Shipping firms to pay $45 million for 2021 California oil spill

OIL & GAS: Shipping companies accused of rupturing an oil pipeline off the southern California coast and sending 25,000 gallons of crude into the Pacific Ocean in 2021 agree to pay $45 million to settle lawsuits brought by residents and businesses. (Los Angeles Times)

ALSO: New Mexico lawmakers introduce a bill that would create a state agency dedicated to transitioning the state’s economy away from dependence on oil and gas jobs and revenue. (Carlsbad Current-Argus)

BATTERIES: Nevada electric vehicle battery recycling firm Redwood Materials lands a $2 billion clean energy loan from the U.S. Energy Department, as state leaders envision a ​“lithium loop” economic boom. (Associated Press, E&E News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A New Mexico lawmaker introduces a bill that would require 75% of vehicles purchased by the state to be electric, including police cars. (Carlsbad Current-Argus)

UTILITIES:
• Washington state lawmakers propose a bill that would block utilities from shutting off customers’ power for non-payment during heat waves. (KING 5)
• New Mexico lawmakers advance a contentious energy choice bill that would allow local governments to launch publicly owned utilities. (Albuquerque Journal)
• Nevada lawmakers grill utility executives over frequent power outages during last month’s storms and rising natural gas and power bills. (KLAS)
• Colorado regulators consider ways to reduce skyrocketing utility bills, including driving down base rates and expanding access to energy assistance programs. (Colorado Sun)
• U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Colorado Democrat, introduces legislation that would increase funding for a federal low-income utility bill assistance program. (news release)

GRID:
• California Tesla Powerwall owners enrolled in a virtual power plant program report earning up to $500 from sending power back to the grid last year. (Electrek)
• Utility officials say a southern Nevada city’s ban on evaporative cooling in new buildings to reduce water consumption may result in increased energy use. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
• Colorado rural electricity cooperatives receive $48.5 million in federal loans to modernize and secure their power grids. (Kiowa County Press)

ELECTRIFICATION: Officials in a Portland suburb propose banning natural gas hookups in new construction, citing the fuel’s adverse health and climate impacts. (KOIN)

SOLAR:
• Washington state energy officials are poised to recommend approval of two controversial 80 MW solar projects proposed for the southern part of the state. (Yakima Herald)
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposes legislation that would protect the western Joshua tree and potentially affect future solar projects in the Mojave Desert. (Associated Press)
• Lightsource bp begins commercial operation of its 293 MW Sun Mountain solar installation in southern Colorado. (T&D World)
• A developer plans to donate all of the power from a proposed 2.5 MW solar project in western Colorado to income-qualifying families. (Daily Sentinel)

COAL: Wyoming lawmakers advance a bill that would build on existing laws requiring utilities to retrofit retiring coal power plants with carbon capture equipment to extend their lives. (Casper Star-Tribune)

HYDROPOWER: Developers advance two proposed pumped hydropower energy storage projects in Colorado. (Fresh Water News)

EFFICIENCY:
• Colorado launches an energy-efficiency training program for cannabis cultivators. (MJBizDaily)
• Colorado lawmakers introduce a bill that would block the sale of inefficient ovens, water heaters, gas fireplaces and light bulbs. (Daily Camera)

COMMENTARY: An Oregon advocate condemns utility NW Natural for using tobacco industry strategies to fight local governments’ natural gas hookup bans. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)