Feds finalize methane emissions fee

OIL & GAS: The U.S. EPA finalizes a rule levying an excess methane emissions fee on oil and gas facilities, but observers expect the incoming Trump administration to attempt to kill it before implementation. (Associated Press)

ALSO:

• New Mexico regulators consider proposed rules that would require oil and gas companies to disclose hydraulic fracturing fluid ingredients and prohibit the use of PFAS, or ​“forever chemicals,” in drilling. (Source NM)
• Data show federal oil and gas leases generated $15.2 billion in fiscal year 2024, the fourth highest amount ever, with more than one-third of it coming from New Mexico. (New Mexico Political Report, Interior Department)
• An Alaska-owned development corporation votes to spend up to $750,000 in state funds for legal costs related to oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and a proposed mining access road. (Alaska Beacon)

EMISSIONS: California advocates push back on recent changes to the state’s low carbon fuel standards, saying they could increase gasoline prices without reducing emissions. (Canary Media)

SOLAR:

• A firm proposes a 50 MW solar-plus-storage agrivoltaic project near Gilroy, California. (Mountain View Voice)
• Idaho Power agrees to purchase electricity from a 125 MW solar installation under development in the southwestern part of the state. (Solar Industry)

STORAGE:

• A developer proposes a 50 MW long-duration zinc hybrid battery energy storage system at a U.S. Marine Corps base in southern California. (Energy Storage News, subscription, California Energy Commission)
• A firm secures $110 million in tax equity financing for a proposed 75 MW battery energy storage system in northern California. (PV Magazine)
• Arizona Public Service agrees to purchase power from a proposed 100 MW battery energy storage system in the Phoenix area. (news release)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: California-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian signs on to purchase batteries from a production facility under construction in Arizona. (Utility Dive)

NUCLEAR: An Oregon firm uprates its small modular reactor design from 50 MW to 77 MW in an effort to better serve large data centers. (Utility Dive)

LITHIUM: Conservation groups plan to file a lawsuit aimed at forcing the federal government to protect a rare Nevada springsnail, saying the proposed Thacker Pass lithium mine could drive it to extinction. (news release)

COAL: A Navajo Nation-owned coal mining and energy company partners with the University of Wyoming to fund research aimed at preserving the state’s fossil fuel industries. (news release)

CARBON CAPTURE: An Oregon geologist proposes storing captured carbon in basalt formations in the eastern part of the state. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)

COMMENTARY:

• A Washington state advocate says voters upheld the state’s landmark climate law because it protects the environment and benefits the economy. (Energy News Network)
• A Wyoming columnist urges public lands advocates to push back on the incoming Trump administration’s ​“drill, baby, drill” energy policies. (WyoFile)