$3 billion for electrifying ports

EMISSIONS: The U.S. EPA announces $3 billion to deploy zero-emission freight and ferry infrastructure to curb ports’ climate impacts. (Associated Press)

ALSO:

• A new report finds planet-warming pollution has reached its highest level in human history, while two others show global emissions reduction policies are falling short. (The Guardian, Inside Climate News)
• A new report finds Britain and EU residents are twice as likely to die prematurely from exposure to gas stove pollutants than from a car crash, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation and the transition to induction stoves. (New York Times)

UTILITIES: Climate change and the clean energy transition add to complications for utilities looking to shore up system resilience. (Utility Dive)

GRID:

• Five governors urge grid operator PJM to modify its capacity market rules and interconnection queue process, saying the current approach could raise costs without encouraging more development. (Utility Dive)
• A growing number of battery storage projects have helped stabilize Texas’ wobbly power grid, but local boards have wavered on some projects because residents fear facilities could overheat and catch fire. (Houston Chronicle)

SOLAR:

• U.S. manufacturers say federal tax incentives given to an Ohio solar panel manufacturing plant whose minority owner is a China-based company undermines efforts to create a domestic supply chain. (Bloomberg)
• A large solar components manufacturer in Michigan plans to leverage new federal tax credits to build what would be the third U.S. factory that makes solar wafers, which act as a foundation for panels. (Solar Power World) 

POLITICS:

• Both Harris and Trump are likely to maintain or increase heavy tariffs on clean energy imports if they win the election, as both campaigns seek to boost domestic manufacturing. (E&E News)
• A new survey shows Democrats still haven’t convinced most Americans of the Inflation Reduction Act’s successes, with just 24% saying the legislation has improved their lives. (Politico)

LITHIUM: The U.S. Energy Department finalizes a $2.26 billion loan to the controversial Thacker Pass lithium mine under development in Nevada as part of the Biden administration’s effort to bolster the domestic battery supply chain. (Reuters)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A nonprofit ​“green bank” launches a $250 million financing program to help small freight companies serving the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports purchase about 500 electric trucks. (Canary Media)