California energy transition reaches ​“execution phase”

This roundup of energy news headlines comes from our Western Energy News newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.

GRID

• The California grid operator’s data from this spring illustrate the state’s energy transition’s progress as battery output and wind generation set new records and displace gas-fired generation. (Canary Media)

• NV Energy officials expect its decision to join the California grid operator’s extended day-ahead market will expand access to renewable energy sources and save customers about $93 million annually. (Nevada Independent)

• Elbert County, Colorado, files a lawsuit seeking to force Xcel Energy to reroute its proposed Power Pathway transmission line, saying state regulators ignored local input when approving the segment through the county. (Big Pivots)

CLEAN ENERGY

• Renewable Northwest joins other advocacy groups in a lawsuit accusing the U.S. Defense Department of waging an ​“unprecedented campaign against wind energy” after federal reviews of proposed facilities come to a halt. (Oregonian)

• California regulators vote to finalize the state’s community solar program rate structure, but advocates and the clean energy industry say it will hamper development by giving utilities too much power. (PV Magazine)

• A California lawmaker introduces legislation aimed at reducing utility-scale solar projects’ property tax bills by setting a statewide standard for assessing the facilities’ values. (Californian)

• Backers of a Portland, Oregon, ballot initiative that would redirect money from the city’s clean energy fund to increase police staffing say they have raised more than $600,000 for the campaign. (Oregonian)

CLIMATE

• Democratic California lawmakers move to block recent changes to the state’s carbon market that offer free pollution permits to companies that invest in clean energy and efficiency initiatives, saying it will drain air quality, housing, and transit funds. (CalMatters)

DATA CENTERS

• Utah Republicans join advocates and ranchers pushing back on a proposed natural gas-fired hyperscale data center complex on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, citing environmental concerns. (New York Times)

FOSSIL FUELS

• The federal Bureau of Land Management plans this week to auction oil and gas leases on the previously protected Roan Plateau in western Colorado, drawing concerns over impacts to wildlife habitat. (Colorado Sun)

UTILITIES

• Colorado regulators reject portions of Xcel Energy’s proposed natural gas network investment plan, saying the utility failed to account for state pro-electrification policies aimed at reducing the fuel’s use. (CPR)

• Wyoming lawmakers consider legislation that would tax electricity generation, saying it would raise revenues for state programs, ease residents’ utility bills, and could moderate data center development. (WyoFile)

• San Francisco’s board of supervisors continues to move forward on a proposal to cut ties with Pacific Gas & Electric and form a municipal utility. (KQED)

NUCLEAR

• Arizona lawmakers advance legislation that would block local governments from restricting or banning small modular nuclear reactors. (Capitol Media Services)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Tesla proposes a 96-stall EV charging hub with solar parking canopies and battery storage along Interstate-5 in Willows, California. (Drive Tesla)

COMMENTARY

• A Nevada columnist calls on lawmakers and regulators to scrutinize data center developers’ plans to ​“temporarily” rely on gas-fired generation and to consider the merits and risks of building facilities. (Nevada Independent)

NEW FROM CANARY

• Solar and wind try to navigate Trump’s obstacle course for tax credits — Jeff St. John

• AI firms are getting creative as they scramble for energy — Kathryn Krawczyk and Dan McCarthy