Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.16.15

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

CLIMATE 

EU plans diplomatic offensive ahead of Paris climate summit (via RTCC)

New Pew survey shows Americans may finally be serious about global warming (via Washington Post)

COAL 

Michigan governor wants to wean state off coal as an energy source (via Lansing News)

RENEWABLES 

Solar, wind power to become cheapest energy source in Asia (via Business Standard)

Brazil wind financing deals surged 83% last year to $2.5 billion (via Bloomberg)

Wind farms could save UK £7.4 billion in gas import costs, says report (via BusinessGreen)

2015 will see first solar equipment produced in Brazil, says BNDES (via Recharge)

Merkel says Germany needs “a respite from solar” (via PV Magazine)

Dubai doubles capacity of “lowest cost” PV plant to 200MW (via PV Tech)

Yingli Green kick-starts China PV project pipeline in 2015 (via PV Tech)

Queensland businesses turn to solar to offset soaring bills (via Renew Economy)

Australian households installed a rooftop solar system every 2.8 minutes in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

U.S. solar industry adds 31,000 jobs in 2014 (via The Hill)

California regulators consider west-facing incentives for solar (via Solar Industry)

Missouri net metering bills could aid battered solar industry (via Midwest Energy News)

In Wisconsin, solar “new math” could equal big impacts (via Midwest Energy News)

Minnesota group wants state energy assistance to fund solar for low-income families (via Sustainable Business)

Solar cell efficiency jumps 50% with hand-build Perovskite layer (via CleanTechnica)

Small-scale hybrid energy device harvests both sun and wind (via Treehugger)

Solar Decathlon 2015 kicks off with Irvine workshop (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Mexico considers delaying some oil exploration bidding (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Canada postpones North American summit amid Keystone XL tension (via Reuters)

Lifting U.S. crude export ban could boost production, cut gas prices, says study (via Reuters)

Judge puts BP’s top fine at $13.7 billion for Gulf oil spill; U.S. sought $18 billion (via Bloomberg)

U.S. oil train safety proposal due in May (via Reuters)

Gravy train derails for oil patch workers laid off in downturn (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

Korea’s target: 200,000 EVs by 2020 (via Inside EVs)

Nissan to have longer-range EVs “relatively quickly,” says executive (via Green Car Reports)

Elon Musk: Hyperloop test track may be built in Texas (via San Francisco Chronicle)

GRID 

India’s power sector moves into the 21st century (via Navigant Research)

PJM files “stop-gap” proposal with FERC to allow demand response in capacity auctions (via SNL Energy)

Opower says 95 utility partners have saved 6TWh energy (via Energy Manager Today)

California takes lead in developing energy storage (via GreenBiz)

Solar and utilities can co-exist through EVs, says Elon Musk (via Renew Economy)

POLITICS 

Poll: GOP clashes with voters on oil industry priorities (via Houston Chronicle)

Solar alliance in Sunshine State may be bad news for Jeb Bush (via Forbes)

OPINION 

How beyond-the-grid solar firms and lenders can make better use of capital (via Greentech Media)

A reminder to investors dumping solar stocks: PV and oil rarely mix (via Greentech Media)

Center for Public Integrity reveals how PR firms manufacture consent for oil firms (via DeSmogBlog)

Wind must cut costs in face of cheap crude (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.16.14

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

CLIMATE 

New study details alarming acceleration in sea level rise (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY POLICY 

Smart cities are driving change across the energy sector (via Navigant Research)

Evidence connects quakes to oil, natural gas boom (via Climate Central)

Lockheed claims breakthrough on fusion energy project (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES

German clean-energy costs drop for first time (via Bloomberg)

U.S. residential solar demand could approach 1GW annually (via Renewable Energy World)

Refiners press Obama to lower renewable fuel mandate (via The Hill)

Retailers, seeking out bargains, continue to lead on solar (via Midwest Energy News)

Georgia the latest state to produce dirt-cheap power (via Greentech Media)

Hawaiian utility targets 92% renewable energy by 2030 (via CleanTechnica)

Wisconsin: America’s latest solar energy battleground (via The Energy Collective)

SolarCity offers bonds, wants everybody to invest in solar (via Forbes)

OIL 

Plummeting oil prices sting Russia, other “Petro States” (via U.S. News & World Report)

Report: Oil exports could drive manufacturing renaissance (via Houston Chronicle)

Oil price slump could lead to production cuts, shakeouts at shale companies (via EnergyWire)

North Dakota oil formations produce 1 billion cumulative barrels (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

Volkswagen: Plug-in hybrids a “bridge” to pure electric cars in future (via Green Car Reports)

Gasoline prices fall to lowest average since 2011 (via The Hill)

Automakers, utilities studying how to manage electric vehicles (via Houston Chronicle)

California high court clears way for more bullet train work (via Los Angeles Times)

Tesla face possible sales prohibition in Michigan (via Bloomberg)

Battery storage breakthrough allows recharge in two minutes (via Renew Economy)

NATURAL GAS 

Long after fracking stops, the noise lives on (via NPR)

EMISSIONS 

Exxon, Shell carbon emissions rise even as output drops (via Wall Street Journal)

GRID 

In South Korea, an energy storage bonanza (via Navigant Research)

Giant energy storage project aims at renewable energy’s holy grail (via Renewable Energy World)

The opportunity of time-of-use pricing (via RMI Outlet)

OPINION 

Why natural gas won’t help save the planet (via National Journal)

Coal industry still in denial over prices, regulation (via Reuters)

Are Wal-Mart’s owners really a threat to distributed energy? (via Greentech Media)

Can a low-carbon fuels standard work in Washington? (via Washington State Wire)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.15.14

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

COAL 

Is China finally kicking its coal addiction? (via Huffington Post)

Coal-fired generation in U.S. to fall 25% by 2020 (via Renew Economy)

Obama’s mountaintop coal mining legacy still to be determined (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

The clean energy economy: 2.7 million green jobs, 40% fewer emissions (via CleanTechnica)

Sun and wind alter global landscape, leaving utilities behind (via New York Times)

Brazil plans 3.5GW new solar by 2023 (via PV Tech)

Central America solar capacity set to explode (via CleanTechnica)

Clean energy investment at risk from Scottish referendum vote (via Bloomberg)

EPA faces 2014 election accusations on ethanol policy (via The Hill)

Study showcases effective state renewable energy policies to help meet pending EPA rules (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Groups do last-minute jockeying on RFS rule as election day nears (via E&E Daily)

North America’s largest biomass-fueled power plant opens (via Environmental Leader)

As Oklahoma wind industry matures, some call for greater regulation (via The Oklahoman)

Push to impose extra fees on solar customers draws outrage in Wisconsin (via Climate Progress)

EMISSIONS

UN climate summit set for major carbon pricing announcement (via RTCC)

Big corporations brace for global carbon price rollout (via Reuters)

Major corporations leading charge for robust carbon price, says CDP (via BusinessGreen)

EU polluters to land €5 billion windfall under “carbon leakage” proposal (via The Guardian)

South Korea increases emissions cap in proposed carbon trading scheme (via Reuters)

Economists dig into problem of taxing carbon emissions or trading them (via ClimateWire)

California oil marketers want cap-and-trade investigated (via Bloomberg)

Economists call for Midwest carbon tax, emissions market (via MPR News)

OIL 

New U.S. sanctions on Russia to stall Exxon’s Arctic oil plans (via New York Times)

Momentum builds to allow U.S. oil exports (via The Hill)

New petroleum technology revitalizes Powder River Basin oil production (via U.S. EIA)

TRANSPORTATION 

Fuel cells will flop outside Japan, says Volkswagen (via Autoblog)

CLIMATE 

World’s six multilateral development banks promise to do more on climate (via The Hill)

Leading philanthropic foundations can create climate “tipping point” (via RTCC)

Criminal deforestation poses growing climate threat (via RTCC)

No rain for decades: Scientists warn to stand by for “megadroughts” (via The Independent)

Climate activists organize New York march ahead of UN summit (via ABC News)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

UK Green Deal energy efficiency program called “disappointing failure” (via The Telegraph)

California delays energy disclosure program for smaller nonresidential buildings (via Breaking Energy)

GRID 

Solar storms add to growing list of issues for grid reliability monitor (via EnergyWire)

Michigan’s agriculture industry confronts aging grid infrastructure (via Midwest Energy News)

ENVIRONMENT 

What will survive in hot, acidic oceans? (via Climate Central)

Where the wildfires are: If there’s smoke, there are costly health problems (via The Guardian)

Yosemite wildfire crews also battling bears on fire lines (via Los Angeles Times)

POLITICS 

Memo lays out value in anti-Koch attacks (via Politico)

OPINION 

Should the U.S. export oil to push down prices and hurt Putin? (via Quartz)

The climate change trap (via National Journal)

A new perspective on the net metering debate (via Renewable Energy World)

Central America’s heart set on solar with new government tenders (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Another record year for CO2 (via Energy Collective)

YieldCos don’t fit the bill for many renewable energy companies (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.20.14

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Japanese government seeks to deregulate utility market, boost renewables (via Renewable Energy World)

Exelon and Pepco seek Maryland PSC blessing of $7 billion merger (via Renew Grid)

CLIMATE 

NWF warns climate change could ruin “outdoor” experience (via The Hill)

Report: California should prepare for 3-foot sea level rise this century (via San Francisco Examiner)

RENEWABLES 

Australia renewable review chills $20 billion clean energy industry (via Bloomberg)

China’s wind power industry shows overall recovery (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewables set new records in U.S., Germany (via Breaking Energy)

Mexico approves 220MW of solar projects (via Bloomberg)

Rooftop solar may reach grid parity in 25+ states by 2017 (via CleanTechnica)

With wind energy prices at all-time lows, DOE is cautiously optimistic (via InsideClimate News) 

U.S. wind supply chain hopes “dimmed” (via Recharge)

Tom Steyer takes a side in environmentalists’ ethanol fight (via National Journal)

Developer U.S. Wind tops DOI’s Maryland offshore wind bid (via Recharge)

Advocates: Wisconsin solar fight could spill into other states (via Midwest Energy News)

Six summer stories from GTM Research you may have missed (via Greentech Media)

OIL 

Canadian watchdog: Oil trains need more oversight (via Politico)

Report: Canada railway audit inadequate before Lac-Megantic disaster (via Reuters)

Feds boosting oil spill liability limits (via Houston Chronicle)

14 companies bid for western Gulf leases (via Houston Chronicle)

Alaska oil tax supporters fending off repeal efforts (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla owner tax rebates could total $1.5 billion (via CleanTechnica)

Uber picks David Plouffe to wage regulatory fight (via New York Times)

NATURAL GAS 

Russia-China deal will supply Siberian natural gas to China’s northern, eastern provinces (via U.S. EIA)

Refracking brings “vintage” U.S. gas wells to life (via Reuters)

GRID 

FERC grants key approval to 3.5GW wind power transmission project (via Renew Grid)

Federal research spurs Washington State to store energy (via Energy Manager Today)

New Jersey creates the nation’s first Energy Resilience Bank (via GreenBiz)

ENVIRONMENT 

Western Governors’ Association calls to end “wildfire borrowing” (via Denver Post)

Wildfire near Yosemite National Park holds steady (via Wall Street Journal)

NUCLEAR 

Two Belgian nuclear reactors may be closed permanently (via Reuters)

U.S. government’s nuclear watchdog victim of cyber attacks (via Reuters)

Texas’ nuclear waste dump poised to get wiggle room (via Texas Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

LEED certification boosts hotel revenue (via Environmental Leader)

POLITICS 

Microsoft ends its relationship with American Legislative Exchange Council (via Eclecta Blog)

Latino group sides with EPA on climate rule (via The Hill)

Florida Governor Scott meeting with climate scientists is “leadership” moment for him (via Miami Herald)

OPINION 

Renewables records reveal how clean energy is starting to light up the world (via BusinessGreen)

What the green revolution in electronics means for smart grid (via Energy Collective)

Five things you should know about Powder River Basin coal exports (via Center for American Progress)

PR firm Edelman has more than a PR problem (via Marc Gunther)

In “After Water” project, writers imagine life in climate change-altered Chicago (via InsideClimate News)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.11.14

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Canada ignores climate warnings in drive for tar sands oil (via RTCC)

Keystone XL carbon emissions “would be four times higher than U.S. thought” (via The Guardian)

CLIMATE 

EPA roadshow highlights polarized U.S. climate debate (via RTCC)

Planners in southeast Florida try to awaken their state to sea level rise (via ClimateWire)

EPA chief: Teach global warming in schools (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

China will install more solar in 2014 than the U.S. ever has (via Climate Progress)

Japan solar industry forecasts 100GW capacity by FY 2030 (via Bloomberg)

U.K. wind power surge sees renewables outstrip coal (via BusinessGreen)

Over 3GW of large-scale U.S. solar PV projects at risk from anti-dumping actions (via Solar Industry Magazine)

U.S. installs 835MW new wind energy so far in 2014, 14.6GW on the way (via CleanTechnica)

U.S. IRS clarifies wind PTC eligibility rules (via Recharge)

States dangle property tax abatements to draw new solar customers (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Chill from Ohio RPS freeze extends to neighboring solar markets (via Renewable Energy World)

Wyoming regulators give key approval for America’s largest wind farm (via Casper Star-Tribune)

A landmark deal in Mississippi could give a big boost to utility-scale solar (via Greentech Media)

South Carolina will let people lease equipment for solar energy (via Washington Post)

Report says Wisconsin solar growth has been hampered by policy, utilities (via Wisconsin Public Radio)

OIL 

U.S. oil falls to six-month low on refinery outlook (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

EV car sales are up over 70% in Europe and the U.S. (via Climate Progress)

The challenge for EV sales is car dealers, again (via Green Car Reports)

EV charging stations sprouting all over California (via Sacramento Bee)

COAL 

Waste Management sees growth with EPA coal-ash disposal rule (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

EMISSIONS 

Texas may refuse to follow EPA climate rules (via Texas Tribune)

Obama action group joins fight against Christie’s climate pact exit (via InsideClimate News)

NATURAL GAS 

What’s fueling the fracking boom? Debt (via Christian Science Monitor)

GAO criticizes EPA’s fracking injection well oversight (via Environmental Leader)

Northeast U.S. natural gas spot prices particularly sensitive to temperature swings (via U.S. EIA)

FERC authorizes Texas LNG export terminal (via Breaking Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s coastal economic boom on track to “burn out” its marine resources (via ClimateWire)

California drought transforms global food market (via Bloomberg)

Bottled water comes from the most drought-ridden places in America (via Mother Jones)

California lawmakers consider historic rules to limit groundwater pumping (via San Jose Mercury-News)

Lightning-sparked California wildfires burn more than 134,000 acres (via Los Angeles Times)

GRID 

China’s State Grid quietly builds Mediterranean power network (via Reuters)

Can we make America’s power grid blackout-proof? (via GreenBiz)

POLITICS 

Obama’s offshore drilling move opens rift with environmental groups (via The Hill)

House Republicans to combine energy, jobs efforts (via Politico)

Colorado’s frack-free movement sacrificed for Democrats facing re-election (via InsideClimate News)

OPINION 

What’s driving millions of dollars back into energy efficiency? (via The Guardian)

Why creative industries won’t follow PR lead on climate change (via The Guardian)

The contentious, complicated fight for water in California (via Los Angeles Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.11.14

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Canada ignores climate warnings in drive for tar sands oil (via RTCC)

Keystone XL carbon emissions “would be four times higher than U.S. thought” (via The Guardian)

CLIMATE 

EPA roadshow highlights polarized U.S. climate debate (via RTCC)

Planners in southeast Florida try to awaken their state to sea level rise (via ClimateWire)

EPA chief: Teach global warming in schools (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

China will install more solar in 2014 than the U.S. ever has (via Climate Progress)

Japan solar industry forecasts 100GW capacity by FY 2030 (via Bloomberg)

U.K. wind power surge sees renewables outstrip coal (via BusinessGreen)

Over 3GW of large-scale U.S. solar PV projects at risk from anti-dumping actions (via Solar Industry Magazine)

U.S. installs 835MW new wind energy so far in 2014, 14.6GW on the way (via CleanTechnica)

U.S. IRS clarifies wind PTC eligibility rules (via Recharge)

States dangle property tax abatements to draw new solar customers (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Chill from Ohio RPS freeze extends to neighboring solar markets (via Renewable Energy World)

Wyoming regulators give key approval for America’s largest wind farm (via Casper Star-Tribune)

A landmark deal in Mississippi could give a big boost to utility-scale solar (via Greentech Media)

South Carolina will let people lease equipment for solar energy (via Washington Post)

Report says Wisconsin solar growth has been hampered by policy, utilities (via Wisconsin Public Radio)

OIL 

U.S. oil falls to six-month low on refinery outlook (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

EV car sales are up over 70% in Europe and the U.S. (via Climate Progress)

The challenge for EV sales is car dealers, again (via Green Car Reports)

EV charging stations sprouting all over California (via Sacramento Bee)

COAL 

Waste Management sees growth with EPA coal-ash disposal rule (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

EMISSIONS 

Texas may refuse to follow EPA climate rules (via Texas Tribune)

Obama action group joins fight against Christie’s climate pact exit (via InsideClimate News)

NATURAL GAS 

What’s fueling the fracking boom? Debt (via Christian Science Monitor)

GAO criticizes EPA’s fracking injection well oversight (via Environmental Leader)

Northeast U.S. natural gas spot prices particularly sensitive to temperature swings (via U.S. EIA)

FERC authorizes Texas LNG export terminal (via Breaking Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s coastal economic boom on track to “burn out” its marine resources (via ClimateWire)

California drought transforms global food market (via Bloomberg)

Bottled water comes from the most drought-ridden places in America (via Mother Jones)

California lawmakers consider historic rules to limit groundwater pumping (via San Jose Mercury-News)

Lightning-sparked California wildfires burn more than 134,000 acres (via Los Angeles Times)

GRID 

China’s State Grid quietly builds Mediterranean power network (via Reuters)

Can we make America’s power grid blackout-proof? (via GreenBiz)

POLITICS 

Obama’s offshore drilling move opens rift with environmental groups (via The Hill)

House Republicans to combine energy, jobs efforts (via Politico)

Colorado’s frack-free movement sacrificed for Democrats facing re-election (via InsideClimate News)

OPINION 

What’s driving millions of dollars back into energy efficiency? (via The Guardian)

Why creative industries won’t follow PR lead on climate change (via The Guardian)

The contentious, complicated fight for water in California (via Los Angeles Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.22.14

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

CLIMATE 

NOAA: June 2014 was the hottest in recorded history (via National Journal)

Climate change already having profound impacts on European lakes (via National Geographic)

Report: Higher seas mean extreme floods in South Carolina, North Carolina (via Miami Herald/AP)

Sunday TV shows cover climate change as much in 1H 2014 as in last four years combined (via Media Matters for America)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexican Senate approves bulk of pending energy legislation (via Reuters)

Energy issues playing greater role in foreign policy, says State Dept. envoy (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Wind power will deliver more than seven percent of world’s electricity by 2018 (via Navigant Research)

India seen adding wind capacity after tax credit revived (via Bloomberg)

Brazil gets $335 million wind power loan from German development bank (via Bloomberg)

Powering villages with solar instead of dirty fossil fuels (via EcoWatch)

Renewables make up over 50% of new U.S. power in First Half of 2014 (via Renew Grid)

Who finances residential solar in 2014? (via Greentech Media)

The solar industry’s tax credit conundrum (via Greentech Media)

Michigan legislators seek “energy freedom” for consumer through distributed renewables (via Midwest Energy News)

Offshore wind farms create “reef effect” perfect for marine wildlife – especially seals (via The Independent)

Renewables revolution could be in management, not technology (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS 

Fracking opponents renew call for South African shale gas halt (via Bloomberg)

U.K. shale regulation inadequate for safety, says report (via Bloomberg)

Researchers to test how Great Plains shale reacts to fracking (via Huffington Post/AP)

California halts fracking waste injection, warns it may be contaminating aquifers (via Mother Jones)

EMISSIONS 

U.K. retains target to cut carbon emissions in half by 2025 (via Bloomberg)

Legislative attempts to block EPA standards harmful to small businesses (via The Hill)

NHL outlines plan to cut emissions, fight climate change (via The Hill)

COAL 

Dirty coal plants undermine EU climate leadership, says report (via RTCC)

China warns against “blind” rush to build coal-to-gas plants (via Reuters)

Germany, U.K., Poland top “dirty 30” list of EU coal-fired power stations (via The Guardian)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Whirlpool wants Congress to ban class action lawsuits tied to Energy Star program (via New York Times)

Florida utilities move to slash energy conservation programs (via Climate Progress)

Third-party financing was solar’s catalyst – can energy efficiency find the same model? (via Greentech Media)

Four reasons why energy efficiency programs fail (via Energy Collective)

OIL 

As U.S. leads world on oil production, East Coast opens to exploration (via Sustainable Business)

DOT Secretary: New oil train rules could have wide reach (via Houston Chronicle)

Wisconsin oil train derailment clean up underway, evacuation lifted (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Opel dropping Ampera, Europe’s Chevy Volt, because of weak sales (via Autoblog Green)

First six months of 2014 U.S. EV sales show 33% year-over-year gain (via Forbes)

ABB and Volvo partner on fast-charging system for hybrid and electric buses (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla idles California plant to retool for electric SUVs (via Bloomberg)

OPINION 

Carbon repeal leaves Australia isolated and vulnerable (via Renew Economy)

Disney’s “Planes” sequel is an excuse to talk to your kids about climate change (via Grist)

Why has the response to California’s drought been so weak? (via Science Blogs)

Six reasons technology alone can’t solve water scarcity (via GreenBiz)

Utilities cry “fowl” over Duck Chart and distributed solar power (via CleanTechnica)

Why Tom Steyer’s millions won’t save the planet (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.22.14

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

CLIMATE 

NOAA: June 2014 was the hottest in recorded history (via National Journal)

Climate change already having profound impacts on European lakes (via National Geographic)

Report: Higher seas mean extreme floods in South Carolina, North Carolina (via Miami Herald/AP)

Sunday TV shows cover climate change as much in 1H 2014 as in last four years combined (via Media Matters for America)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexican Senate approves bulk of pending energy legislation (via Reuters)

Energy issues playing greater role in foreign policy, says State Dept. envoy (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Wind power will deliver more than seven percent of world’s electricity by 2018 (via Navigant Research)

India seen adding wind capacity after tax credit revived (via Bloomberg)

Brazil gets $335 million wind power loan from German development bank (via Bloomberg)

Powering villages with solar instead of dirty fossil fuels (via EcoWatch)

Renewables make up over 50% of new U.S. power in First Half of 2014 (via Renew Grid)

Who finances residential solar in 2014? (via Greentech Media)

The solar industry’s tax credit conundrum (via Greentech Media)

Michigan legislators seek “energy freedom” for consumer through distributed renewables (via Midwest Energy News)

Offshore wind farms create “reef effect” perfect for marine wildlife – especially seals (via The Independent)

Renewables revolution could be in management, not technology (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS 

Fracking opponents renew call for South African shale gas halt (via Bloomberg)

U.K. shale regulation inadequate for safety, says report (via Bloomberg)

Researchers to test how Great Plains shale reacts to fracking (via Huffington Post/AP)

California halts fracking waste injection, warns it may be contaminating aquifers (via Mother Jones)

EMISSIONS 

U.K. retains target to cut carbon emissions in half by 2025 (via Bloomberg)

Legislative attempts to block EPA standards harmful to small businesses (via The Hill)

NHL outlines plan to cut emissions, fight climate change (via The Hill)

COAL 

Dirty coal plants undermine EU climate leadership, says report (via RTCC)

China warns against “blind” rush to build coal-to-gas plants (via Reuters)

Germany, U.K., Poland top “dirty 30” list of EU coal-fired power stations (via The Guardian)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Whirlpool wants Congress to ban class action lawsuits tied to Energy Star program (via New York Times)

Florida utilities move to slash energy conservation programs (via Climate Progress)

Third-party financing was solar’s catalyst – can energy efficiency find the same model? (via Greentech Media)

Four reasons why energy efficiency programs fail (via Energy Collective)

OIL 

As U.S. leads world on oil production, East Coast opens to exploration (via Sustainable Business)

DOT Secretary: New oil train rules could have wide reach (via Houston Chronicle)

Wisconsin oil train derailment clean up underway, evacuation lifted (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Opel dropping Ampera, Europe’s Chevy Volt, because of weak sales (via Autoblog Green)

First six months of 2014 U.S. EV sales show 33% year-over-year gain (via Forbes)

ABB and Volvo partner on fast-charging system for hybrid and electric buses (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla idles California plant to retool for electric SUVs (via Bloomberg)

OPINION 

Carbon repeal leaves Australia isolated and vulnerable (via Renew Economy)

Disney’s “Planes” sequel is an excuse to talk to your kids about climate change (via Grist)

Why has the response to California’s drought been so weak? (via Science Blogs)

Six reasons technology alone can’t solve water scarcity (via GreenBiz)

Utilities cry “fowl” over Duck Chart and distributed solar power (via CleanTechnica)

Why Tom Steyer’s millions won’t save the planet (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.14.14

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

CLIMATE 

New climate models predict an Australian perma-drought (via Motherboard)

Southern Australia faces water crisis by 2100 due to climate change (via The Guardian)

Carbon import tariffs could torpedo climate deal, says EU official (via Reuters)

Obama to push climate resilience at state, local level (via The Hill)

Climate change has created a new literary genre (via Washington Post)

COAL 

Beijing to enforce use of clean coal in anti-pollution drive (via Reuters)

Coal mining ruling: Another legal win for Obama EPA (via Charleston Gazette)

RENEWABLES 

Global solar module prices just reached a record low (via Climate Progress)

Global biofuel output expansion to slow by 2023, says OECD (via Reuters)

Led by Chile, Latin America solar PV pipeline nears 20GW (via Greentech Media)

BNEF: Europe to invest $1 trillion in renewables by 2030 (via CleanTechnica)

Indian PM Modi doubles down on country’s solar revolution (via BusinessGreen)

Russia’s state-supported renewable energy auction heavily favored solar (via Renewable Energy World)

$1 billion geothermal project brings Costa Rica closer to 100% renewables (via Renew Economy)

Zurich Insurance to double investment in green bonds (via Bloomberg)

PV industry sees a “second gold rush” coming in solar sector (via Solar Industry Magazine)

USDA plants seed funding for rural clean energy (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar vs. utility battles heating up in Iowa, Wisconsin (via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

CPUC report highlights California’s continued solar success (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Is Texas souring on wind power? (via Forbes)

Iowa Supreme Court rules in favor of third-party solar (via Midwest Energy News)

Huge North Carolina solar project could “move the needle” for solar possibilities (via Renewable Energy World)

Inside Yingli, the giant Chinese solar company sponsoring the World Cup (via Mother Jones)

EMISSIONS 

China could reveal carbon cap by first quarter 2015 (via RTCC)

EU pollution permits to gain 28% as regulators cut supply glut (via Bloomberg)

London projected to fail EU air quality limits until 2030 (via Bloomberg)

Group representing half a billion Christians says it will no longer support fossil fuels (via Climate Progress)

Texas, U.S. leader in emissions stands vulnerable to their effects (via New York Times)

The plan to get New Jersey back into RGGI that Chris Christie can’t veto (via Climate Progress)

University of Dayton divests from fossil fuels (via Midwest Energy News)

OIL 

OPEC’s oil market share to shrink in 2015, despite growing demand (via Reuters)

Oil demand up fastest since 2010 on China growth, says IEA (via Houston Chronicle/Bloomberg)

China, U.S. to cooperate on strategic oil reserves (via Reuters)

Global oil exploration nears $1 trillion, but where are the finds? (via Reuters)

Crumbling roads in oil fields slow U.S. energy boom (via Bloomberg)

New York State won’t keep oil train details secret (via Huffington Post/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

There are now more than 500,000 EVs on Earth (via Autoblog Green)

Report: Electric vehicle market to hit $500 billion by 2025 (via BusinessGreen)

China requires 30% of state vehicles use alternative energy (via Bloomberg)

Helsinki, Finland plans on making private car ownership obsolete in 10 years (via Time)

U.S. fuel economy improvements show diminishing fuel savings (via US EIA)

Tesla’s chargers now moving a gigawatt-hour of electricity per month (via GigaOm)

Bay Area governments make America’s biggest-yet EV purchase (via CleanTechnica)

Chicago wants more residents to drive electric vehicles (via Southern Illinoisan)

Audi preparing an entire lineup of PHEV models (via Autoblog Green)

NATURAL GAS 

Seven earthquakes hit Oklahoma in less than a day – is fracking to blame? (via Time)

Ohio fracking water reuse questioned (via Columbus Dispatch)

Former Pennsylvania health secretary: State failed to address fracking concerns (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENVIRONMENT 

The soil pollution crisis in China: Cleanup presents daunting challenge (via Yale e360)

California braces as drought sparks early fire season (via Sacramento Bee)

Firefighters battling seven wildfires in Washington State (via Los Angeles Times)

New data says huge West Virginia chemical spill may have been more toxic than reported (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY POLICY 

India PM Modi accelerates solar revolution, doubles tax on coal (via Renew Economy)

Why were this company’s computers attacked millions of times this year? Algae. (via Washington Post)

Wells Fargo’s focus on energy shows growth strategy (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Lopsided lobbying on Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post)

Keystone XL backers want to keep pipeline in the public eye (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Data shows some energy retrofits actually increase energy usage (via Energy Manager Today)

ACEEE urges EPA to add building codes to Clean Power Plan (via Environmental Leader)

NUCLEAR 

Russia signs nuclear energy deal with Argentina (via Reuters)

GRID 

Blackout-plagued India moves toward a smarter grid (via Navigant Research)

Stanford working on “reversible” fuel cells for energy storage (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

2014’s sleeper campaign issue: A bank nobody’s heard about (via Politico)

House GOP votes to thwart imaginary offshore drilling restriction (via National Journal)

Influence game: Shaping railroad safety rules (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Coal-reliant Pennsylvania faces election showdown over EPA, natural gas, carbon trading (via ClimateWire)

OPINION 

Six trends illustrating the US-China trade case’s impact on the solar market (via Greentech Media)

Here’s what the fossil fuel industry thinks of the carbon bubble (via Renew Economy)

What’s at stake with the Ex-Im Bank? (via National Journal)

Will Nissan’s free EV charging rival Tesla’s Supercharger network? (via Greentech Media)

Five reasons U.S. solar installers are vertically integrating…for now (via RMI Outlet)

NY Times gets it wrong with attacks on Steyer and divestment (via EcoWatch)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.10.14

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

CLIMATE 

From Sao Paulo to Hong Kong, cities report economic climate threat (via Bloomberg)

UK defense ministry details global security impacts of climate change (via ClimateWire)

Loss of snowpack and glaciers in Rockies poses water threat (via Yale e360)

Sea level rise cuts across political divide in Norfolk, Va (via GreenBiz)

ENERGY POLICY 

Why China’s energy consumption will keep rising (via Energy Collective)

U.S. public lands fading as fossil fuels source (via Climate Central)

Federal government still spending billions to subsidize fossil fuels (via Huffington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Solar, wind to beat coal on costs in China, India by 2020 (via Renew Economy)

One-third of Germany’s power came from renewables in first half 2014 (via Yale e360)

Upcoming auctions position Brazil for major solar growth (via Solar Industry Magazine)

EIA projections show hydropower growth limited by economics, not resources (via US EIA)

Mercom Capital charts top solar deals of second quarter (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Chicago to announce new rooftop solar discount program (via Chicago Tribune)

Food waste is so yesterday – think biogas instead (via GreenBiz)

What you need to know about how clean energy yielcos work (via Greentech Media)

COAL 

Coal’s last gasp in Europe (via The Economist)

Most U.K. coal plants to shut by 2023 on climate rules (via Bloomberg)

Mountaintop removal coal mining decimates Appalachian fish populations (via EcoWatch)

Missouri governor signs law blocking coal-related ballot measures (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

EMISSIONS 

Zero carbon and economic growth can go together, says UN study (via The Guardian)

Australian Senate rejects carbon tax repeal (via Reuters)

Australian PM seeks carbon price repeal next week after losing vote (via Bloomberg)

EU Parliament to consider carbon price fix this fall (via The Hill)

China’s Tianjin carbon market extends permit deadline again (via Reuters)

The shocking truth about British Columbia’s carbon tax: It works (via The Globe and Mail)

OIL 

Swaps could be next way around oil export ban (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

China makes new electric vehicles tax-free (via The Guardian)

Nissan launches “no charge to charge” program for Leaf buyers (via CleanTechnica)

ENVIRONMENT 

One-fifth of the Amazon may have been savannah before Europeans arrived (via Mongabay)

Freedom Industries fined $11,000 for historic West Virginia chemical spill (via Climate Progress)

The weird and wonderful world of indoor farming (via Think Progress)

NATURAL GAS 

Fracking could supply one-third of UK gas by 2035, says National Grid (via RTCC)

GRID 

Modi budget plans $250 million to boost solar, grid to end India blackouts (via Bloomberg)

Transmission issues plague power-starved southern India states (via Panchabuta)

Washington State grants $14.3 million for energy storage systems (via Bloomberg)

NUCLEAR 

Tepco says it has turned corner on Fukushima nuclear cleanup (via Bloomberg)

Wisconsin reactor’s demise shows plight of nuclear towns (via Bloomberg)

KEYSTONE XL 

Nebraska court date pushes final Keystone XL decision past midterms (via Washington Post)

POLITICS 

House Republicans threaten to subpoena EPA over carbon rules (via The Hill)

White House threatens to veto energy spending bill over environmental riders (via The Hill)

Forget LeBron, it’s free agency season for green groups (via National Journal)

Study says rich Republicans are the worst climate deniers (via Mother Jones)

OPINION 

Here’s what the world would look like if we took global warming seriously (via Vox)

Sixty years after birth, it’s time for solar cells to get serious (via GigaOm)

Why we need a carbon tax (via Huffington Post)

Fix the climate problem? Easy – cut U.S. emissions to 1901 levels (via Bloomberg)

How Silveo could succeed where Solyndra failed (via Greentech Media)

Why Washington State’s $14.3 million energy storage program is so different from others (via Greentech Media)