Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.26.13

GRID 

Hackers hit energy companies more than others (via Houston Chronicle)

Opower putting energy monitoring to work in New Zealand (via Renew Grid)

Why California will lead the world on microgrids (via Navigant Research)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Shell says China approves shale deal, plans more drilling (via Reuters)

New panel to advise EPA on fracking (via The Hill)

Over half of US natural gas pipeline projects in 2012 were in the Northeast (via US EIA)

States deciding note to consider seismic risks of shale drilling (via EnergyWire)

RENEWABLES 

Report: Europe losing its edge in clean tech market (via BusinessGreen)

France expects new wind tender to attract $4.5 billion (via Recharge)

Wind power peaks in UK, Denmark, US (via Renewable Energy World)

Scientists hail bio-batteries breakthrough (via BusinessGreen)

NRG skirts utilities taking solar panels to US rooftops (via Bloomberg)

The biggest fight over renewable energy is now in the states (via Washington Post)

Numbers from the war on state renewable standards (via Greentech Media)

Stunning fact: Iowa and South Dakota get nearly 25% their electricity from wind (via Facts of the Day)

In Iowa, another view on how to solve wind’s variability (via Midwest Energy News)

ENVIRONMENT 

Humans killed over 10% of world’s bird species when they colonized Pacific Islands (via Mongabay)

White House declares five national monuments (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

France’s electric car push presents power grid challenge (via Reuters)

Boeing tests Dreamliner battery fix with Japan first in line (via Bloomberg)

Better route planning cuts fuel use in freight sector (via Reuters)

Tesla to expand Supercharger network in Northwest, Texas, Florida, Northeast (via Green Car Reports)

OIL 

Exxon fined $1.7 million over Yellowstone River oil spill (via CNBC)

Tiny Dallas oil company scores two giant deepwater discoveries in one week (via Forbes)

CLIMATE 

Scientists link frozen spring to dramatic Arctic sea ice loss (via The Guardian)

New research confirms global warming has accelerated (via Skeptical Science)

Climate change will bring greater extreme weather, warns UK’s chief scientific advisor (via The Independent)

Obama’s Achilles’ heel on climate: Senate Democrats (via Politico)

EMISSIONS 

Global carbon market volume set to rise 14 percent (via BusinessGreen)

Palo Alto takes leap to 100% carbon-neutral electricity (via Sustainable Business)

OPINION 

Can we shift to renewable energy? Yes, as to how… (via Grist)

How to rebuild green after natural disasters (via Environmental Leader)

Will NRG Energy be the next ten-ton gorilla in solar leasing? (via GigaOm)

Why Google is spending billions on renewable energy (via Christian Science Monitor)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.22.13

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

CLIMATE 

2010 Iceland eruption yields bad news for geoengineering schemes (via Mongabay)

Ancient extinction has ominous CO2 lessons for today: study (via Climate Central)

New blog series will answer questions on climate finance (via WRI Insights)

TRANSPORTATION 

China imposes tough new auto fuel standards as renewables boom speeds up (via BusinessGreen)

EU puts airline carbon tax on hold for a year (via Phys.org)

It’s official: traffic pollution can cause asthma in children (via Los Angeles Times)

RENEWABLES 

UK’s green investment bank provides first offshore wind backing (via BusinessGreen)

Integrating variable renewables as Germany expands its grid (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar glut survives Suntech as customers seek alternative (via Bloomberg)

(more…)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.21.13

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

TAR SANDS 

Canada’s First Nations say they will fight oil sands, pipeline (via CBC News)

Michigan oil spill cleanup may exceed insurance (via Reuters)

CLIMATE 

World Bank to prioritize support for climate vulnerable states (via RTCC)

Americans’ belief in global warming rises with thermometer (via Times-Picayune/AP)

If you thought 2012 was hot, just wait a few years (via Climate Central)

GRID

Grid operator warns of future power problems in New England (via Boston Globe/AP)

Texas legislature approves electric market cost-benefit measure (via Houston Chronicle)

California lawmakers hammer utilities panel for shoddy forecasting (via Sacramento Bee)

RENEWABLES 

China’s wind power production increased more than coal power did for first time ever in 2012 (via Climate Progress)

India to install 1.3-1.4GW solar power in 2013 (via Panchabuta)

Australia sticks with renewable energy target (via Recharge)

1GW of new PV seen in Mideast and Africa in 2013 (via Recharge)

German insurers urge easing green energy investment rules (via Reuters)

US Senate rejects amendment gutting military biofuels program by 40-59 vote (via The Hill)

Small wind power annual installations will double in capacity by 2018 (via Navigant Research)

OIL 

Oil companies bid $1.6 billion for Gulf drilling rights (via Houston Chronicle)

Coastal states want more offshore drilling revenue (via Politico)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s coastal waters increasingly polluted (via Phys.org)

New pope: “let us be protectors of creation” (via Mongabay)

Four ways to harvest rainwater and save resources (via The Good Human)

NUCLEAR 

Nuclear regulators under fire for delay of post-Fukushima safety requirement (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

NRC: Car petroleum use, GHG emissions could drop 80% (via Environmental Leader)

US lawmakers say ethanol mandate may hike gasoline price (via Reuters)

Study says EV drivers will pay more per kWh to charge at work (via Green Car Reports)

DOE tool scores EV readiness for cities, counties, states (via EarthTechling)

SuperTruck semi achieves 54-percent increase in fuel economy (via Autoblog)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

UK budget promises shale gas tax breaks, public benefits (via Reuters)

Pact reached on voluntary standards for fracking in Northeast US (via New York Times/AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Study shows energy-efficient homes are 32% less risky for lenders (via Greentech Media)

Walgreens launches first net-zero retail store in US (via Sustainable Business)

New reasons to change light bulbs (via New York Times)

COAL 

Coal plants belching out less mercury (via Forbes)

How coal affects water quality: state of the science (via Sightline Daily)

POLITICS 

The wealth of business connections for Obama’s Energy pick (via ProPublica)

Keystone XL pipeline debate rattles Massachusetts Senate race (via Reuters)

OPINION 

A Chinese solar giant goes bankrupt, and that’s a good thing (via GigaOm)

UK budget sets green alarm bells ringing (via Recharge)

Protecting renewable portfolio standards from cynical attacks (via Forbes)

How to cut US gasoline use in half by 2030 (via Washington Post)

Two ways Americans may get more ownership of their energy future (via CleanTechnica)

More coal-fired idiocy and mendacity in Nevada (via Grist)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.20.13

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

ENERGY POLICY 

China expects energy talks breakthrough in official visit to Russia (via Bloomberg)

Fossil fuel generation increases 21% in Japan in 2012 (via Greentech Media)

US manufacturing sector energy use and intensity down since 2002 (via Green Car Congress)

EMISSIONS 

China postpones launch of national carbon market to post-2015 (via RTCC)

Green groups press EPA for climate rule opposed by industry (via Bloomberg)

RGGI nets $106 million for clean energy, may hit $2 billion by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Los Angeles halts using electricity from coal plants (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

Chinese installed wind capacity reached 75GW in 2012 (via CleanTechnica)

China’s Suntech declares bankruptcy (via Reuters)

Japanese bank signs on to support first US offshore wind farm (via AOL Energy)

With turbines on the watery horizon, hopes for a more streamlined permitting process (via ClimateWire)

Xcel hits Upper Midwest wind power record (via Star-Tribune)

Cape Wind expects construction start off Cape Cod by year-end (via Reuters)

Solar power installations top 1GW in New Jersey (via Reuters)

New Jersey solar market prices rise (via AOL Energy)

Arizona wins back its renewable energy standard (via Greentech Media)

Effort to repeal Kansas renewable energy standard fails in state legislature (via Wichita Eagle)

Feed-in tariff breakthrough in Iowa? (via Renewable Energy World)

Connecticut’s new plan for renewables turns to hydropower, away from biomass (via Hartford Courant)

NUCLEAR 

UK approves first new nuclear plant in decades (via BusinessGreen)

NRC votes for upgrades to some nuclear reactor vents (via New York Times)

Michigan nuclear plant’s fate depends on Indiana regulators (via Midwest Energy News)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

US reports huge potential for “fire in the ice” as Japan hurries to production (via EnergyWire)

Natural gas exports concern chemical executive (via Houston Chronicle)

Shale gas boom alone won’t propel US industry (via Wall Street Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Pressure builds in EU for tighter fuel emission rules (via BusinessGreen)

No silver bullet for reaching fuel and emissions goals, says study (via New York Times)

Washington State proposes $124 fine for parking gas car in EV spot (via Plugin Cars)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Policy changes could free $1 trillion in energy savings (via Houston Chronicle)

The EE Eight: energy-efficient campuses in the NCAA basketball tournament (via Alliance to Save Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

From heat wave to snowstorms March weather goes to extremes (via Climate Central)

Warmer springs mean less snow cover, disruptions for plants and animals, and more allergies (via Union of Concerned Scientists)

Drought plunges Texas and US cattle herd to lowest level since 1952 (via Facts of the Day)

OIL 

US oil production is booming, but here’s the catch (via Washington Post)

Administration won’t trade ANWR drilling for clean energy fund (via Washington Post)

POLITICS 

Energy Security Trust faces partisan roadblock in Congress (via Politico)

Poll: President Obama’s voters don’t want Keystone approval (via Politico)

Billionaire targets Democrat on Keystone XL in Massachusetts Senate race (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Two reasons climate change is not like other environmental problems (via Grist)

It’s time to consider the long-term costs of fracking (via Houston Chronicle)

A short history of greenwashing the tar sands, part one (via Desmog Canada)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.19.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Russia’s new 2020 carbon target could see emissions rise by 30% (via RTCC)

New Chinese premier vows to tackle pollution with “iron fist” (via Yale e360)

New EPA power plant rule running late, with major changes possible (via Greenwire)

Coal state Dems press Obama to scale back EPA emissions rules (via The Hill)

Why the EPA might delay carbon rules for power plants (via Washington Post)

California cap-and-trade funds proposed for green bank (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Climate change could mean seven times as many Katrinas for US (via Mother Jones)

A dramatic greening of the Artic over past 30 years (via Weather Underground)

RENEWABLES 

Renewables contribute 12.5% of India’s total power generation (via Panchabuta)

China may cut subsidy for largest solar projects (via Bloomberg)

Masdar cuts ribbon on world’s largest concentrated solar power plant (via BusinessGreen)

France announces tender for 400MW of large solar PV plants (via CleanTechnica)

Global clean energy reserves could match fossil fuels (via BusinessGreen)

Renewable energy standards target of multi-pronged attack (via InsideClimate News)

$4.8 billion in loans weighed by US for post-Solyndra projects (via Renewable Energy World/Bloomberg)

Next-gen biofuels making slow progress in 2013 (GigaOm)

Eagle death prompts wind farm investigation (via AOL Energy)

Fourth-graders crowdfund their own solar-powered classroom (via Treehugger)

California Green Innovation Index released (via San Jose Mercury News)

Iowa bill would support farmer-owned wind installations (via Midwest Energy News)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Saudi Arabia to drill seven shale gas test wells (via Bloomberg)

Shale gas “no competitor” outside US (via Recharge)

Marcellus Shale now most productive in US (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

US natural gas prices rise as cold snap extends to April (via Reuters)

Chesapeake sued for fixing prices, underpaying landowners (via Houston Chronicle)

GRID 

Grid integration of wind and solar is cheap (via Greentech Media)

Infrastructure boom drives wire and cable materials market (via Renew Grid)

OIL 

Russia adopts fracking to revive Soviet oil fields (via Bloomberg)

California fracking fight has $24 billion in taxes at stake (via Bloomberg)

In Texas, recycling oilfield water has far to go (via Texas Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION 

India launches a $15,000 EV with no government help (via Forbes)

European car-efficiency rule would cut fuel bill by 25% (via Bloomberg)

Two airlines may have to buy EU carbon to give back to UK (via Bloomberg)

Toyota targets 2020 for 600-mile solid state electric car battery (via Plugin Cars)

One-third of electric car buyers might not buy another (via Green Car Reports)

Ford COO: electrified vehicles could be up to 25% of sales by 2020 (via Autoblog Green)

Automakers tell EPA it’s highly unlikely they can hit California ZEV mandate (via Autoblog Green)

TAR SANDS

German research institute pulls out of Canadian tar sands project (via EurActiv)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Top ten US cities with the most Energy Star-certified buildings (via Renew Grid)

White roofs, green myth? (via Huffington Post)

The green in green building (via Sustainable Industries)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s top six environmental problems (via Live Science)

Wildfires rage in Colorado as fears grow over drought (via The Guardian/Reuters)

Scientists puzzled by manatee deaths off Florida’s coast (via Tampa Bay Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.14.13

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

ENERGY POLICY

US poised to become net energy exporter, Exxon Mobil forecasts (via Houston Chronicle)

Cities weigh taking electricity business from private utilities (via New York Times)

EPA reverses stance on polluting Texas water after a powerful lobbyist intervenes (via ProPublica)

West Virginia state legislation would prohibit heavy EPA fines (via Register-Herald)

GRID

Germany debates €10 billion grid network upgrade (via Recharge)

Silver Springs Networks’ stock jumps up close to 30% in debut (via GigaOm)

In wake of Sandy, Connecticut expands microgrid program (via Pike Research)

RENEWABLES

$71 trillion in institutional funds for wind, solar, and smart grid? (via Greentech Media)

US approves 1.1GW of solar and wind projects (via Recharge)

SEIA reports 76% surge in US solar installations (via New York Times)

FERC, US Coast Guard to coordinate development of hydrokinetic projects (via Renew Grid)

FERC proposes reforms to speed interconnection of renewables, solar (via Greentech Media)

North Carolina offshore wind draws interest (via Recharge)

New York State could run on wind, water, and sunlight (via CleanTechnica)

PG&E solar billing named in California’s top utility “money wasters” (via PV Tech)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Three hurdles for Japan’s gas “discovery” (via GigaOm)

Saudi Arabia’s shale plans may be slowed by lack of water (via Bloomberg)

USC says fracking may boost California economy 14% (via Bloomberg)

New York State farmers learn fracking many mean drilling if neighbors agree (via Bloomberg)

Illinois House Speaker supports two-year fracking moratorium (via State Journal-Register/AP)

SandRidge strikes deal that could lead to CEO’s removal (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS

Help Henry Waxman write a new carbon-tax bill (via Grist)

Second US carbon tax plan mooted (via RTCC)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS

Obama: pipeline decision coming soon (via The Hill)

State Department report OK’ing Keystone XL linked to oil industry (via Salon)

American pipeline will diminish energy security, prominent Canadian says (via InsideClimate News)

Keystone XL pipeline report studied British Columbia scenarios (via Huffington Post)

Obama says Keystone XL pipeline not major jobs creator (via CTV News)

Dilbit sinks in Enbridge oil spill, but floats in its lab study (via InsideClimate News)

OIL

US oil boom protects world from supply shocks (via Reuters)

OPEC: non-OPEC supply cutting into market share (via MarketWatch)

US refiners may boost gasoline exports on ethanol rule (via Reuters)

Study: shale oil contributed $30.4 billion to North Dakota’s economy in 2011 (via Bismarck Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

US energy efficiency league tables revealed (via RTCC)

LA tops US cities for Energy Star-certified buildings (via Sustainable Business)

SXSW: using Big Data to shrink energy waste (via Time)

Conservatives vs. liberals: who wastes more electricity? (via Grist)

Does daylight saving time save energy? (via Pike Research)

GREEN BUSINESS

Sustainability reporting slowly increases in China, report finds (via Environmental Leader)

Google incorporates green roofs into headquarters expansion (via GreenBiz)

COAL

Is there value in old coal-fired power plants? (via Midwest Energy News/ClimateWire)

Mountaintop removal coal mining poisoning Appalachia’s waterways (via Huffington Post)

CLIMATE

Large fractures spotted in vulnerable Arctic sea ice (via Climate Central)

Climate change affects mountain forests (via Phys.org)

After 2012 drought, US farmers adapt for climate change (via Phys.org)

Inslee’s climate change bill passes Washington state senate (via Seattle Times)

TRANSPORTATION

EV project tells us how drivers use electric cars (via Green Car Reports)

FAA approves Boeing Dreamliner battery tests (via Environmental Leader)

Minnesota sales of electric, gas vehicles collide (via Star-Tribune)

NUCLEAR

Obama administration placing big bet on small reactors (via Greenwire)

Above-normal outage of US nuclear capacity persist at start of 2013 (via US EIA)

Savannah River site could store nuclear waste, says study (via Charlotte Observer)

ENVIRONMENT

Dozens of species given new trade protections (via New York Times)

POLITICS

Obama to supporters: give lawmakers political cover on climate change (via The Hill)

Ryan budget pan calls two solar projects “ill-fated” – but they’re doing fine (via Washington Post)

OPINION

Renewable energy boom dependent on new energy infrastructure (via Renewable Energy World)

Obama and Keystone: reading the tea leaves (via Washington Post)

Can better solar loans slow the surge of third-party ownership? (via Greentech Media)

Five reasons why a successful Silver Springs IPO is important (via GigaOm)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.13.13

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

ENERGY POLICY

Brussels looks to reignite 2030 EU carbon target debate (via BusinessGreen)

Merkel may create new energy ministry in nuclear to renewables switch (via Bloomberg)

COAL

Report: coal killed 100,000 in India in 2012 (via Huffington Post)

Coal to gas moves are generating economic waves (via Forbes)

CLIMATE

China plans first commercial trip through Arctic shortcut in 2013 (via Reuters)

Obama: climate change threatens US shipping routes (via The Hill)

As CO2 emissions rise, so will pollen counts and asthma attacks (via Climate Progress)

Bloomberg announces mayor’s summit to fight climate change (via CBS News)

RENEWABLES

China to outpace Germany as leading solar PV consumer in 2013 (via San Jose Mercury News)

Chinese solar panel maker Suntech on financial brink (via New York Times)

Cellulosic ethanol “to be cost-competitive by 2016” (via Environmental Leader)

California’s Mount Diablo school district leads the world on solar (via Sustainable Business)

Cape Wind going overseas, snubs Massachusetts steel company (via Boston Globe)

OIL

Brazil says subsalt oil finds could triple total reserves (via Reuters)

The Gulf of Mexico oil leak we’re not supposed to know about (via Triple Pundit)

Halliburton official “surprised” by unauthorized tests before Gulf oil spill (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION

Tesla Motors to expand European operations (via Plugin Cars)

New EPA gasoline rule could raise prices, fuel political fires (via National Journal)

US public charging stations increase by 180 a month, on track for 7,400 by end of year (via Autoblog Green)

Chevy Volt outsold Nissan Leaf for first time in 2012, says BNEF (via Bloomberg)

ChargePoint installs first of 80 new EV charging stations in NY State (via Renew Grid)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Japan hopes methane hydrates are the next big energy source (via Washington Post)

Fracking fluid suppliers defend trade secrets on West Coast (via EnergyWire)

Fracking groundwater rules in Texas reflect legal ambiguities (via Texas Tribune)

How much water does it take to frack a well? (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

New York health commissioner says fracking recommendation may come soon (via Huffington Post/AP)

Ohio’s resurgent natural gas industry spends millions to set up shop (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT

Rains or not, India is falling short of drinkable water (via New York Times)

Bat-killing fungus reaches South Carolina; now found in 21 states and 5 provinces (via Scientific American)

Senate bill would boost funding for weather satellites (via Climate Central)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS

Canadian opposition leader: government playing US “for fools” on Keystone (via The Hill)

Keystone XL pipeline jobs vs. 100,000 green jobs (via CleanTechnica)

Michigan officials say water supplies along Kalamazoo River unharmed from tar sands oil spill (via Michigan Live/Kalamazoo Gazette)

29 Vermont communities say no to tar sands shipments, New England opposition grows (via DeSmogBlog)

GRID

Power grids in US, EU, third world face huge and varied challenges (via Greentech Media)

Nearly 56GW of long-duration energy storage to be installed from 2012 to 2022 (via Pike Research)

Hackers may breach US grid within two years (via Bloomberg)

Silver Spring raises $81 million in IPO (via Greentech Media)

NUCLEAR

Developing nations put nuclear on fast-forward (via MIT Technology Review)

Lawsuits filed against Tepco in Fukushima nuclear disaster (via United Press International)

NRC upholds ruling on Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant (via Baltimore Sun)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Computers and appliances: today’s home-based energy hogs (via National Geographic)

NREL unveils world’s most efficient data center, could cut operation costs by $1 million (via Inhabitat)

POLITICS

Draft bill released by Waxman and Whitehouse would price carbon and reduce emissions (via Climate Progress)

Ryan, Murray unveil dueling energy deficit plans (via Politico)

Dems launch series of climate change speeches to fight GOP “climate deniers” (via The Hill)

OPINION

What is the underlying value of EU carbon? (via Reuters)

Could Waxman’s new bill offer new hope for a carbon tax? (via Mother Jones)

Where innovation advocates go wrong (via Grist)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.11.13

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

GRID

PJM plans billions in transmission upgrades to meet massive generation shift (via Renew Grid)

Stanford scientists calculate carbon footprint of grid-scale batteries (via EurekAlert)

Bad news: the US power grid is getting pricier, less reliable (via Washington Post)

Why smart cities need smart grids (via Pike Research)

How battery storage will change the household energy market (via Renew Economy)

NUCLEAR

In Japan, work resume on new plant two years after Fukushima (via Washington Post)

NRC chief: US plants safer after Japan crisis (via ABC News/AP)

Report: a “ripped safety net” at Midwest nuclear plants (via Midwest Energy News)

Officials rejected some fixes to San Onofre plant, shows report (via Los Angeles Times)

RENEWABLES

Panel flags 11% cut to Japan solar FIT (via Recharge)

China calls for EU talks on panel “dumping” (via Recharge)

US nuclear industry withers as wind pummels prices (via Bloomberg)

Seven next-generation energy technologies showcased by ARPA-E (via MIT Technology Review)

BPA: smaller chance of wind energy curtailment in Pacific Northwest this spring (via Renew Grid)

Getting more renewables into the Texas energy mix (via Greentech Media)

Plug pulled on huge Minnesota wind project (via Post Bulletin)

Maryland passes landmark offshore wind legislation (via CleanTechnica)

Iowa sets wind-generated electricity high (via Iowa Business Record)

Austin Energy’s value of solar tariff – could it work anywhere else? (via Greentech Media)

OIL

Dwindling production has led to lesser role for Venezuela as major oil power (via New York Times)

ConocoPhillips set to begin Arctic oil drilling in 2014 (via Zacks)

TRANSPORTATION

PwC: electrified vehicle market share will climb to 6.3% by 2020 (via Autoblog Green)

ExxonMobil: diesel will pass gasoline as top global transportation fuel by 2020 (via Green Car Congress)

UK government funds €37 million in new EV initiatives (via Pike Research)

Volkswagen Group planning to launch 6 or more plug-in hybrids in 2014 (via Green Car Congress)

California adds $4.5 million in funds to clean vehicle rebate project (via Plugin Cars)

KEYSTONE XL

Canada’s First Nations lead battle against Alberta tar sands (via RTCC)

US Chamber, API go grassroots in Keystone pipeline battle (via The Hill)

Keystone fails Texas common-carrier test, court is told (via Bloomberg)

Keystone XL pipeline will create 35 permanent jobs, State Department says (via Christian Science Monitor)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Understanding the world of consumer energy management (via Greentech Media)

Maine PUC approves plan to lower bills with increased efficiency (via CLF Scoop)

How to chose an LED light bulb (via MIT Technology Review)

CLIMATE

Poland aims to pave way for 2015 climate deal (via Yahoo! News/AP)

NYSE prepares extreme weather backup plan (via Reuters)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Maryland anti-fracking bills die (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking health study results likely years off (via USA Today/AP)

ENVIRONMENT

Pollution now top cause of social unrest in China (via Treehugger)

Floating tsunami trash to be decades-long headache (via Phys.org)

In China, public anger over secrecy on environment (via Reuters)

Warming means wetter weather – and drier weather (via Climate Central)

Largest US dam removal releases huge amount of sediment (via Yale e360)

COAL

US coal consumption falls to 1985 levels (via Facts of the Day)

POLITICS

Sizing up Obama’s new energy, environment team (via National Journal)

Sen. Boxer calls for post-Fukushima safety report as anniversary approaches (via The Hill)

OPINION

Can the world fight climate change and energy poverty at the same time? (via Washington Post)

What will it take to boost the overall success of EVs? (via Renew Grid)

Is US energy independence realistic? (via Houston Chronicle)

Transition to low-carbon future will unfold slowly (via Houston Chronicle)

Activism and policy are not the same thing (via Grist)

How livestock can protect the land (via GreenBiz)

Washington DC wants to be the greenest city in the US (via Grist)

Nature’s prophet: Bill McKibben as journalist, public intellectual, and activist (via Energy Collective)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.11.13

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

GRID

PJM plans billions in transmission upgrades to meet massive generation shift (via Renew Grid)

Stanford scientists calculate carbon footprint of grid-scale batteries (via EurekAlert)

Bad news: the US power grid is getting pricier, less reliable (via Washington Post)

Why smart cities need smart grids (via Pike Research)

How battery storage will change the household energy market (via Renew Economy)

NUCLEAR

In Japan, work resume on new plant two years after Fukushima (via Washington Post)

NRC chief: US plants safer after Japan crisis (via ABC News/AP)

Report: a “ripped safety net” at Midwest nuclear plants (via Midwest Energy News)

Officials rejected some fixes to San Onofre plant, shows report (via Los Angeles Times)

RENEWABLES

Panel flags 11% cut to Japan solar FIT (via Recharge)

China calls for EU talks on panel “dumping” (via Recharge)

US nuclear industry withers as wind pummels prices (via Bloomberg)

Seven next-generation energy technologies showcased by ARPA-E (via MIT Technology Review)

BPA: smaller chance of wind energy curtailment in Pacific Northwest this spring (via Renew Grid)

Getting more renewables into the Texas energy mix (via Greentech Media)

Plug pulled on huge Minnesota wind project (via Post Bulletin)

Maryland passes landmark offshore wind legislation (via CleanTechnica)

Iowa sets wind-generated electricity high (via Iowa Business Record)

Austin Energy’s value of solar tariff – could it work anywhere else? (via Greentech Media)

OIL

Dwindling production has led to lesser role for Venezuela as major oil power (via New York Times)

ConocoPhillips set to begin Arctic oil drilling in 2014 (via Zacks)

TRANSPORTATION

PwC: electrified vehicle market share will climb to 6.3% by 2020 (via Autoblog Green)

ExxonMobil: diesel will pass gasoline as top global transportation fuel by 2020 (via Green Car Congress)

UK government funds €37 million in new EV initiatives (via Pike Research)

Volkswagen Group planning to launch 6 or more plug-in hybrids in 2014 (via Green Car Congress)

California adds $4.5 million in funds to clean vehicle rebate project (via Plugin Cars)

KEYSTONE XL

Canada’s First Nations lead battle against Alberta tar sands (via RTCC)

US Chamber, API go grassroots in Keystone pipeline battle (via The Hill)

Keystone fails Texas common-carrier test, court is told (via Bloomberg)

Keystone XL pipeline will create 35 permanent jobs, State Department says (via Christian Science Monitor)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Understanding the world of consumer energy management (via Greentech Media)

Maine PUC approves plan to lower bills with increased efficiency (via CLF Scoop)

How to chose an LED light bulb (via MIT Technology Review)

CLIMATE

Poland aims to pave way for 2015 climate deal (via Yahoo! News/AP)

NYSE prepares extreme weather backup plan (via Reuters)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Maryland anti-fracking bills die (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking health study results likely years off (via USA Today/AP)

ENVIRONMENT

Pollution now top cause of social unrest in China (via Treehugger)

Floating tsunami trash to be decades-long headache (via Phys.org)

In China, public anger over secrecy on environment (via Reuters)

Warming means wetter weather – and drier weather (via Climate Central)

Largest US dam removal releases huge amount of sediment (via Yale e360)

COAL

US coal consumption falls to 1985 levels (via Facts of the Day)

POLITICS

Sizing up Obama’s new energy, environment team (via National Journal)

Sen. Boxer calls for post-Fukushima safety report as anniversary approaches (via The Hill)

OPINION

Can the world fight climate change and energy poverty at the same time? (via Washington Post)

What will it take to boost the overall success of EVs? (via Renew Grid)

Is US energy independence realistic? (via Houston Chronicle)

Transition to low-carbon future will unfold slowly (via Houston Chronicle)

Activism and policy are not the same thing (via Grist)

How livestock can protect the land (via GreenBiz)

Washington DC wants to be the greenest city in the US (via Grist)

Nature’s prophet: Bill McKibben as journalist, public intellectual, and activist (via Energy Collective)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.8.13

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

CLIMATE 

Recent global heat spike unlike anything in 11,000 years (via Time/AP)

Report says insurers still ignoring climate change (via Mother Jones)

BusinessGreen guide to climate risk management (via BusinessGreen)

Canadian Arctic may lose 20% of glaciers by 2100, shows study (via Bloomberg)

US Forest Service may let more fires burn (via Time/AP)

COAL 

Burning coal costs the EU €43 billion a year in health costs (via RTCC)

As coal industry declines, what will happen to all those retired miners? (via Washington Post)

ENVIRONMENT

UN says governments falling short in drought fight (via Phys.org)

US drought intensifies in Texas and Florida (via Climate Central)

RENEWABLES 

50 percent price gap between European and Chinese solar modules (via Greentech Media)

China drives record solar growth to become world’s biggest market (via Bloomberg)

London Array becomes world’s biggest offshore wind farm (via Recharge)

Energy project developers see solar as easier than wind (via Greentech Media)

Greece installed 300MW of solar PV in January 2013 (via CleanTechnica)

US ethanol makers eye pros and cons of corn alternatives (via Reuters)

Radical wind concept promises energy storage (via EarthTechling)

Other people’s money: how crowdfunding lowers the cost of solar energy (via RMI Outlet)

Solar batteries could be utilities’ next headache (via Reuters)

Is South Dakota “open for business” for wind developers? (via Midwest Energy News)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Oil sands, Keystone XL, and the new politics of fossil fuel infrastructure (via Energy Collective)

US lawmakers draft bill to speed decision on Keystone pipeline (via Reuters)

Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans Keystone XL pipeline hearing (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

Beijing to reveal plan for electric vehicle boost (via BusinessGreen)

Two largest global EV charging networks join forces (via Pike Research)

Rethinking the lead acid battery with chip and disk drive machines (via GigaOm)

Dreamliner battery fire more serious than first thought (via Christian Science Monitor/AP)

US new vehicle fuel economy in February ties record high (via Green Car Congress)

EPA considers changes to plug-in hybrid testing process (via Autoblog Green)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

US shale gas exports will shake up global market (via CNBC)

US shale boom hurts Europe’s climate goals, says energy executive (via Houston Chronicle)

Illinois fracking deal could be the national model (via Huffington Post/AP)

In Texas, water use for fracking stirs concerns (via Texas Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency presents UK industrial sector with £2.2 opportunity (via BusinessGreen)

How UC Irvine redefines efficiency in laboratories (via GreenBiz)

ENERGY POLICY 

The key decision that can make or break an energy project (via Greentech Media)

Interior Department nominee Jewell pledges “certainty” to oil, gas drillers (via Reuters)

OIL 

Five energy challenges for Venezuela’s oil after Chavez (via Christian Science Monitor)

Exxon to invest $190 billion in upstream oil projects over five years (via Wall Street Journal)

BP faces escalating spill payouts after court ruling (via Reuters)

BP, Transocean officials botched tests, testifies witness (via Bloomberg)

Republicans point to falling oil production on federal lands (via Wall Street Journal)

EMISSIONS 

40x35: a zero-carbon energy target for the world’s largest economies (via Climate Progress)

Developing nations must reduce emissions by half by 2020, study says (via WRI Insights)

EU court rejects Polish challenge to CO2 emissions system (via Phys.org)

GRID 

Demand response in the US electricity market (via Energy Collective)

What exactly are self-healing power grids? (via EarthTechling)

Summer demand may raise heat on Texas grid (via Houston Chronicle)

NUCLEAR 

Japan’s economic troubles spur a return to nuclear power (via MIT Technology Review)

Two years after Fukushima, Japan’s nuclear lobby bounces back (via Reuters)

US nuclear plant inspections need to improve, says report (via Reuters)

Looming federal budget cuts add to problems at Hanford nuclear site (via New York Times)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Shareholders file first-ever “carbon-bubble” resolutions (via InsideClimate News)

How GM earns $1 billion recycling (via Treehugger)