Energy Strong” effort (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

CalCharge: A model for California energy storage dominance (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU warned energy efficiency plans are slipping (via BusinessGreen)

Five million reasons for communities to lower their energy use (via Energy.gov)

Opower IPO signals growing market for energy management tools (via Navigant Research)

California schools get $381 million in first wave of energy efficiency upgrades (via Sustainable Business)

Advocates of Ohio’s green energy law say it saves $2 for every $1 spent (via Columbus Dispatch)

OPINION 

Obama’s last shot (via Rolling Stone)

The left’s secret club (via Politico)

Which US universities are the greenest? (via Climate Progress)

What a win-win on unburnable carbon looks like (via GreenBiz)

The green heroes of the Time 100 (via Time)

What’s climate change got to do with lung cancer? (via EcoAffect)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.22.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

COAL 

China’s coal boom is waning with ambitious reductions targets (via Triple Pundit)

Ontario closes last coal-fired power plant (via Solar Industry)

Federal judge strikes part of Minnesota energy law preventing coal power (via MPR News)

CLIMATE 

China spreading the use of insurance to cope with climate change damage (via ClimateWire)

Climate-linked drought adding to Syria’s misery (via RTCC)

Hot West, cold East may be new normal as world warms (via Climate Central)

Since first Earth Day, US temperatures marching upward (via Climate Central)

RENEWABLES 

China Premier Li reiterates plans to boost clean energy (via Bloomberg)

Australia’s renewables review kicks off with battle over numbers (via Renew Economy)

Top ten trends in Brazil biofuels for 2014 (via Renewable Energy World)

US to dodge solar shortage in 2014 despite looming PV tariffs (via Solar Industry)

Next step for solar industry: Leases for solar plus storage (via Renew Economy)

Study: Fuels from corn waste not better than gasoline (via AP)

US Army to build military’s largest solar array in Arizona (via The Hill)

Dropping cost of “grid defection” means you could soon ditch your utility (via Fast Company)

RMI’s plan to help Fortune 500 companies up their renewables game (via GreenBiz)

Surpassing milestone of 100,000 solar roofs, PG&E calls for “sustainable” solar policy (via Greentech Media)

Western Texas college joins Texas Tech University on wind energy degree (via PR Web)

KEYSTONE XL 

Keystone backers keep their faith in embattled pipeline plan (via Reuters)

Horses, teepees arrive on Mall for Keystone XL protest (via Politico)

Keystone XL pipeline fate now in hands of Nebraska court (via Bloomberg)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s new environmental protection law submitted to parliament (via Reuters)

Brazil strips protected status from 5.2 million hectares of land (via Mongabay)

Consumer electronics industry sets recycling record (via Environmental Leader)

Apple offering free recycling on all used products (via ABC News/AP)

Interior Department launches landscape mitigation strategy (via Triple Pundit)

Wildfires in West increasing burn area at rate of one Denver per year (via Climate Progress)

Fields and farm jobs dry up with California’s worsening drought (via NPR)

Texas city first to reuse water from sewers as drought continues (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS 

Alaska lawmakers back natural gas export plans (via New York Times)

Ohio utilities replacing thousands of miles of gas pipeline (via Midwest Energy News)

EMISSIONS 

Divestment campaigns struggle against stock market, profits (via Houston Chronicle)

OIL 

Russia ships its first Arctic oil – is a boom coming? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Four years later, a sharp divide on Gulf oil spill (via National Journal)

US railroads show untapped value of delay in building oil pipeline (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Musk says Tesla will make cars in China within four years (via Bloomberg)

Hybrids significantly more fuel-efficient in India and China than US (via CleanTechnica)

US exporting a “tidal wave” of gasoline, other fuels (via Houston Chronicle)

Nissan Leaf likely to offer larger battery for longer range (via Green Car Reports)

Tesla Gigafactory seeks North American raw materials to cut pollution (via Green Car Reports)

A detailed look at the dreams and failure of Better Place (via Autoblog Green)

ENERGY POLICY 

Renewable energy gains in 2013 but coal and gas still dominate (via Greentech Media)

Power players muster forces for electricity market reforms (via EnergyWire)

Obama Administration spared developers millions in fees for Georgia nuclear project (via Greenwire)

POLITICS 

Not a single Republican has mentioned Earth Day in Congress since 2010 (via National Journal)

OPINION 

Two degrees: How the world failed on climate change (via Vox)

The clean energy transition is unstoppable, so why fight it? (via Smart Planet)

Where is the real innovation in wind energy? (via CleanTechnica)

World’s top serial bird killers put infamous windmills to shame (via Bloomberg)

Right wing trains its hysterical eye on renewable energy (via Mother Jones)

How conserving water, energy isn’t always about a green lifestyle (via Daily News)