As clean energy advances, coal states fight the tide

COAL: Critics say coal states are missing opportunities to diversify their economies as lawmakers work to preserve the declining coal industry: ​“When you put all your eggs in one basket, it is hard to move forward.” (E&E News)

POLLUTION: An new analysis shows with ​“an unprecedented level of detail” how air pollution in the U.S. is concentrated in communities of color. (The Guardian)

CLIMATE:
• Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warns that losses from natural disasters fueled by global warming ​“could cascade through the financial system” and notes insurers are already pulling out of high-risk areas. (CNBC)
• Republican senators are warming to the idea of a tariff on carbon-intensive products. (E&E News)
• Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island has long championed climate causes, but has gained new authority and audiences with his new role as chair of the Senate Budget Committee. (New York Times)

CARBON CAPTURE:
• An oil executive says it is ​“procedurally impossible” to implement carbon capture strategies outlined in federal climate legislation without permitting reforms. (E&E News)
• More than 100 advocacy groups protest a proposal to increase tax credits for carbon capture, calling it a ​“giveaway to fossil fuel companies … under the guise of climate action.” (Common Dreams)

PIPELINES: The Keystone pipeline owner says months of work remain to finish cleaning a Kansas oil spill from December that will cost a total of $500 million. (WBUR)

PUBLIC LANDS: President Joe Biden plans to visit Nevada next week to designate the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, permanently blocking wind and solar development across much of the southern part of the state. (Las Vegas Sun)

SOLAR: An architecture group will offset emissions from renovating its Washington, D.C., headquarters by funding rooftop solar on dozens of Habitat for Humanity homes in Virginia. (Energy News Network)

ELECTRIFICATION: A Colorado startup aims to be a ​“one-stop shop” guiding customers through the home electrification process. (Canary Media)

HYDROGEN: A joint project by Constellation and the U.S. Department of Energy achieves the first nuclear-fueled hydrogen production in the country at the Nine Mile Point nuclear station in New York. (news release)

TRANSPORTATION:
• Following a catastrophic fire in his New York City district, a U.S. House member introduces legislation to establish lithium-ion battery safety standards and prevent subpar products from entering the country. (Streetsblog)
• Colorado prepares to launch a program exchanging older gasoline fueled cars for a $6,000 point-of-sale rebate on electric vehicle purchases for qualifying residents. (CPR)
• Delta Air Lines announces a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 during a Florida conference. (Miami Herald)