Opponents push Supreme Court on another EPA rule

CLEAN POWER PLAN:
• More than 200 members of Congress say the EPA doesn’t have the authority to enforce the Clean Power Plan. (Associated Press)
• The U.S. is already ​“racing toward” meeting the goals of the Clean Power Plan. (The Hill)

EPA: A coalition of twenty states is asking the Supreme Court to block the EPA’s standards for mercury and other toxins. (The Hill)

CLEAN ENERGY:
• Nevada’s Republican governor reactivates a state renewable energy task force, in response to a recent decision by state regulators to cut rates for net metering. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
• An Arizona study examines the social factors preventing clean energy adoption on tribal lands. (Arizona State University)
• A bill to double Oregon’s renewable energy standard could face a challenge in the state Senate. (Portland Tribune)

CLIMATE:
• New York officials ask the Securities and Exchange Commission to require ExxonMobil to put a climate change resolution before shareholders. (Reuters)
• Maryland may join New York in investigating Exxon’s role in spreading misinformation about climate change. (InsideClimate News)

SOLAR:
• A report finds 17 states enacted net metering changes in 2015, with at least 35 utilities imposing higher fixed charges. (PV Magazine)
• In a settlement with solar developers, Xcel Energy will accept 60 MW in new community solar applications in Colorado. (Denver Post)
• Utilities and solar advocates spar over a demand-charge proposal in Arizona. (Arizona Republic)
• A bill in Utah would allow for third-party ownership of solar arrays. (KUCW)

WIND: The U.S. has been surpassed by China as the world’s top wind turbine manufacturer. (ClimateWire)

UTILITIES:
• An Arizona utility is under investigation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over how it sets wholesale prices. (Bloomberg)
• New York regulators reject a plan to charge ratepayers for converting a coal plant to natural gas. (Ithaca Journal)
• A new report examines how utilities are working with private-sector partners on grid advancement. (Utility Dive)
• In-house meteorologists help large utilities prepare for major storm events. (EnergyWire)

COAL: A plan to mine under a roadless area in Colorado is undergoing tougher federal scrutiny. (Grand Junction Daily Sentinel)

OIL AND GAS:
• An industry group says natural gas companies are slow to sign on for voluntary methane reductions. (Reuters)
• The battle over fracking in Florida intensifies. (New York Times)
• The Coast Guard drops a plan to permit barges to carry fracking wastewater on U.S. rivers. (WDRB Louisville)
• Colorado fracking opponents drop 7 more proposed ballot measures. (Denver Business Journal)

TRANSPORTATION: Racing fans push back against the EPA’s decision to reverse an exemption allowing cars to be modified for track use. (Detroit News)

COMMENTARY:
• Why Bill Gates is pursuing ​“energy miracles” to address climate change. (New York Times)
• Clean energy presents ​“an opportunity for a triple bottom line.” (Ramez Naam)