DOE boosts real-time methane monitoring

OIL & GAS: The U.S. Energy Department approves a $189 million loan to build a real-time laser monitoring network to track methane emissions from oil and gas facilities in Colorado, New Mexico and other states. (Reuters)

ALSO: New Mexico regulators agree to plug and reclaim a Texas company’s 300 idle oil and gas wells and allow the operator to reimburse the state over the next several decades. (KOAT 7)

NATURAL GAS: New Mexico regulators begin hearings on a controversial proposed natural gas storage facility in Rio Rancho. (Santa Fe New Mexican)

NUCLEAR:

• A Colorado advisory committee recommends Xcel Energy build an advanced nuclear reactor to replace the Comanche coal plant upon its scheduled 2031 retirement, saying it’s the only way to make up for lost jobs and tax revenue. (Pueblo Chieftain)
• Oregon small modular nuclear reactor startup NuScale will lay off up to 40% of its workforce following the cancellation of a proposed project in Idaho. (Oregonian)

CLIMATE:

• A ballot initiative threatens to wipe out Washington state’s new carbon cap-and-invest program that has raised more than $2.2 billion and is having tangible benefits. (Grist)
• Some environmental lawyers worry a California youths’ lawsuit aimed at holding the U.S. EPA accountable for climate change could harm similar cases if conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices strike it down. (E&E News)
• A Colorado study predicts climate change will diminish Colorado stream and river flows by 5% to 30% over the next three decades, affecting hydropower capacity, agriculture and recreation. (Colorado Sun)

SOLAR:

• A Nevada county urges neighboring local governments to resist proposed utility-scale solar installations, saying they could further strain limited water supplies. (Pahrump Valley Times)
• A California solar installation is expected to be offline for months due to damage caused during a copper wire theft from the facility. (KSEE)

TRANSPORTATION: A proposal to establish a half-cent sales tax to fund road repairs, carpool lanes and expanded public transit in San Diego County qualifies for the Nov. 5 ballot. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

CARBON CAPTURE: A California county proposes charging companies a per-acre fee for sequestering captured carbon. (Bakersfield Californian)

COMMENTARY:

• A California scientist calls on policymakers and product manufacturers to help consumers save money and help the climate by reducing their homes’ and cars’ emissions. (Los Angeles Times)
• An Arizona conservative advocate urges state regulators to resist the fossil fuel lobby’s campaign to kibosh utilities’ clean energy plans. (Arizona Capitol Times)