Justices skeptical of EPA in cross-state pollution case

SUPREME COURT: Justices appeared likely to rule against the EPA in a challenge to the ​“good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act, in particular the argument that the agency has not adequately explained how states can comply with the rules. (E&E News)

CLIMATE: State and local governments are preparing applications for a $5 billion federal grant program to implement big ideas in climate action plans. (Energy News Network)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• President Biden’s push for electric vehicle adoption divides unionized auto workers in Michigan, a crucial swing state where concerns remain about long-term job losses tied to the transition. (New York Times, Politico)
• Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian will lay off 10% of its salaried workers amid recent quarterly losses and growing market competition. (CNN)

GRID:

• Four U.S. grid operators are pushing federal regulators to upgrade natural gas networks to prevent energy shortfalls during extreme weather. (E&E News, subscription)
• A new report says ​“grid-enhancing technologies” could expand clean energy capacity on existing transmission lines and save billions of dollars. (Canary Media)

SOLAR:

• Texas accounts for more than a third of planned U.S. solar facilities and a significant chunk of battery projects this year as new solar and storage development is projected to shatter records. (S&P Global)
• Massachusetts utility officials announce new rules for the state’s net metering program, including cap exemptions for private behind-the-meter generators and a ​“first-in-the-nation” ability to transfer net metering credits. (Utility Dive)

OIL & GAS: An investigation finds the amount of money budgeted to plug fossil fuel wells in 15 states covers less than 2% of the projected cost. (ProPublica)

CARBON CAPTURE: A California county predicts a proposed carbon storage facility will create only five full-time jobs, dimming hopes the emerging industry will offset economic losses as oil and gas drilling declines. (Inside Climate News)

COAL: A U.S. appeals court strikes down an Obama-era federal coal leasing moratorium, opening the door for some Western mines to expand if demand exists. (Associated Press)

NUCLEAR: New Jersey ratepayers will keep paying for a $300 million annual subsidy for the state’s nuclear plants through June 2025 but may see a massive refund from new funds stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act. (NJ Spotlight)

EMISSIONS: Walmart’s CEO says the company’s push for more sustainable supply chains has helped avoid 1 billion tons of heat-trapping emissions. (GreenBiz)

POLITICS: Congressional Republicans pushing for action on climate change are likely to have their efforts stymied if former President Trump is elected this year. (Politico)

COMMENTARY: As LED lighting becomes cheaper and more versatile, we are finding more ways to use it, undermining energy savings, according to an economics writer. (New York Times)