Energy Department authorizes LNG exports from Oregon terminal

OIL & GAS: U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillett signs an order authorizing exports from the proposed Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas export terminal in Oregon. (Associated Press)

ALSO:
• The future of Carlsbad, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is in question, with experts disagreeing over when or whether it will recover from the pandemic downturn. (Searchlight New Mexico)
• A Colorado county will allocate an additional $500,000 toward efforts to shape new state oil and gas regulations. (Glenwood Springs Post Independent)
• Wyoming officials vote to bid on a large package of land and minerals in Wyoming and Colorado owned by Occidental Petroleum. (Reuters)

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PIPELINES: The U.S. Supreme Court issues an order keeping a lower court ruling in place that blocks a key environmental permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. (Associated Press)

EMISSIONS: The EPA’s retreat on oil and gas regulation leaves decisions on Permian Basin methane emissions to Texas and New Mexico, two states with very different attitudes towards emissions. (E&E News)

CALIFORNIA: PG&E is opposing a California bill that would require investor-owned utilities to make infrastructure upgrades and limit planned power shutoffs. (Eureka Times-Standard)

COAL:
• Wyoming coal production decreased in the second quarter due to the pandemic and the ongoing transition to natural gas and renewables. (Casper Star-Tribune)
• The coal companies behind a proposed joint venture in Wyoming file a federal memorandum opposing the FTC’s decision to block it. (Casper Star-Tribune)

UTILITIES:
• California’s attorney general is critical of FERC’s proposal to change the way it awards incentives for electric transmission projects. (Sierra Sun Times)
• A California clean energy advocate says PG&E plays ​“dirty politics” on issues that have to do with climate change and the transition to renewables. (Huff Post)

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SOLAR: The nation’s leading solar installer, California-based Sunrun, announces plans to acquire its largest competitor. (Greentech Media)

COMMENTARY:
• A California climate policy think tank explores how the state can continue to lead the transition to transportation electrification. (Forbes)
• A consumer advocate says Seattle should not ban natural gas until the state has the right mix of energy sources to meet constant demand. (Tri-City Herald)
• A biodiversity nonprofit says California Gov. Gavin Newsom ​“needs to stop recklessly approving fracking and new oil and gas drilling.” (news release)