California’s grid operator approves $6.1 billion transmission plan

GRID: California’s grid operator approves a $6.1 billion plan to build 26 new transmission projects and greenlights Pattern Energy’s proposal to tie the SunZia line into the state’s power network. (E&E News)

ALSO: An Arizona utility proposes constructing a high-voltage transmission line and substation in the Phoenix area to support new development. (Phoenix Independent)

UTILITIES: Oregon wineries and vineyards file a lawsuit seeking $100 million from PacifiCorp over its alleged role in sparking the 2020 Labor Day fires that damaged grapes and reduced harvests and sales. (Associated Press)

OIL & GAS: The federal Bureau of Land Management blocks oil and gas drilling and mining for 20 years around a complex cave system in southeastern New Mexico. (Carlsbad Current-Argus)

ELECTRIFICATION: More California cities suspend natural gas hookup bans after Berkeley’s ban was shot down by a federal court. (Planetizen)

CLEAN ENERGY:

• Montana analysts worry a lack of adequate transmission will stifle the state’s clean energy buildup. (Billings Gazette)
• A report finds utility-scale clean energy development in Colorado is fueling demand for skilled workers. (KUNC)
• Washington state awards five tribal nations $7.5 million to develop solar and wave energy projects. (news release)

WIND: Oregon regulators schedule a series of public meetings on proposed offshore wind leasing along the state’s southern coast. (Yachats News)

CLIMATE:

• Montana advocates accuse state utility regulators of improperly stalling action on a petition that would require them to consider climate change in decisions. (Daily Montanan)
• Arizona officials begin opening cooling centers at night as part of a ramped up effort to cope with extreme heat after metro Phoenix saw 645 heat-related deaths in 2023. (Associated Press)
• A study finds a California experiment aimed at fighting climate change by brightening clouds poses no health or safety risks in advance of a city’s vote on whether to allow the test to proceed. (East Bay Times)

TRANSPORTATION: Republican congress members demand information on California’s high-speed rail project’s costs and delays and call it a ​“highly questionable endeavor.” (ABC News)

STORAGE: Southern California residents step up opposition to a proposed battery energy storage system after a blaze at a similar facility nearby occupied firefighters for over a week. (KPBS)

GEOTHERMAL:

• Utah’s geothermal industry says the federal Bureau of Land Management’s decision to defer 177,000 acres of energy leases until next year could imperil investments and development. (Deseret News)
• Colorado awards a state university nearly $700,000 to study the feasibility of deploying geothermal energy on its campus. (Times-Call)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe installs Oregon’s largest non-Tesla electric vehicle charging station at a tribally owned casino and travel center. (KTVL)

LITHIUM: Utah advocates and residents continue to push back against a proposed direct lithium extraction project over water use and potential aquifer contamination, even though the developers say it is ​“as green as possible.” (Utah News Dispatch)