Solar probe launched on misinterpreted data, researchers say

SOLAR: The small solar company that initiated the federal government’s solar imports probe relied at least in part on a misinterpretation of solar manufacturing data, researchers say. (Canary Media)

ALSO: A bipartisan group of 19 governors call on the Biden administration to quickly conclude its investigation into Asian solar panel imports. (The Hill)

EMISSIONS:
• Poor air quality, unsanitary water and chemical pollution were responsible for 1 in 6 deaths worldwide in 2015, with half of those attributed to air pollution and most happening in low- and middle-income countries, a study finds. (Washington Post)
• Researchers unveil a ​“Lives Saved Calculator” that models the deaths and adaptation costs that can be avoided if emissions reductions and clean energy deployment targets are met. (Axios)
• Carbon credits often overstate their promised emissions reductions and distract from more meaningful climate action, experts warn. (New York Times)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Uber adds an electric vehicle charging map to its driver app and will offer a $1-per-trip incentive for EV drivers as it pushes drivers to switch from gasoline-powered cars. (Utility Dive)
• Waste industry leaders say skyrocketing diesel prices will likely push them to electrify garbage and recycling trucks sooner than previously thought. (Utility Dive)

COAL:
• Sen. Joe Manchin resists the Biden administration’s climate actions because he fears his coal-reliant home state will suffer under a quick clean energy transition, people close to him say. (Washington Post)
• PJM Interconnection wants the only remaining coal unit in Delaware to remain online through 2026. (Delaware Business Now)

OIL & GAS: Legal experts say the Biden administration’s approach of offering selective oil and gas leases could be more defensible in court than an outright drilling ban. (E&E News)

UTILITIES: Climate activists criticize Duke Energy for relying too much on natural gas in its newly proposed ​“Carbon Plan,” whose four pathways to emission reductions all include over 3 GW of new natural gas plants and lack preparation for offshore wind growth. (Energy News Network)

STORAGE: The Department of Energy launches a $505 million initiative meant to boost development of small- and large-scale energy storage. (Utility Dive)

GRID:
• Texas officials credit power reserves, a directive urging generators to keep plants online, and conservation for preventing the grid from slipping into emergency conditions on Friday. (Houston Chronicle)
• Grid operator MISO expects an increased probability of rolling blackouts this summer as hot weather drives up electricity demand and supplies tighten. (Star Tribune)

EFFICIENCY: A study finds including predicted gas and electricity costs in rental listings would make Americans more likely to rent a more energy efficiency apartment. (Grist)

WIND: An Indiana county’s rejection of wind development despite rare offers from a developer highlights challenges ahead for adding wind capacity in the Midwest. (E&E News)

BIOGAS: Installing biodigesters that convert cow manure and food waste into natural gas could help keep struggling dairy farms afloat, despite their high installation and repair costs. (Modern Farmer)