Federal judge says PG&E ​“criminally reckless” and ​“a terror”

CALIFORNIA: PG&E’s criminal probation judge says the utility may have been ​“criminally reckless” with its wildfire mitigation efforts before the Zogg Fire, and ​“a terror” to Californians since 2010’s deadly San Bruno pipeline explosion. (San Francisco Chronicle)

ALSO: PG&E says its public safety power shutoffs will continue indefinitely, while a media investigation finds the utility has failed to incorporate actual wind data into its shutoff decisions. (NBC Bay Area, ABC10)

UTILITIES:
• An executive from New Mexico’s largest utility says the company’s integrated resource plan filed last week puts it on a path to become carbon-free by 2040. (Albuquerque Journal)
• Three local Montana governments agree to work together on developing a green tariff program with NorthWestern Energy. (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A new report indicates Utah still has more policy work to do to encourage electric vehicle use, but advocates are concerned about a proposed bill that would increase electric and hybrid vehicle registration fees. (Deseret News)
• Oregon fails to reach its goal of 50,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2020, only managing 31,977 as of Feb. 1 this year. (Willamette Week)

OIL & GAS:
• Prudhoe Bay oil field production increased last month, while overall North Slope production has been on a slow decline, according to a report from the state of Alaska. (The Frontiersman)
• A U.S. District Court Judge rules a contentious National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska drilling project approved by the Trump administration can continue. (Anchorage Daily News)
• University of Wyoming energy experts say President Biden’s moratorium on new federal oil and gas leases could adversely impact carbon capture and storage development. (Casper Star-Tribune)
• Alaska regulators are considering a Hilcorp request to build two gas exploration wells on the North Slope. (KDLL)

GRID: The head of a clean energy nonprofit says changes to California’s Integration Capacity Analysis concerning solar and storage will help the state achieve its climate goals. (PV Tech)

PUBLIC LANDS:
• The Biden administration could increase fossil fuel development royalty rates on public lands ​“to account for corresponding climate costs.” (Wyoming Public Media)
• President Biden’s executive order implementing a review of Bears Ears National Monument boundaries has Utah tribes hopeful the federal government will protect land considered sacred. (KSL NewsRadio)

SOLAR:
• The developer of a planned Northern California solar-plus-storage project must acquire an ​“incidental take permit” and submit a habitat conservation plan after the Interior Department finds endangered species are likely to be harmed. (Livermore Independent)
• A Las Vegas-based solar and electric company begins construction on a 33 KW solar garden. (Nevada Business)

ADVOCACY:
• Nevada conservationists are keeping an eye on a number of bills during the 2021 legislative session, including one focused on responsible energy planning and the state’s tax cap on mining. (KNPR)
• A student-lead California nonprofit wants state legislators to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2030 rather than 2045. (New University)

TRANSPORTATION: A Washington county is purchasing 20 additional electric buses following 18 months of testing. (Electrive)

WIND: Wind energy initiatives in six Wyoming counties are expected to generate millions in revenue, but there are concerns about how it will be collected. (Rawlins Times)

COMMENTARY:
• A Wyoming editorial board says President Biden’s actions regarding the Keystone XL pipeline and federal fossil fuel leases will adversely impact the state’s economy and budget. (Cody Enterprise)
• Two Utah state representatives say a proposed bill that would increase electric and hybrid vehicle registration fees will discourage buyers. (Deseret News)