Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.15.14

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

EMISSIONS 

Report: South Korea confirms carbon market launch date (via BusinessGreen)

EU carbon prices rise 4.9% as free permit handouts stall (via Thompson Reuters)

Canada’s carbon emissions predicted to soar 38% by 2030 (via The Guardian)

Under pressure, FirstEnergy agrees to study emissions (via New York Times)

CLIMATE 

EU set to scale back 2030 climate ambitions (via Thompson Reuters)

Obama administration is seen as retreating on environment in Pacific trade talks (via New York Times)

Governor Patrick unveils $50 million climate change prep plan for Massachusetts (via AP/WBUR)

Native Alaskans grapple with global warming impacts (via Roll Call)

Senate group wants climate change on Sunday talk shows (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

UN climate chief calls for tripling of clean energy investment (via BusinessGreen)

Wind power leads generation output for Denmark and Spain in 2013 (via Recharge)

Google plows $75 million into its 15th clean energy project (via SmartPlanet)

SolarCity to allow retail investors to invest in its projects (via Reuters)

Harvard team sets sights on cheap energy storage of wind and solar power (via Renew Grid)

OIL 

New regulations for oil on rail cars to come in 2015 (via Houston Chronicle)

Rail accidents seen pushing Obama to approve Keystone XL (via Bloomberg)

AFL-CIO president opposes lifting ban on crude-oil exports (via National Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Boeing aims to seek approval for green diesel as jet fuel (via Reuters)

Toyota hybrid sales top 6 million vehicles globally (via Green Car Reports)

Tesla delivers hundreds more cars than expected last quarter (via GigaOm)

EVs pose different risks than gas models, says top US auto-safety regulator (via Bloomberg)

Tesla has Supercharger routes up, down, and around the US (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS 

Analyst predicts world’s next shale boom will be in Australia (via Houston Chronicle)

Polar vortex, winter storm predictions push up natural gas prices (via Houston Chronicle)

GRID 

China wants time-of-use pricing by 2015, one meter per home by 2017 (via Greentech Media)

Analysis offers ways for transmission line developers to ease local opposition (via Midwest Energy News)

TAR SANDS

Governor Quinn seeks statewide petcoke restrictions in Illinois (via Chicago Tribune)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s Shanghai announces new measures to curb pollution (via Reuters)

Officials start to clear West Virginia regions of chemically tainted water (via The Guardian)

West Virginia water contamination may have started weeks ago, say residents (via Climate Progress)

Governor Brown to officially declare drought in California (via CBS News)

OPINION 

Thin air: Why the odds eventually favor a PTC extension (via SNL Energy)

Ten reasons why coal is here to stay (via Houston Chronicle)

Are injection wells helping spark Texas quakes? (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.14.14

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

EMISSIONS 

Top global emitter China best on climate change, Figures says (via Bloomberg)

After years of decline, US carbon emissions rose 2% in 2013 (via Washington Post)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Google buys Nest for $3.2 billion (via Forbes)

Seattle energy benchmarking finds $90 million potential annual utility bill savings (via CleanTechnica)

Net zero at unprecedented scale on Illinois campus (via EarthTechling)

Nest gives Google its next big data play: Energy (via Forbes)

RENEWABLES 

UK solar panels reach half a million rooftop milestone (via BusinessGreen)

How the new US-China trade case could change the American solar market (via Greentech Media)

UK renewable energy firms “looking to hire more staff” (via BBC News)

Clean tech venture investment is on the rise, says report (via GreenBiz)

Solar City takes 32% of 2013 3Q US residential PV marker as utilities squirm (via CleanTechnica)

Ethanol mandate unlikely to face repeal in 2014 (via Argus Leader/Gannett)

North Carolina to join California as top 10 global PV “country” in 2014 (via CleanTechnica)

Coal-dependent Michigan ready to make the switch to clean energy (via EnergyWire)

New ACORE head outlines renewable energy priorities (via National Journal)

COAL 

Japan’s Tepco doubled coal burning on nuclear shutdown (via Bloomberg)

Coal reliance puts Australia second on OECD’s emissions list (via The Guardian)

China to boost annual railway coal capacity to 3 billion tons by 2020 (via Reuters)

Omnibus federal spending bill thwarts Obama on overseas coal funding limits (via National Journal)

Most states remain dependent on coal imports, draining billions from local economies (via Union of Concerned Scientists)

CLIMATE 

Massive Antarctic glacier has entered irreversible melt, could add up to 1 centimeter of sea level rise (via InsideClimate)

New assessment of climate change’s economic risks is ready for business (via Climate Progress)

Historic black colleges leading climate change advocacy (via Huffington Post)

The flood next time: Grappling with sea level rise sooner not later (via New York Times)

Massachusetts governor to unveil climate change prep plan today (via Boston Herald/AP)

Washington DC’s water utility takes lead in preparing for warming world (via ClimateWire)

OIL 

Trains will still move oil despite wrecks, Keystone XL (via Climate Central)

Federal report says 400,000 gallons of oil spilled in North Dakota train derailment (via National Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Nearly 2.6 million EVs will be sold in the US between 2013 and 2022 (via Navigant Research)

Ford F150 truck trail blazes new green technologies (via TriplePundit)

Annual North Carolina fee on electric vehicles starts this month (via Winston-Salem Journal)

Inslee won’t rule out low-carbon fuel standards in Washington State (via Washington State Wire)

KEYSTONE XL 

Keystone XL: Texas high court gives hope to landowners in eminent domain fight (via InsideClimate News)

ENVIRONMENT 

West Virginia chemical crisis: The latest (via National Journal)

Water restrictions lifted on day five of West Virginia chemical spill (via The Hill)

GRID 

A123 installs 3MWh grid storage solution in Spain (via Renew Grid)

Upper Great Plains Region looking to join Southwest Power Pool grid (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY POLICY 

How one utility giant created its own pipeline of skilled workers (via National Journal)

Has shale gas really reduced US carbon emissions? The problem of coal exports (via Energy Collective)

OPINION 

Keep up the pressure, climate activists (via Washington Post)

Infrastructure snags: What’s so hard about moving energy? (via National Journal)

Why Nest could be a nightmare for Google (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.13.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s water squeeze worsens as wetlands shrink 9% since 2003 (via Reuters)

Federal authorities to investigate West Virginia chemical spill (via The Guardian)

West Virginia river chemical leak far larger than previously estimated (via Climate Progress)

MIT study: 52% of projected 2050 global population will live in water-stressed areas (via Green Car Congress)

Drought may pressure California power utilities (via Fitch Ratings)

GREEN BUILDING 

LEED certification’s impact on America: By the numbers (via CleanTechnica)

RENEWABLES 

Solar faceoff: Feed-in tariff versus net metering (via Energy Collective)

Over 11,000 comments filed on EPA’s ethanol rules (via Autoblog Green)

Solar dropping wholesale electricity prices like a bad habit (via CleanTechnica)

Fate of New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm in hands of regulators (via Atlantic City Press)

Massachusetts reviving SREC program to promote solar growth (via Solar Industry Magazine)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

France’s Total to invest in Britain’s shale gas quest (via Reuters)

UK “going all out for shale” with 40 fracking sites in pipeline (via RTCC)

Manufacturers call for halt on natural gas export approvals (via Houston Chronicle)

New Jersey Pinelands gas pipeline plan is defeated (via Asbury Park Press)

CLIMATE 

EU commissioners clash over 2030 climate goals (via The Guardian)

Public’s climate change concerns “shaped by weather outside” (via RTCC)

In flood insurance fight, Congress wants easy win, not tough solutions (via ClimateWire)

Federal government investigating Christie’s use of Sandy relief funds (via CNN)

OIL 

Canada expects safety standard action on oil train cars “fairly soon” (via Reuters)

Wetland contamination can be predicted by oil boom states (via Los Angeles Times)

Can the oil industry save a threatened species? Texas tries it out (via EnergyWire)

TRANSPORTATION 

Study: Air travel outpacing driving in fuel efficiency gains (via Midwest Energy News)

Congress fails to renew important EV tax credits (via Plugin Cars)

Electric vehicle consumers – beyond early adopters (via Center for Climate and Energy Solutions)

Fuel economy of vehicles sold last year at record-high (via Phys.org)

TAR SANDS 

Canadian government to spend $22 million green washing tar sands (via Autoblog Green)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.6.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

China to boost spending on water conservation projects in 2014 (via Bloomberg)

New Year ushers in changing of the guard for green groups (via National Journal)

Colorado River drought forces painful reckoning for states (via New York Times)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Lux Research: Australia best positioned to be next big shale play; then China and Argentina (via Green Car Congress)

Natural gas boom spurs methanol rush (via Houston Chronicle)

US EPA unlikely to step up fracking enforcement efforts for now (via Reuters)

State regulators wary of releasing fracking data while feds rein in oversight (via National Journal)

Several states confirm water pollution from drilling (via AP)

RENEWABLES 

Spain’s solar pullback threatens pocketbooks (via New York Times)

China pledges further support for solar industry (via Reuters)

India delays solar auction bid deadline for second time (via Bloomberg)

Report: Net metering rollbacks will not impact US solar markets in 2014 (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Public attitudes toward cleantech sectors have rebounded (via Renew Grid)

Five PACE programs to watch in 2014 (via Greentech Media)

California’s sizzling solar busts through 3GW (via EarthTechling)

Despite blizzards, temperatures rising in Colorado over rooftop solar energy (via Forbes)

Maine governor tries again to cut state’s renewable energy standard (via Bangor Daily News)

Ohio Clean Energy Initiative has significant support in state, finds poll (via Renew Grid)

TRANSPORTATION 

Plug-in electric car sales for 2013 nearly double 2012 (via Green Car Reports)

Auto sales: Here’s what buyers coveted and shunned in 2013 (via Los Angeles Times)

Nissan Leaf ends 2013 with best sales month ever, but can’t catch Chevy Volt (via Autoblog Green)

COAL 

Dirtiest coal’s rebirth in Europe flattens medieval towns (via Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

Environmentalists win a round in coal dust lawsuit versus railroad company (via Bellingham Herald)

EMISSIONS 

30% of Europe’s fossil fuel power capacity to close by 2017 (via CleanTechnica)

Carbon trading is booming in North America, no thanks to US or Canadian governments (via Grist)

How to cut cloud computing’s carbon emissions (via Environmental Leader)

ENERGY POLICY 

House puts reforming EPA regulatory process on January agenda (via The Hill)

Do US biofuel subsidies speed up oil production? (via Midwest Energy News)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Lights out for the light bulb battle? (via Politico)

Why is California’s efficiency program struggling to gain traction? (via Greentech Media)

OPINION 

With a bit of luck, the US could actually hit its 2020 climate change goals (via Washington Post)

Obama’s second term is all about climate change (via New York Magazine)

Crude debate: Should Washington, DC lift oil export ban? (via National Journal)

Green energy battle flares over “60 Minutes” report (via National Journal)

What 60 Minutes got right and wrong in its story on the “cleantech crash” (via GigaOm)

The Congressman who went off the grid (via Politico)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 12.9.13

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

EMISSIONS 

US Supreme Court to hear cross-state air pollution rule (via The Hill)

Companies increasingly counting internal cost of carbon (via BusinessGreen)

Eastern US states press Midwest to improve air (via New York Times)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

LNG’s future hinges on demand more than exports (via Houston Chronicle)

Battle widens over “gas rush” climate footprint (via National Journal)

Marcellus region to provide 18% total US natural gas production this month (via US EIA)

USGS sending instruments to record Texas quakes (via EnergyWire)

Ohio shale gas boom closer than many realize (via Cleveland Plain-Dealer)

RENEWABLES 

US wind farms get extended leeway on eagle deaths (via Los Angeles Times)

Which states win and which states lose on the Production Tax Credit? (via CleanTechnica)

Wind energy projects rush to start construction in advance of expiring PTC – again (via Energy Collective)

Has concentrated solar power run out of steam in the US? (via Greentech Media)

Reservoir emissions: A quiet threat to expanding hydropower (via ClimateWire)

Bioports emerge as runway for aviation biofuels (via Navigant Research)

New wind farms in New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota cost just 2.2-3.3 cents/KWh (via Facts of the Day)

TVA to increase renewable energy capacity by 126MW in 2014 (via Solar Industry Magazine)

California utility merges forecasting, weather, economics to handle renewables (via Greentech Media)

Wind power and wildlife can get along, birders say (via EarthTechling)

Kansas lawmaker, religious allies push for renewable energy (via News OK/AP)

KEYSTONE XL 

Clock ticks on Canadian carbon rules as Keystone decision looms (via National Journal)

CLIMATE 

Study says Arctic thaw tied to European, US heat waves and downpours (via Reuters)

Can hacking the stratosphere solve climate change? (via NPR)

US Navy predicts summer ice-free Arctic by 2016 (via The Guardian)

Australian firefighter numbers “will need to double by 2030 as climate change bites” (via The Guardian)

What London would have looked like on Friday without flood defenses (via Forbes)

Two big issues to tackle as the green climate fund sets up shop (via WRI Insights)

OIL 

Oil near $98 as US economy shows improvement (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Offshore drilling industry takes aim at safety rule (via Houston Chronicle)

Northeast Nevada eyed for more oil exploration (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US partners with China to put auto emissions in check (via Washington Post)

Advanced batteries reached $10.8 billion in market value in 2012 (via Navigant Research)

Average new-vehicle MPG ratings continue to climb, now up to 24.8 (via Autoblog Green)

Americans are driving less and taking public transit more: Let’s invest accordingly (via Greentech Media)

COAL 

Minnesota orders Xcel Energy to study shutting down two large coal units (via Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Will costs delay energy efficiency gains in developing countries? (via Breaking Energy)

Interest groups call on EPA to write energy efficiency into upcoming regulations (via National Journal)

Expanded “Green Button” will reach federal agencies, more US energy consumers (via Energy.gov)

OPINION 

Four possible scenarios for Australia’s energy future (via CleanTechnica)

Five ways wind power can survive without extending the Production Tax Credit (via Christian Science Monitor)

How best can we use natural gas, or should we use it at all? (via National Journal)

Bye, bye biofuels: Why the US Renewable Fuels Standard failed (via Forbes)

The fracking-earthquake connection (Dallas Morning News)

Monterey Shale isn’t all it’s fracked up to be (via Smart Planet)

Cap, trade, and profit (via Albany Times-Union)

Renewable energy might save thousands of lives in Ohio (via Crain’s Cleveland Business)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.27.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China’s Guandong carbon market, world’s 2nd largest, to start in December (via Reuters)

 Mexico launches its first carbon exchange to cut CO2 emissions (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Report: Keystone XL benefits a “mirage” for oil sands investors (via Business Green)

Keystone pipeline saga still has several more chapters (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

Germany will set a cap on renewable energy expansion (via Recharge)

Wind energy tax credit is truly up in the air (via National Journal)

Western US dominates October’s big solar deployments (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Algae-based advanced biofuels trickling into US market (via Breaking Energy)

Bill preserves renewable energy targets for Ohio utilities (via Bloomberg)

World’s largest landfill will soon be NYC’s biggest solar plant (via Climate Progress)

CLIMATE 

Global warming “slowdowns” will be frequent, say UK scientists (via RTCC)

How high will sea levels rise? Let’s ask the experts (via Washington Post)

World Bank studies how nations can save for weather disasters (via New York Times)

FOSSIL FUEL 

Poland looks to link with UK to protect shale gas market (via Business Green)

Argentina looks to jump-start oil shale drilling with Repsol deal (via Reuters)

GE signs $700 million natural gas turbine supply deal with Saudi Arabia (via Reuters)

Coal leads America’s growing energy use (via Houston Chronicle)

ENVIRONMENT 

Inside China’s desperate effort to control pollution – before it’s too late (via Climate Progress)

Least active Atlantic hurricane season in 30 years (via Climate Central)

POLITICS 

Bloomberg weighs involvement in 2014 climate battles (via The Hill)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.27.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China’s Guandong carbon market, world’s 2nd largest, to start in December (via Reuters)

 Mexico launches its first carbon exchange to cut CO2 emissions (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Report: Keystone XL benefits a “mirage” for oil sands investors (via Business Green)

Keystone pipeline saga still has several more chapters (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

Germany will set a cap on renewable energy expansion (via Recharge)

Wind energy tax credit is truly up in the air (via National Journal)

Western US dominates October’s big solar deployments (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Algae-based advanced biofuels trickling into US market (via Breaking Energy)

Bill preserves renewable energy targets for Ohio utilities (via Bloomberg)

World’s largest landfill will soon be NYC’s biggest solar plant (via Climate Progress)

CLIMATE 

Global warming “slowdowns” will be frequent, say UK scientists (via RTCC)

How high will sea levels rise? Let’s ask the experts (via Washington Post)

World Bank studies how nations can save for weather disasters (via New York Times)

FOSSIL FUEL 

Poland looks to link with UK to protect shale gas market (via Business Green)

Argentina looks to jump-start oil shale drilling with Repsol deal (via Reuters)

GE signs $700 million natural gas turbine supply deal with Saudi Arabia (via Reuters)

Coal leads America’s growing energy use (via Houston Chronicle)

ENVIRONMENT 

Inside China’s desperate effort to control pollution – before it’s too late (via Climate Progress)

Least active Atlantic hurricane season in 30 years (via Climate Central)

POLITICS 

Bloomberg weighs involvement in 2014 climate battles (via The Hill)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.25.13

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

COP 19 

Modest deal breaks deadlock at UN climate talks (via Boston Herald/AP)

Main decisions at UN climate talks (via Yahoo! News/Reuters)

Warsaw climate talks set 2015 target for plans to curb emissions (via The Guardian)

EU climate chief says UN talks hinge on 2015 deal (via ABC News/AP)

Pollution pact from China to India shows rift for developing countries (via Bloomberg)

COAL 

China’s coal consumption to hit 4.8 billion tons by 2020 (via Xinhua)

RENEWABLES 

Solar PV production costs to drop in 2014 (via CleanTechnica)

Double-digit global PV installation growth expected for 2014 (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Renewable energy barriers fall with new FERC order (via CleanTechnica)

Solar dominates added US energy capacity in October (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Rooftop solar can reduce summer peak electricity demand by over 50% (via Climate Progress)

Iowans worry about ethanol’s lost political clout (via US News/AP)

Report says Ohio renewable energy laws reduce consumption (via Dayton Daily News)

Guilty plea in bird deaths at wind farms a first (via Washington Post/AP)

Minnesota solar manufacturing subsidy revised (via Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

EMISSIONS 

EU and China to collaborate on low-carbon city projects (via Green Car Congress)

China to launch two new carbon trading exchanges (via Reuters)

China disappointed by Australian carbon repeal (via Renew Economy)

California’s carbon auction raises $297 million (via Sacramento Bee)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Strong fracking disclosure rules in Wyoming seen as model (via New York Times)

Scientists say pollution starts to migrate as US oil production sets in (via EnergyWire)

CLIMATE 

Sea-level experts concerned about “high-end” scenarios (via Climate Central)

Senate filibuster vote could boost EPA climate regulations (via The Hill)

Hagel, citing climate change, rolls out Arctic strategy (via The Hill)

Americans are convinced climate change is connected to stronger storms, says poll (via Huffington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicles approach tipping point (via Energy Collective)

DOE loses $139 million on loan to Fisker Automotive (via ABC News/AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Whole Foods, Walgreens, other retailers see the light on retrofitting (via GreenBiz)

GRID 

Texas grid plan could overload consumer power bills (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.18.13

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

COP 19

Tense week ahead for UN climate talks (via AP)

Carbon market negotiations falter in Warsaw (via BusinessGreen)

3 ways to make progress on climate finance at COP 19 (via World Resources Institute)

EMISSIONS

Unabated coal use will break world’s “coal budget” (via World Resources Institute)

Carbon market “toolbox” could create global standards (via Environmental Leader)

The EPA might be able to push a carbon tax on its own (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES

Brazil wind industry seeking clarity on grid operator interconnection plans (via Recharge)

EPA retreats on ethanol mandate (via The Hill)

US may be hitting its ethanol limit, so EPA wants to relax its biofuels goals (via Washington Post)

As ALEC shifts RPS opposition strategy, state law favors renewables (via Greentech Media)

Report highlights best practices to incorporate renewables onto grid (via Energy Manager Today)

California gets 19% electricity from non-hydro renewables, up from 12% in 2008 (via Facts of the Day)

First large-scale biogas plant in US coming online in California (via Sustainable Business)

LA solar energy investment atlas a model for renewables development (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Michigan Tech tests if solar power works up north (via Miami Herald/AP)

How whiskey makers could soon be providing a superior biofuel (via Climate Progress)

COAL

UN climate chief warns of financial risk to coal’s future (via BusinessGreen)

King coal enjoys an unexpected renaissance in the UK (via Financial Times)

The death of coal (via The Atlantic)

CLIMATE

Insurance shortfall hits poorest and most vulnerable (via Climate Central)

Super typhoon Haiyan: Realities of a warmed world (via Huffington Post)

Climate change rallies staged across Canada (via CBC News)

Thousands rally in Australia for climate action (via Phys.org)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Shale revolution spreads with record wells outside US (via Bloomberg)

Water shortages could dry up shale gas craze (via Forbes)

The backdoor bid to ban fracking (via National Journal)

Breaking down the new proposed fracking rules released in Illinois and California (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As utility efficiency programs grow, some industries want out (via Midwest Energy News)

PNNL’s lab homes run energy efficient technologies through the paces (via Breaking Energy)

NUCLEAR

Workers begin removing fuel rods at Fukushima (via National Journal)

GREEN BUILDING

Tool measures building materials’ environmental impact (via Environmental Leader)

TRANSPORTATION

Fast charging key to EV adoption, finds study (via Greentech Media)

6,554 Tesla Model S units sold in California through September 2013 (via San Jose Mercury News)

POLITICS

House GOP revives energy battles with Obama (via The Hill)

Sen. Stabenow criticizes proposed EPA fuel mandate (via The Hill)

OPINION

Are UN global warming talks futile? (via National Journal)

UN’s Ban Ki-moon says Philippines typhoon a “warning” on climate change (via Phys.org)

Global warming pragmatism (via Washington Post)

Is business leading the way in developing off-grid energy? (via The Guardian)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.11.13

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

COP 19 CONFERENCE 

Mood of “realism” about future deal at climate talks (via BBC News)

Loss and Damage: Elements for successful negotiations at COP 19 (via World Resources Institute)

UN talks seek modest climate for 2015, to raise aid (via Reuters)

Report: Funding drought threatens 2015 UN climate agreement (via RTCC)

ENERGY POLICY 

New German government would put moratorium on fracking, cut wind support (via Reuters)

EU may challenge German green subsidy (via Energy Manager Today)

RENEWABLES 

Annual worldwide solar PV installations will double by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

European solar PV demand set to rebound in 2014 (via CleanTechnica)

Record-breaking wind integration in Denmark (via Greentech Media)

UK confirms plans for 39GW of offshore wind by 2030 (via Renewable Energy World)

Japan starts up offshore wind farm in shadow of Fukushima (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

UK offshore wind capacity rises 80% in one year (via Renewable Energy World)

Up to 21GW of small CSP could be integrated into US fossil plants (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Solar power begins to shine as environmental benefits pay off (via New York Times)

Midwest states grapple with value of homegrown solar electricity (via St. Paul Pioneer-Press)

Wind energy blows Michigan toward 30% renewables by 2030 (via CleanTechnica)

Solar company wins converts by going door-to-door (via Reuters)

Xcel, advocates at odds over Minnesota solar garden rules (via Midwest Energy News)

Iowa State study says ethanol mandate cut would have minor impact on corn price (via Green Car Congress)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

International shale plays likely to face water shortfalls (via Houston Chronicle)

What’s fueling fights over fracking? (via National Journal)

EMISSIONS 

China and US, two largest emitters, join in carbon reductions (via China Daily)

US and Norway bolster ties on CCS (via BusinessGreen)

Tony Abbott attempts to shift focus to carbon tax as new parliament opens (via The Guardian)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Alberta premier making Keystone pipeline push (via The Hill)

Enbridge files plan for $2.6 billion North Dakota to Wisconsin pipeline (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

CLIMATE 

Rising sea levels, falling real estate values (via Miami Herald)

South Florida faces ominous prospects from rising waters (via New York Times)

Study says Montreal Protocol ozone treaty slowed global warming (via Climate Central)

Latin America is already preparing for climate change adaptation (via Energy Collective)

ENVIRONMENT 

600,000 bats killed at wind energy facilities in 2012 (via Los Angeles Times)

Health effects of a nuclear test can last decades (via Washington Post)

Plastic bottle recycling up 6.2% in 2012 (via Environmental Leader)

GRID 

Europe seeks new smart grid boost as momentum slows (via Navigant Research)

Western energy imbalance market gets approval from CaISO board (via Renew Grid)

CaISO changes rules to enable solar and wind project downsizing with less risk (via Solar Industry Magazine)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Where do US states rank in terms of energy efficiency? (via Renew Grid)

Title 24 launches California toward net zero buildings (via Triple Pundit)

TRANSPORTATION 

Gas prices could fall below $3/gallon before year’s end (via Autoblog)

Mitsubishi to offer 20% plug-in cars by 2020 (via Green Car Reports)

Tesla Model S fires lead to investor lawsuit (via San Francisco Chronicle)

A hard week on Wall Street for Tesla (via GigaOm)

POLITICS 

Obama grasps for climate legacy as second-term agenda crumbles (via The Hill)

White House names new climate and energy chief to replace Zichal (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

Why hasn’t cellulosic ethanol taken over like it was supposed to? (via Washington Post)

New climate realism (via The Hill)

Top 10 things you didn’t know about ARPA-E (via Energy.gov)

Everything you need to know about “super-typhoons” (via Washington Post)

US ethanol expansion limited by blend wall, says Vilsack (via Reuters)