Advocates bash L.A. plan to convert gas plant to green hydrogen

HYDROGEN: Environmental justice advocates oppose the Los Angeles city council’s plan to convert a natural gas power plant to run on green hydrogen, calling it a greenwashing boondoggle that will harm vulnerable communities. (Los Angeles Times)

ELECTRIFICATION:
• Idaho lawmakers introduce a bill that would block local governments from banning or restricting natural gas hookups. (Idaho Capital Sun)
• San Diego County, California’s supervisors approve building codes requiring new construction to be electrification-ready. (Times of San Diego)

SOLAR:
• An 807 MW solar power facility on Edwards Air Force Base in southern California goes online with the project’s 500 MW energy storage component set for completion later this year. (Bakersfield Californian)
• A California solar company begins marketing vertical photovoltaic systems designed for agricultural applications. (news release)

UTILITIES:
• A California utility official suggests skyrocketing wholesale natural gas prices could lead to higher electricity bills this summer. (Los Angeles Times)
• A troubled southern California clean power agency’s top lawyer resigns following a member city’s threat to leave the authority if top officials didn’t step down. (Voice of OC)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Portland, Oregon’s city council approves an ordinance requiring new multi-family housing to include electric vehicle charging stations. (KOIN)
• Oregon lawmakers advance a bill that would offer $1,700 cash back on electric bicycle purchases. (Bike Portland)
• California electric vehicle startup Faraday Future plans to begin production of a sedan in April. (Driven)

GRID: A California environmental group urges lawmakers to reject a bill that would create a regional transmission organization, saying it would give outside interests control over the state’s energy mix. (news release)

BIOFUELS: A Montana oil refinery completes a major expansion and plans to begin producing biofuel-based sustainable aviation fuel this spring. (Great Falls Tribune)

OIL & GAS: Environmental groups seek to defend the Biden administration in a lawsuit brought by Wyoming and two industry groups challenging federal oil and gas leasing delays. (Casper Star-Tribune)

COAL: Montana regulators push back on conservationists’ calls for the federal government to hold a coal mine liable for allegedly violating environmental laws. (Missoulian)

TRANSPORTATION: Utah lawmakers propose a bill that would offer free public transit statewide for a year in an effort to reduce traffic and improve air quality. (KSL)

HYDROPOWER: Federal officials consider re-engineering Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona to preserve hydroelectricity generation as water levels in Lake Powell continue to decline. (KLAS)

GEOTHERMAL: U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm touts enhanced geothermal technology during a visit to Utah. (Deseret News)