Feds approve massive California solar/​storage project

SOLAR: The Bureau of Land Management approves a 350 MW solar and storage project to be built on public land in southern California. (Reuters, news release)

ALSO:
• Arizona’s largest utility expands its request for solar proposals, looking to add as much as 150 MW by early 2023. (Solar Industry)
• Oregon researchers find solar panels increase the productivity of lamb pastures by providing shade and increasing the quality of forage. (Tillamook Headlight Herald)

UTILITIES: San Diego Gas & Electric backtracks on a claim that it produces 45% of its energy from renewable sources. (Voice of San Diego)

GRID: Hawaii regulators last week approved a 185 MW storage project, but with conditions that the state’s largest utility reduce constraints on community renewable energy projects and stick to a timeline for retiring fossil fuel units. (Pacific Business News)

OIL & GAS:
• In reaction to Dakota Access pipeline opposition, Montana lawmakers pass a bill that would criminalize protests at ​“critical infrastructure” facilities, part of a wave of states passing similar legislation. (Grist)
• Neighbors of a Denver-area refinery urge state officials to deny permits for the facility, with one calling it ​“a poster child facility for environmental racism.” (Colorado Sun)

COAL:
• Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signs two laws nullifying parts of an agreement governing the Colstrip power plant; opponents say the move violates the 10th Amendment. (Billings Gazette)
• Tri-State Generation is backing a Biden administration proposal to help co-ops retire coal plants, putting it at odds with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. (Energy and Policy Institute)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• The Wyoming Department of Transportation is conducting a survey gauging interest in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. (Oil City News)
• Utah is joining a multi-state partnership to promote electric vehicles. (Fox 13)

TRANSPORTATION: Conservative groups in Colorado say they will push a ballot measure to cut the state’s gasoline tax, but did not specify an alternative way to subsidize car infrastructure. (Center Square)

HYDROPOWER: An Alaska tour company is building its own hydropower facility to reduce reliance on diesel generators. (KHNS)

COMMENTARY:
• An editorial board urges support for a climate bill in the Colorado legislature, which it calls ​“a precise piece of smart policy” to achieve emissions reductions. (Denver Post)
• A battery company executive says lithium mining in Nevada will be critical to fighting climate change. (Nevada Independent)