Asian countries consider investing in Alaska LNG export project

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FOSSIL FUELS

• Asian countries consider investing in and acquiring fuel from the proposed Alaska liquefied natural gas pipeline and export terminal project after the Trump administration threatens tariffs. (New York Times)

• New Mexico advocates slam Republican federal lawmakers for overturning the Biden-era fee on oil and gas facilities’ methane emissions, saying it will encourage waste and pollution. (New Mexico Political Report)

CLEAN ENERGY

• An analysis finds proposed Arizona legislation that would ban new wind facilities within 12 miles of residentially zoned properties would remove about 90% of the state from potential development. (Arizona Republic)

• Colorado’s hot springs industry pushes back on legislation aimed at encouraging geothermal energy development, saying it could deplete aquifers that feed their resorts. (Colorado Sun)

• A California lawmaker introduces legislation aimed at expanding and strengthening the state’s community solar program by devoting at least 51% of a project’s capacity to low-income customers. (news release)

• Washington State University receives $2.4 million in state funding to demonstrate the economic and agricultural feasibility of installing solar arrays in apple orchards. (news release)

CLIMATE

• A fossil fuel advocacy group launches a campaign aimed at squelching state and local governments’ lawsuits looking to hold polluters liable for climate change-related damages. (E&E News)

• A Colorado town adopts a net-zero building code roadmap aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030. (Vail Daily)

• Prices for California carbon emissions permits drop for the third time since posting record highs last February. (E&E News)

MINING

• Federal officials accuse an Australian company of operating an unauthorized rare earth minerals mine in the Mojave National Preserve in southern California. (Los Angeles Times)

• A lithium mine in Nevada seeks federal approval for a 25% expansion. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UTILITIES

• Colorado regulators scrutinize Xcel Energy’s proposed $155 million plan to address potential natural gas shortages in mountain communities by encouraging electrification. (Colorado Sun)

• Wyoming lawmakers advance legislation that would limit utilities’ liabilities for equipment-sparked wildfires. (WyoFile)

NUCLEAR

• Federal regulators issue their draft safety evaluation of TerraPower’s proposed advanced nuclear reactor in Wyoming. (Power)

STORAGE

• A California county considers establishing regulations on battery energy storage facilities in the wake of last month’s Moss Landing blaze. (KSBW)

COMMENTARY

• An Alaska professor calls on state elected officials to come together and provide clear policy directives to modernize the Railbelt power grid. (Anchorage Daily News)

• A California columnist urges state lawmakers to quit partisan bickering and acknowledge that climate-friendly energy is also affordable as they attempt to tackle high utility rates. (Los Angeles Times)