Biden boosts western transmission lines

GRID: The U.S. Energy Department plans to expedite proposed transmission projects running from New Mexico to Arizona and between Nevada and Utah by purchasing capacity on the lines. (Utility Dive)

ALSO:

• California’s grid operator says transmission congestion has pushed it to curtail more than 2.3 million megawatt-hours of solar and wind generation so far this year, putting it on pace to set an annual record. (news release)
• An Arizona utility proposes a high-voltage transmission line to deliver power to an aerospace research center and future home of a large battery factory near Tucson. (Arizona Daily Star)

OIL & GAS: A southern California port plans public hearings on a proposed oil storage facility expansion after advocates and residents call for a full environmental review. (Press-Telegram)

SOLAR:

• Spokane, Washington’s city council considers reinstating suspended fees for installing rooftop solar and electric vehicle charging stations to alleviate a budget crunch. (Spokesman-Review)
• Idaho residents urge regulators to reject a utility’s proposal to slash compensation for exporting rooftop solar to the grid. (Idaho Press)

COAL:

• A California judge rules Oakland breached its contract with a proposed coal export terminal developer, potentially paving the way for the controversial facility to move forward. (Oaklandside)
• New Mexico receives $2.4 million in federal funding aimed at fostering economic development in communities affected by coal plant and mine closures. (KRQE)

POLLUTION:

• U.S. EPA data show the Laramie River fuel oil and coal power plant in Wyoming was the nation’s 9th largest greenhouse gas emitter last year. (Inside Climate News)
• The San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona joins Oregon, advocates and other states suing the U.S. EPA for failing to act on a petition urging a greenhouse gas emissions cap under the Clean Air Act. (Common Dreams)

UTILITIES: California’s public advocate finds Pacific Gas & Electric rates have increased 38% in the past three years; the utility says the cost increases fund wildfire risk mitigation work. (NBC Bay Area)

CLIMATE: Washington officials acknowledge the state’s new carbon credit program has resulted in higher gasoline prices, but expect rising public transit ridership and electric vehicle adoption to drive costs down in the long-term. (Spokesman-Review)

GEOTHERMAL: A Wyoming couple builds a geothermal heated and cooled greenhouse expected to allow them to grow tropical fruit during the state’s sub-zero-degree winters. (Cowboy State Daily)

COMMENTARY: A California columnist urges Los Angeles leaders to transcend ​“NIMBY” opposition and move forward on a plan to replace a section of freeway with a park and 4,000 affordable housing units. (Los Angeles Times)