Can states and investors fill the gap on clean energy?

CLIMATE: President-elect Trump’s likely abdication of U.S. leadership on climate diminishes prospects for next week’s COP29 summit, as scientists warn the Earth has likely passed the 1.5°C warming threshold this year. (Reuters, Associated Press)

CLEAN ENERGY:

• Advocates say states will once again take a leading role on clean energy in a second Trump term, and former Biden administration climate adviser Gina McCarthy says attempting to overturn the Inflation Reduction Act is ​“a fool’s errand.” (New York Times)
• A nonprofit leader says ​“a legitimate vein of opportunism” along with recognizing the human toll of warming will continue to drive private investment in clean energy, though companies may be less likely to advertise their climate commitments. (NPR)

ELECTION: It remains unclear whether Republicans or Democrats will control the U.S. House, and the final outcome may not be known until next week. (Associated Press)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The future of U.S. electric vehicle policy is murky, as Trump has given mixed messages on the campaign trail and has developed a close relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (Wired)

TRANSPORTATION: California scientists, lawmakers and advocates urge regulators to back off on a proposal to tighten low-carbon fuel standards, saying it will increase gasoline prices and yield minimal environmental benefits. (Sacramento Bee)

GRID:

• The North American Electric Reliability Corporation recommends adding 35 GW of transmission capacity between grid operators to improve overall reliability. (Utility Dive)
• At ISO New England’s board meeting, the grid operator’s CEO predicts new market structures will be needed to support emerging clean energy technology like small modular nuclear reactors, and that the transition will be costly. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• FERC on Tuesday approved PJM Interconnection’s proposal to end capacity market payments for energy efficiency programs, dismissing concerns that the move would discourage energy-saving efforts. (E&E News, subscription)

WIND: In New England, advocates worry about the damage the second Trump presidency could do to offshore wind development. (MassLive)

OIL & GAS:

• The Biden administration moves to narrow the scope of an oil and gas lease sale mandated by law in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in an end-of-term effort to cement its environmental legacy. (Washington Post)
• Louisiana’s oil and gas industry anticipates that Donald Trump’s presidential victory means new drilling leases and the release of a pause on permitting of liquified natural gas export facilities, but some warn his promise to impose new tariffs could hurt international sales. (WVUE)

COMMENTARY: A scientist says global progress on climate change will continue, and the U.S. risks falling behind on new technologies as Europe and China take the lead. (The Guardian)