Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.18.14

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

CLIMATE 

Climate data from air, land, sea, and ice in 2013 reflect trends of a warming planet (via NOAA)

Research shows Australian droughts caused by manmade emissions (via RTCC)

Does climate change cause flight turbulence? (via EcoWatch)

The one metric that’s hiding the true cost of climate change (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

The coming storage boom: Project proposals nearly double California’s energy storage target (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Investment in UK renewable energy sector almost £8 billion in 2013 (via The Guardian)

Brazil to provide $843.5 million for sugarcane ethanol research program (via Bloomberg)

China three years late on installing offshore wind farms (via Bloomberg)

U.S. EIA forecasting big gains for solar (via Renewable Energy World)

U.S. Senate passes Geothermal Production Expansion Act (via Renewable Energy World)

Soltage-Greenwood gets $70 million for seven U.S. solar projects (via Bloomberg)

U.S. to auction site off New Jersey shore for offshore wind (via Bloomberg)

Rural co-ops see the light on renewable energy – even if industry lobbyists don’t (via Huffington Post)

The quick guide to a green stock portfolio (via Renewable Energy World)

EMISSIONS 

New Zealand carbon prices fall further as emitters stay away (via Reuters)

Without much straining, Minnesota reins in its utilities’ carbon emissions (via New York Times)

OIL 

U.S.-Russia sanctions set to slow Rosneft’s dollar debt, not oil deals (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

India considers $2.5 billion subsidy for hybrid, electric cars to save $11 billion in fuel costs (via CleanTechnica)

U.S. EV charging station market to hit $947 million by 2020 (via Environmental Leader)

FRACKING 

Fracking bans unlikely in Oklahoma, say observers (via The Oklahoman)

Fracking wastewater is big business in Ohio (via Midwest Energy News)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Germany wins “World Cup” of energy efficiency (via Energy Manager Today)

How to save money by building green (via Environmental Leader)

ENVIRONMENT 

Fires in Canada’s Northwest Territories in line with “unprecedented” burn (via Climate Central)

Oregon, Washington declare states of emergency as wildfires spread (via Climate Progress)

New study shows rate of groundwater decline slowing in Texas (via StateImpact Texas)

OPINION 

Latest state of the climate: Yup, still getting hotter (via Bloomberg)

Three charts that explain why Obama is talking about Chilean solar (via Greentech Media)

Why now is a good time to invest in solar manufacturing and marketing in the U.S. (via Forbes)

It’s really all about renewable energy projects (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.17.14

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

EMISSIONS 

Australian parliament repeals carbon tax, emissions trading scheme (via Reuters)

Global carbon market hopes fade as Australia dumps CO2 trading (via Reuters)

Britain urges deeper EU carbon market reforms than proposed (via Reuters)

EPA’s carbon plans asks the least from states that pollute the most (via Washington Post)

EPA’s McCarthy pushes states to adopt carbon-cutting “investment strategy” (via EnergyWire)

OIL 

Oil train tanker phaseout could last years (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

China-US solar trade issue: WTO directive could impact India (via Panchabuta)

Green bonds market grows by 60% in a year (via BusinessGreen)

Jamaica unveils world’s largest wind-solar hybrid installation (via Inhabitat)

Oil lobby turns focus to EPA in ethanol fight (via The Hill)

North Carolina solar farms embark on a delicate dance with Duke (via Charlotte Observer)

Clean energy yieldcos: Growing pains (via Forbes)

Five things to know about the U.S. utility-scale PV market (via Greentech Media)

Three noteworthy solar implications in the new U.S. national electrical code (via Renewable Energy World)

Looking to fund a clean energy project? You need a green bank (via National Journal)

CLIMATE 

China at work on climate protection plans (via United Press International)

Limiting temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius is still possible – and it pays to do so (via WRI Insights)

Obama: Climate change is “direct threat” to U.S. (via The Hill)

ENERGY POLICY 

In Latin America, Putin wheels and deals on energy (via Christian Science Monitor)

President Obama announces new sanctions on Russia (via National Journal)

Energy Department predicts slowdown in annual U.S. power plant growth (via Houston Chronicle)

GRID 

Nothing small in the potential for nanogrids (via GreenBiz)

Here are 1.2 billion reasons why resiliency is a big deal for the power sector (via Greentech Media)

NATURAL GAS 

Effort to avoid vote on fracking falters in Colorado (via New York Times)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

The U.S. has quietly made remarkable fuel-efficiency advances (via The Atlantic)

PACE creating energy efficiency opportunities in Minnesota (via Midwest Energy News)

COAL 

Duke Energy completes Dan River ash cleanup (via Charlotte Business Journal)

ENVIRONMENT 

First map to detail extent of plastic in five ocean gyres (via EcoWatch)

California drought idles huge swaths of farmland (via Sacramento Bee/AP)

California farms are sucking up enough groundwater to put Rhode Island 17 feet under (via Mother Jones)

POLITICS 

Climate super PAC struggling to bring in money (via Huffington Post/AP)

Steyer struggles to find big-money donors (via Politico)

OPINION 

Australia’s carbon tax is dead and there’s nothing to take its place (via The Guardian)

Obama’s sideways climate plan (via National Journal)

10 things to know about investment in renewable energy (via The Guardian)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.16.14

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

CLIMATE 

Extreme weather disasters have cost Earth $2.4 trillion since 1971 (via Climate Central)

Japan meteorological agency reports hottest March-June on record globally (via ClimateProgress)

Germany pledges $1 billion to UN climate change fund (via The Guardian)

White House unveils climate change initiatives (via New York Times)

Taking to the pulpit against climate change (via USA Today)

NUCLEAR 

Japan readies atomic restarts as regulator signals approval (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

China to smash target of 150GW installed wind by 2017 (via Recharge)

India targets 35% renewable energy share in installed capacity mix by 2050 (via CleanTechnica)

World Trade Organization tells U.S. to reconsider solar panel tariffs (via Renewable Energy World)

Big EU banks pile into green bonds, China poised to follow (via Renew Economy)

Alternative-energy funds see renewed buying by investors (via Wall Street Journal)

United Kingdom approves EON offshore wind farm to power 450,000 homes (via Bloomberg)

German development bank issues €1.5 billion green bond (via BusinessGreen)

European wind industry warns of offshore slowdown (via BusinessGreen)

World’s biggest wave energy projects sinks without a trace (via Renew Economy)

4.9GW new offshore wind capacity under construction in Europe (via Renewable Energy World)

Shinsei Bank plans $2 billion of clean energy loans in Japan (via Bloomberg)

DOE awards $6 million to advance drop-in biofuels (via Green Car Congress)

California keeps crushing America’s clean energy and tech rankings (via CleanTechnica)

EMISSIONS 

Businesses say South Korea carbon market to cost $27 billion, should be delayed (via Reuters)

OIL 

U.S. oil export ban won’t be lifted this year, says Upton (via Bloomberg)

Older oil train tank cars to be phased out under industry proposal (via Bloomberg)

Enhanced oil recovery techniques limited in shale (via Houston Chronicle)

Shell announces new 100 million barrel of oil discovery in Gulf of Mexico (via Houston Chronicle)

New pipeline would carry Bakken oil from North Dakota to Illinois through Iowa (via ClimateProgress)

Without fracking boom, U.S. would face oil crisis, says Yergin (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

TRANSPORTATION 

BMW doubles down on electric vehicles (via The Hill)

Elon Musk reveals details of new Tesla vehicle (via Washington Post)

TAR SANDS 

Tar sands development threaten world’s largest boreal forest (via World Resources Institute)

ENVIRONMENT 

63% of paper consumed in U.S. is recycled, says report (via Environmental Leader)

Drought, drilling, and wildfires have cut mule deer population by two-thirds (via ClimateProgress)

Drought will cost California $2.2 billion in agriculture losses this year (via Wall Street Journal)

For first time, California gets ready for mandatory water restrictions (via ClimateProgress)

Groundwater is drought lifeline for California farmers (via Climate Central)

Battle lines form in California: Farms v. solar v. high-speed rail (via Greenwire)

As jellyfish come in waves off Maine coast, questions follow (via Portland Press-Herald)

NATURAL GAS 

Chile eyes use of U.S. shale gas by early 2016 (via Reuters)

Google project spotlights natural gas pipeline leaks under city streets (via Houston Chronicle)

Push to ban fracking in Colorado falls short (via The Hill)

GRID 

Revenue streams are key to cost-effective energy storage (via Clean Energy Finance Forum)

California grid faces renewable energy “oversupply” (via Recharge)

POLITICS 

U.S. Senate confirms two FERC nominees (via The Hill)

Florida scientists press Gov. Rick Scott on climate change (via Tampa Bay Times)

OPINION 

Companies don’t care anymore that you don’t care anymore about this sustainability thing (via Bloomberg)

New York’s utility reform plan will usher in a new era of consumer choice (via Greentech Media)

Cap and trade’s moment of truth (via Energy Collective)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.16.14

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

CLIMATE 

Extreme weather disasters have cost Earth $2.4 trillion since 1971 (via Climate Central)

Japan meteorological agency reports hottest March-June on record globally (via ClimateProgress)

Germany pledges $1 billion to UN climate change fund (via The Guardian)

White House unveils climate change initiatives (via New York Times)

Taking to the pulpit against climate change (via USA Today)

NUCLEAR 

Japan readies atomic restarts as regulator signals approval (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

China to smash target of 150GW installed wind by 2017 (via Recharge)

India targets 35% renewable energy share in installed capacity mix by 2050 (via CleanTechnica)

World Trade Organization tells U.S. to reconsider solar panel tariffs (via Renewable Energy World)

Big EU banks pile into green bonds, China poised to follow (via Renew Economy)

Alternative-energy funds see renewed buying by investors (via Wall Street Journal)

United Kingdom approves EON offshore wind farm to power 450,000 homes (via Bloomberg)

German development bank issues €1.5 billion green bond (via BusinessGreen)

European wind industry warns of offshore slowdown (via BusinessGreen)

World’s biggest wave energy projects sinks without a trace (via Renew Economy)

4.9GW new offshore wind capacity under construction in Europe (via Renewable Energy World)

Shinsei Bank plans $2 billion of clean energy loans in Japan (via Bloomberg)

DOE awards $6 million to advance drop-in biofuels (via Green Car Congress)

California keeps crushing America’s clean energy and tech rankings (via CleanTechnica)

EMISSIONS 

Businesses say South Korea carbon market to cost $27 billion, should be delayed (via Reuters)

OIL 

U.S. oil export ban won’t be lifted this year, says Upton (via Bloomberg)

Older oil train tank cars to be phased out under industry proposal (via Bloomberg)

Enhanced oil recovery techniques limited in shale (via Houston Chronicle)

Shell announces new 100 million barrel of oil discovery in Gulf of Mexico (via Houston Chronicle)

New pipeline would carry Bakken oil from North Dakota to Illinois through Iowa (via ClimateProgress)

Without fracking boom, U.S. would face oil crisis, says Yergin (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

TRANSPORTATION 

BMW doubles down on electric vehicles (via The Hill)

Elon Musk reveals details of new Tesla vehicle (via Washington Post)

TAR SANDS 

Tar sands development threaten world’s largest boreal forest (via World Resources Institute)

ENVIRONMENT 

63% of paper consumed in U.S. is recycled, says report (via Environmental Leader)

Drought, drilling, and wildfires have cut mule deer population by two-thirds (via ClimateProgress)

Drought will cost California $2.2 billion in agriculture losses this year (via Wall Street Journal)

For first time, California gets ready for mandatory water restrictions (via ClimateProgress)

Groundwater is drought lifeline for California farmers (via Climate Central)

Battle lines form in California: Farms v. solar v. high-speed rail (via Greenwire)

As jellyfish come in waves off Maine coast, questions follow (via Portland Press-Herald)

NATURAL GAS 

Chile eyes use of U.S. shale gas by early 2016 (via Reuters)

Google project spotlights natural gas pipeline leaks under city streets (via Houston Chronicle)

Push to ban fracking in Colorado falls short (via The Hill)

GRID 

Revenue streams are key to cost-effective energy storage (via Clean Energy Finance Forum)

California grid faces renewable energy “oversupply” (via Recharge)

POLITICS 

U.S. Senate confirms two FERC nominees (via The Hill)

Florida scientists press Gov. Rick Scott on climate change (via Tampa Bay Times)

OPINION 

Companies don’t care anymore that you don’t care anymore about this sustainability thing (via Bloomberg)

New York’s utility reform plan will usher in a new era of consumer choice (via Greentech Media)

Cap and trade’s moment of truth (via Energy Collective)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.15.14

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

CLIMATE 

Military bases face hurdles in climate change adaptation (via Climate Central)

The business cost of climate change: What the science says (via The Guardian)

Heat waves replacing drought as deadliest climate disaster (via Vox)

Corporate America steadily steering climate solutions despite Congressional stalemate (via Forbes)

NATURAL GAS 

States with fracking see surge in earthquake activity (via Huffington Post/AP)

RENEWABLES 

Anti-dumping duty on solar gear unlikely to reduce India imports (via Panchabuta)

The Central American solar market is set to boom (via Greentech Media)

Record-breaking offshore wind deal helps drive up Q2 clean energy investment (via Bloomberg)

U.S. clean tech leaders announced (via Environmental Leader)

Leased solar panels can cast a shadow over a home’s value (via NPR)

Without state regulation, Iowa counties get tougher on wind projects (via Iowa City Gazette)

June bloom: Ten clean energy stocks for 2014, Q2 update (via Renewable Energy World)

COAL 

Coal plant carbon pollution injects life in old oil wells (via Bloomberg)

NRG’s $1 billion bet to show how carbon capture could work for coal power plants (via Forbes)

EMISSIONS 

Australia’s carbon tax repeal set for final showdown (via Reuters)

In lead up to carbon price, South Africa preps carbon offset program (via Climate Progress)

Emitters in China’s largest carbon market meet targets amid falling prices (via Reuters)

Switzerland threatens 40% carbon tax rise if targets not met (via Reuters)

Study: States can handle EPA power plant rules (via The Hill)

Texas utilities preparing for new EPA emissions regulations (via Texas Tribune)

OIL 

North Dakota expects “big surge” in summer crude output (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK auto industry is booming, largely thanks to clean technology (via BusinessGreen)

Low U.S. gasoline taxes may lead to waste, says IEA chief (via Reuters)

U.S. oil and rail sector agree on train tanker safety (via Reuters)

Which states have the worst roads in America? (via Washington Post)

White House says won’t help Tesla sell cars online (via The Hill)

Tesla wins approval to sell cars in Pennsylvania (via Los Angeles Times)

GRID 

Amidst extreme weather surge, distributed energy takes on new meaning for U.S. grid (via Greentech Media)

California ready to fund the next wave of microgrids paired with renewables and storage (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY POLICY 

Corporate cannibals: Electricity sector may have to kill gas to save itself (via Renew Economy)

Greatest growth opportunity for electric companies: Devour oil’s market (via Energy Trends Insider)

Colorado ranked least energy-expensive state (via Energy Manager Today)

ENVIRONMENT 

Nestle bottling water straight from heart of California’s drought (via Salon)

OPINION 

How climate change changed me (via Politico)

The decline of coal (via Charleston Gazette)

Global warming is coming, but climate hysteria doesn’t help anyone (via Time)

The point everyone’s missing about the Polar Vortex’s return (via Climate Progress)

Electric vehicles will change the way you power your home (via Time)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.7.14

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

CLIMATE 

Australia sees little consensus among G20 for new climate action (via The Hill)

Report says UK climate change policies have not harmed economy (via The Guardian)

Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont take serious climate adaptation action (via CleanTechnica)

Ceres: half of America’s largest companies don’t report on climate risk (via Triple Pundit)

Meet the scientist who might end the climate culture wars (via Popular Science)

RENEWABLES 

Lessons in solar development for the Latin American market (via Renewable Energy World)

Brazil planning local-content rules for solar industry (via Bloomberg)

Deutsche Bank predicts big increase in publicly traded solar-based Yieldcos (via CleanTechnica)

Global solar jobs surge to 2.3 million in 2013 (via Recharge)

Solar thin-film panels reach 11-month high on trade war (via Bloomberg)

World Bank to invest $775 million in clean energy across India (via Economic Times)

Renewables jump to 31% in Germany for first half 2014 (via Renew Economy)

Brazil’s national development bank loans $251 for wind projects (via Recharge)

Insurers to cover European withdrawal of solar and wind subsidies (via Financial Times)

Gamesa and Areva ink deal to form offshore wind giant (via BusinessGreen)

U.S. weighs offshore wind tourism impact (via Recharge)

Two federal agencies side with Cape Wind on environmental issues (via Cape Cod Times)

North Carolina utilities panel will delve into cost of renewable power (via Charlotte News Observer)

Michigan PSC says state could boost solar at no cost to utility customers (via Environmental Law & Policy Center)

Lessons from the making of Massachusetts’ solar compromise bill (via Greentech Media)

COAL 

Modi’s power pledge set to lift coal imports to record (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

U.S. Ex-Im Bank weighs loan to major India coal project (via Reuters)

Coal poised for rare win over Obama in Ex-Im Bank fight (via The Hill)

EMISSIONS 

U.S. pension funds ignore divestment calls, keep fossil fuels burning (via Financial Times)

Taking oil industry cue, environmentalists drew emissions blueprint (via New York Times)

California Democrat introduces bill to delay cap-and-trade expansion (via Reuters)

OIL 

U.S. now world’s biggest oil producer after overtaking Saudi Arabia (via Bloomberg)

Lac Megantic, Quebec still recovering from deadly oil train disaster (via Huffington Post)

US Commerce Secretary says “serious conversations” underway on oil exports (via National Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla Model S earns top score in industry for total quality (via Green Car Reports)

Toyota to offer wireless charging on next-generation Prius in 2016 (via Plug-in Cars)

Data shows why EV owners are so different from the rest of us (via Greentech Media)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Germany drafting anti-shale fracking rules on public opposition (via Bloomberg)

Research links Oklahoma quakes to drilling activity (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy companies say disposal wells central to Oklahoma’s oil, gas operations (via The Oklahoman)

ENVIRONMENT 

Great Barrier Reed faces ravaging from expected El Nino (via The Guardian)

Nearly 80% of California now under “extreme” drought conditions (via Los Angeles Times)

ENERGY POLICY 

Homebuilders, restaurants herald cracks in Japan’s power market (via Bloomberg)

DOE issuing up to $4 billion in loan guarantees for energy, efficiency projects (via Green Car Congress)

A hot July energy legislation forecast on Capitol Hill (via National Journal)

The future of batteries: Q&A with director of national laboratory battery hub (via Phys.org)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Utilities reveal just how much customers are saving with energy efficiency programs (via Renew Grid)

Biggest hospital in North America to feature a green roof with medicinal herbs (via Inhabitat)

OPINION 

World Bank email leaks reveal internal row over power project loans (via The Guardian)

Green bond market is growing, but what makes a bond green? (via The Economist)

Here’s why the forecast for microgrids looks so sunny (via GreenBiz)

Why carbon market participants want more corporate involvement (via GreenBiz)

Congress’s head-in-the sand approach to climate change (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.1.14

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

CLIMATE 

India plans to overhaul approach to UN climate talks (via RTCC)

Besieged by rising tides of climate change, Kiribati buys land in Fiji (via The Guardian)

Pentagon to escalate global warming preparations for bases (via U.S. News & World Report)

Wall Street’s climate war intensifies with new weapons (via National Journal)

The fine line between sugarcoating and panic on climate change (via Washington Post)

KEYSTONE XL 

Tar sands expansion cools down without Keystone XL (via NRDC Switchboard)

RENEWABLES 

EU states avoid green energy overhaul after court backs Swedish scheme (via Reuters)

Renewables to get most of $7.7 trillion new power plant investments by 2030 (via Bloomberg)

China becomes world’s largest solar PV market (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable energy saves Fortune 500 companies over $1 billion (via CleanTechnica)

Bangladesh to receive $78.4 million from World Bank for solar home systems (via Shanghai Daily)

The rise of Big Solar in Chile (via Forbes)

Solar companies sue to stop property taxes on leased rooftop panels (via Arizona Republic)

Six trailblazers banking on clean energy finance (via GreenBiz)

NRG Yield adds new solar assets (via Recharge)

Two-bladed wind turbines make a comeback (via MIT Technology Review)

Illinois putting $30 million into solar investments (via Southern Illinoisan)

Receding Lake Mead poses challenges to Hoover Dam’s power output (via EnergyWire)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

China fuels new boom in natural gas (via ClimateWire)

New York’s top court says towns can ban fracking (via Financial Post/Reuters)

Fracking study finds new natural gas wells leak more than older ones (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

FERC approves second LNG export project (via Breaking Energy)

Shale’s junk debt at risk if Fed raises rates (via Houston Chronicle)

EMISSIONS 

Carbon has best quarter in six years amid EU permit-supply curbs (via Bloomberg)

Court blocks Arch Coal mine expansion for not counting costs of carbon pollution (via Climate Progress)

Basis for EPA Clean Power Plan cuts a “mystery” (via Climate Central)

GRID 

Here’s where solar, storage, and microgrids are taking hold in the U.S. (via Greentech Media)

Symantec warns of hacker threat against energy companies (via Bloomberg)

OIL 

Capacity of U.S. petroleum refineries increases by 101,000 barrels per day (via Environmental Leader)

North Dakota and Texas now provide nearly half U.S. crude oil production (via U.S. EIA)

TRANSPORTATION 

Supreme Court won’t hear dispute over California fuel standard (via Greenwire)

2015 Toyota Prius launch pushed back six months: Report (via Green Car Reports)

ENVIRONMENT 

Plastic debris widespread on ocean surface, finds study (via Huffington Post)

Indonesia now has the highest rate of deforestation in the world (via Time)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU leaders divided on 2030 energy efficiency target (via RTCC)

Energy efficiency investments create 17 jobs per one million dollars in U.S. Southeast (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Report: Voters more likely to back climate-friendly candidate (via The Hill)

All policy is local: 2014 Congressional races defined by energy issues (via Politico)

Coal fires up West Virginia House of Representatives race (via Politico)

Sen. Beigich talks climate change (via KCAW)

FERC Commissioner Norris expects not to seek another term (via SNL Energy)

OPINION 

U.S. steps toward more China solar tariffs – for the wrong reasons? (via Breaking Energy)

Happy birthday carbon tax….been god to know you (via Renew Economy)

Is climate change destabilizing Iraq? (via Mother Jones)

Closing the renewable energy investment gap (via WRI Insights)

What’s next for U.S. oil exports? (via National Journal)

Australia Institute director says Gore-Palmer ploy reset climate debate (via The Guardian)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.30.14

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

CLIMATE 

World Bank: Tacking climate change will grow the economy (via Climate Central)

Leading insurer closing its climate change office, leaving industry “mute” (via ClimateWire)

Mexico eyes economic benefits of landmark climate law (via RTCC)

The high cost of climate change inaction in two new studies (via NRDC Switchboard)

Wheat breeders planning for climate change (via The Western Producer)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Scotland primed for shale gas exploration (via BusinessGreen)

RENEWABLES 

IRENA says world needs $550 billion of renewables investment a year (via RTCC)

Last week, wind energy was the new baseload in Australia (via Renew Economy)

German lawmakers vote to reduce renewable energy subsidies (via Bloomberg)

SunEdison closes $190 million financing for Chile solar project (via Bloomberg)

Silver lining for China’s carbon-financed wind power boom (via Forbes)

Columbia River Basin provides more than 40% total U.S. hydroelectric generation (via U.S. EIA)

Michigan’s wind industry soaring (via Detroit Free-Press)

Growing number of solar panels a concern for Wisconsin utilities (via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Boston trying out solar-powered “smart benches” in parks (via Boston Globe)

GM adds three acres of solar arrays at Michigan facilities (via Green Car Congress)

SunPower to add storage to solar in new homes (via Greentech Media)

NextEra Energy prices yieldco IPO (via Recharge)

EMISSIONS 

Australia carbon tax moves closer to repeal after vote in lower house (via Reuters)

Caribbean needs $30 billion investment to cut fossil-fuel use (via Bloomberg)

Shanghai firms meet carbon targets after last-day permit auction (via Reuters)

DOE-sponsored project captures one millionth metric ton of CO2 (via Breaking Energy)

NASA to launch CO2-tracking satellite (via The Guardian)

Los Angeles councilman to propose emissions reduction measure (via Los Angeles Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Drought has drillers running after shrinking California water supply (via NPR)

Map shows when summer heat will peak in your town (via Climate Central)

OIL 

The other battle for Canada’s oil sands (via Houston Chronicle)

Following long ban, U.S. could dominate global light oil supply (via Reuters)

Feds, lawmakers warn of fire risk from oil trains (via The Hill)

Oil boom meets bust in Texas: Above sea of oil, poverty digs in (via New York Times)

BP seeks return of millions in oil spill damage payments (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

China only sold 7,000 electric automobiles in 2013 (via Autoblog Green)

Lukewarm automaker interest in open Tesla EV patents (via Autoblog Green)

Nissan prices replacement Leaf battery at $5,500 (via Autoblog Green)

COAL 

MSHA issues 147 citations during coal mine inspections (via Washington Post)

GRID 

UK seeks to avoid “energy crunch” with 53GW capacity auction (via BusinessGreen)

NREL supercomputer tackles grid challenges (via Intelligent Utility)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Berg Insights predicts 36 million smart homes worldwide by 2017 (via GigaOm)

Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance starts financing network (via Clean Energy Finance Forum)

OPINION 

Australia risks G20 isolation by scrapping carbon tax (via Financial Times)

The American West’s water crisis (via New York Times)

How carbon pricing can boost the bottom line (via Environmental Leader)

Time to buy shares in a yieldco? (via Sustainable Business)

Will Governor Christie re-embrace cap-and-trade in wake of EPA rule? (via InsideClimate News)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.25.14

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

EMISSIONS 

Australian Senate leader to support carbon-price repeal (via Bloomberg)

EPA’s first carbon regs nearly unscathed after years of litigation (via Greenwire)

Congressional observers doubt GOP can blog funding for EPA carbon rules (via SNL Energy)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

First Nations being courted to back tar sands refineries on their land (via InsideClimate News)

Republicans renew push for Keystone vote in Senate (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Over 7GW new solar PV capacity installed in Japan last fiscal year (via CleanTechnica)

U.K. solar industry set to hit 9GW in rush to meet subsidy deadline (via BusinessGreen)

Sustainable district heating from seawater? It’s happening in Holland (via CleanTechnica)

Concentrated solar power could compete with natural gas, says study (via Yale e360)

U.S. financial sector lags in clean energy investment (via Energy Manager Today)

Challenges to financing renewable energy projects on U.S. military sites (via Renewable Energy World)

NRG CEO says residential solar competitive with utility power in 25 states next year (via Green Car Reports)

Southern California Edison seems 290MW in small-scale renewables (via Solar Industry Magazine)

SunPower and SolarCity emerge as fierce solar roof rivals (via GigaOm)

Report: Michigan could expand solar without raising rates (via Midwest Energy News)

Two universities in D.C. make deal to buy solar power (via Washington Post/AP)

CLIMATE 

G20 summit: Obama expected to discuss “critical issue” of climate change (via The Guardian)

May was hottest on Earth since records began (via The Guardian)

Eastern U.S.: Coldest spot on Earth so far in 2014 (via Washington Post)

Former Treasury chiefs agree: Get the SEC into the climate mix (via National Journal)

On N.C.’s Outer Banks, climate change predictions prompt change of forecast (via Washington Post)

OIL 

OPEC secretary general says no oil shortage exists (via Reuters)

U.S. ruling loosens four-decade ban on oil exports (via Wall Street Journal)

Canada’s safety board chief urges U.S. to phase out old rail cars (via Reuters)

1,250-pound tar mat discovered off Florida beach (via Climate Progress)

TRANSPORTATION 

Japan bets big on making fuel cell cars a near-future reality (via Reuters)

California lawmakers urge change to vehicle carbon emissions plan (via Los Angeles Times)

COAL 

In Wyoming, going deep to draw energy from coal (via NPR)

GRID 

Fewer wind curtailments, negative power prices in Texas after CREZ grid expansion (via U.S. EIA)

Five key disruptors on the grid edge (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

U.K. Green Investment Bank backs £2 small business energy efficiency fund (via BusinessGreen)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Best Global Green Brands revealed, Ford leads list (via Environmental Leader)

Minneapolis announced as U.S. leader in green commercial space (via Environmental Leader)

ENERGY POLICY 

Merkel to push back against EU if Germany’s green energy subsidies questioned (via Reuters)

Report: Independent producers leading growth in U.S. oil and gas reserves (via Houston Chronicle)

Colorado suspends oil and gas wastewater disposal well after quake (via Reuters)

OPINION 

How to untangle yourself from clean energy finance jargon (via GreenBiz)

How the Gateway pipeline stokes simmering fury among British Columbia natives (via Globe and Mail)

Could Opower soon enter the community solar business? (via Greentech Media)

EPA’s clever legal trick could save its clean power plan (via Energy Collective)

POLITICS 

White House says it has “no misgivings” about Steyer meeting (via The Hill)

Joe Manchin, Sheldon Whitehouse seek middle ground on climate change (via Politico)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.20.14

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

EMISSIONS 

China completes pilot carbon market rollout, but take up uncertain (via Reuters)

EPA starts taking comments on clean power plan (via Climate Central)

TVA plans significant cut in carbon emissions (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Russia “secretly working with environmentalists to oppose fracking” (via The Guardian)

Sempra wins final U.S. FERC approval for LNG export plant (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

Germany may install least solar power capacity since 2008 (via Bloomberg)

Report: U.S. trade dispute will inflict pains on China solar manufacturers (via Forbes)

A simple solution to the complex problem of offshore wind costs? (via CleanTechnica)

Buying into solar power, no roof access needed (via New York Times)

The rise of solar co-ops (via Renewable Energy World)

COAL 

$10 billion Australian coal port expansion put on ice due to weak demand (via Reuters)

Duke Energy warned about pipe’s likelihood to leak in 1986 (via News-Record)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU energy chief rules out 40% energy savings goal (via Reuters)

Survey: Americans financially motivated to participate in demand response programs (via Renew Grid)

Green homes: 150,000 now LEED certified (via Environmental Leader)

Combined heat and power is a boon for Midwest steel mills (via Midwest Energy News)

LEDs to provide big savings for San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (via Energy Manager Today)

OIL 

Report: Most Iraq oil production unaffected by turmoil (via Houston Chronicle)

Deloitte: OPEC’s influence waning as U.S. shale surges (via Houston Chronicle)

Abandoned Pennsylvania oil wells may be major methane emitters (via Climate Central)

TRANSPORTATION 

Gasoline at U.S. pumps set to hit six-year seasonal high (via Bloomberg)

Harley-Davidson roars into future with first electric motorcycle (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Energy storage: A different view from Germany (via Renewable Energy World)

California’s power grid operator, PacifiCorp win approval for western market (via Los Angeles Times)

Regulators approve novel plan for “real time” power sharing in the West (via Greenwire)

Building a wind-balancing grid, one island at a time (via Greentech Media)

ENVIRONMENT 

Brazil achieves 70% reduction in Amazon deforestation (via RTCC)

California’s drought getting even worse, experts say (via Los Angeles Times)

POLITICS 

Must-pass budget bill stalls in Senate over global-warming fight (via National Journal)

Why Jim Rubens stands out from all Republicans running for Senate (via Greentech Media)

OPINION 

Rough water ahead for Europe’s energy efficiency efforts (via Navigant Research)

U.S. policymakers falling behind corporate America on clean energy (via Huffington Post)

Obama’s carbon rules show bad arithmetic (via Time)

Words matter when talking global warming: The “good Anthropocene” debate (via Climate Progress)