New Mexico lawmakers consider banning drilling near schools

OIL & GAS: New Mexico lawmakers consider legislation that would ban new oil and gas drilling and phase out most existing production within one mile of schools and daycare centers. (Associated Press)

ALSO: The Lummi Nation pushes back on British Petroleum’s acquisition of 1,100 acres of tribal cultural property adjacent to the company’s refinery in Washington state. (ICT)

UTILITIES:

• New Mexico regulators reject the state’s largest utility’s effort to recoup from ratepayers its investments in the Four Corners coal plant and Palo Verde nuclear plant, saying the expenditures were imprudent. (Associated Press)
• Colorado lawmakers and advocates accuse Platte River Power of being ​“overcommitted” to coal and gas generation and imperiling its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. (Colorado Sun)
• Target files a lawsuit against Xcel Energy over damages stemming from the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, alleging the utility’s lines sparked the destructive blaze. (KDVR)

SOLAR:

• Idaho regulators slash net-metering rates for rooftop solar and approve a rate hike expected to disproportionately impact low-income customers. (Solar Power World)
• A California solar equipment company lays off 350 workers in the wake of the state’s net-metering policy change. (CBS News)
• An Alaska utility proposes a community solar installation in Anchorage. (Northern Journal)

WIND: Oregon residents and fishermen raise concerns and questions about proposed offshore wind development along the state’s southern coast. (OPB)

STORAGE: An iron-air battery firm plans to deploy California’s first multi-day energy storage installation in the northern part of the state. (Power Engineering International)

CRITICAL MATERIALS: Three tribal governments in Alaska criticize the Biden administration for failing to consult with them before granting $37.5 million to a proposed graphite mine on the Seward Peninsula. (Northern Journal)

NUCLEAR:

• Industry observers say efforts to develop advanced nuclear reactors in Wyoming will depend largely on securing a reliable fuel supply. (Casper Star-Tribune)
• Utah advocates raise concerns about a company’s plans to reopen two idled uranium mines near Moab. (Times-Independent)

CLIMATE:

• A judge rejects a U.S. Justice Department bid to dismiss an Oregon youths’ lawsuit alleging federal policies contribute to human-caused climate change, allowing the case to move forward. (OPB)
• An Alaska carbon offset program uses tourists’ donations to purchase electric heat pumps for local residents. (Grist)
• U.S. Rep. John Curtis, a Utah Republican who has tried to make a conservative case for tackling climate change, launches his campaign for the U.S. Senate. (Deseret News)

COMMENTARY: A Colorado advocate calls on state lawmakers to crack down on oil and gas industry pollution and environmental racism. (Colorado Sun)