Mississippi regulators reject challenge to new net metering rules

NET METERING: Mississippi regulators reject requests to reconsider the state’s new net metering policy. (Mississippi Business Journal)

WIND: South Carolina officials say at least two companies have expressed interested in leasing tracts for offshore wind. (Charleston Post and Courier)

CLIMATE: A national climate advocacy organization will step up its push for a 50 percent renewable energy standard in Florida. (SaintPetersBlog)

POLICY: Kentucky lawmakers hear about the benefits of renewable energy standards. (Public News Service)

COAL:
• A bill in the Kentucky legislature would open up new incentives for the coal industry. (Associated Press)
• Could tourism help revive West Virginia’s economy? (eTurboNews)

OIL AND GAS:
• At a gathering in Louisiana, analysts are optimistic about the long-term future of the industry but ​“don’t have a lot of good news” for 2016. (Baton Rouge Advocate)
• A Florida lawmaker says allowing fracking in the state ​“makes no sense whatsoever.” (SaintPetersBlog)

NUCLEAR: Federal regulators issue a positive safety report for a South Carolina nuclear plant. (Lake Wylie Pilot)

UTILITIES: Piedmont Natural Gas shareholders sign off on the company’s proposed sale to Duke Energy. (Utility Dive/​Charlotte Business Journal)

EFFICIENCY: A global energy efficiency firm will be headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

SOLAR:
• Duke Energy will contribute $100,000 to a solar education and workforce training center in North Carolina. (Charlotte Business Journal)
• A North Carolina middle school has raised enough money to install a small solar array. (Mount Airy News)

TRANSPORTATION:
• Alabama lawmakers consider raising the state’s gasoline tax. (Alabama Media Group)
• Officials in St. Petersburg debate whether to pursue a $1.5 million bike sharing program. (SaintPetersBlog)

COMMENTARY:
• In conservative South Carolina, offshore wind is getting more support than offshore drilling. (Washington Post)
• Kentucky lawmakers should stop trying to ​“incentivize the walking dead” and support clean energy. (Lexington Herald Leader)
• Bill Nye the Science Guy says NASCAR should abandon ​“ancient” technology and go with electric cars. (Aeon)