Biden to hold first onshore oil and gas lease sale this week

OIL & GAS: The Biden administration is set to hold its first onshore oil and gas lease sales this week, auctioning parcels in seven Western states with an 18.75% royalty rate. (The Hill)

ALSO: A data analytics firm finds Permian Basin oil and gas facility methane emissions during the first quarter of 2022 increased about 33% from the previous quarter. (Washington Post)

COAL: Grid strain, delayed renewable projects and a bid to keep a coal power plant operating beyond its scheduled retirement date threaten to delay implementation of New Mexico’s landmark energy transition act. (Energy News Network/​High Country News)

BIOFUELS: Hawaii Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill that would require 33% of renewables to be generated by ​“firm” resources such as wood and other biofuels. (Honolulu Civil Beat)

GRID: A renewable energy developer says California’s grid operator’s move to fast-track interconnection for emergency resources could hurt projects already in the grid connection queue. (Utility Dive)

WIND: New Mexico signs leases clearing the way for a renewable energy developer to construct a wind power project on 230 square miles of state trust land. (Associated Press)

TRANSPORTATION:
• Tesla plans to build a 51 stall electric vehicle charging station in a small Oregon town along Interstate 5. (KGW8)
• Electric truck manufacturer Rivian opens three electric vehicle fast charging stations in Colorado and California. (Future Car)
• California lawmakers agree to replace a proposed gasoline tax rebate with an inflation relief payment no longer tied to vehicle registrations, and to suspend a diesel tax. (CBS Los Angeles)

NUCLEAR: Republican Congress members introduce a bill that would require California to issue the permits needed to keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant running beyond its planned 2025 retirement date. (news release)

HYDROPOWER:
• Northwest utilities spend more than $2 million on a public relations campaign aimed at convincing residents to oppose a proposal to breach four hydropower dams on the Lower Snake River to help salmon. (Union-Bulletin)
• Oregon researchers work to demonstrate the feasibility of hydroelectric power facilities paired with supercapacitors for energy storage. (news release)

CLIMATE: A federal appeals court upholds a previous ruling that a California cities’ lawsuit aimed at requiring oil companies to pay for climate change-related damages belongs in state courts. (E&E News, subscription)

COMMENTARY: A California affordable housing advocate urges regulators to enact rooftop solar net metering policies that benefit renters as well as homeowners. (Desert Sun)