Study finds ​‘staggering’ gap in New Mexico’s oil cleanup fund

OIL & GAS: A state-commissioned analysis finds it would cost $8.38 billion to clean up New Mexico’s oil and gas infrastructure, but the state only has about $200 million in bonds to pay for it. (New Mexico Political Report)

ALSO:
• New Mexico has steadily increased its reliance on tax revenue from the oil industry — now accounting for about a third of the state’s budget — complicating clean energy ambitions. (Searchlight New Mexico)
• The Los Angeles City Council passes a resolution calling for the closure of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility, a move that is largely symbolic. (CBS Los Angeles)
• Conservationists say they have enough funding to transform a 384-acre oil field near Newport Beach, California into a park and nature preserve. (Los Angeles Times)
• Colorado landowners are suing two oil companies, alleging they were underpaid on royalties over seven years. (Daily Camera)

EQUITY:
• As California weighs an electric vehicle requirement for rideshare services, a driver advocate worries it will be a ​“green badge of honor” for the companies while low-income drivers shoulder the cost. (CalMatters)
• A Colorado bill would develop a common definition for environmental justice for use across state agencies. (Colorado Public Radio)

GRID:
• Residents of four California cities will distribute 25,000 free smart thermostats that will help compensate homeowners for conserving energy during times of high electricity demand. (San Francisco Chronicle)
• California officials provide more detail on the state’s preparation for peak demand this summer and what contingencies are available. (Canary Media)

STORAGE:
• Officials in a Montana county are expected to vote today on a proposed 75 MW energy storage facility that some neighbors oppose over aesthetic concerns. (Montana Standard)
• A new software developed by Sandia National Laboratories will help utilities and businesses assess the value of energy storage. (news release)

COAL: The Colorado House advances a bill that would provide $15 million for communities transitioning away from coal. (Colorado Springs Gazette)

CLIMATE:
• A Washington state lawmaker praises corporations like Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks as ​“moral-authority thought leaders on climate.” (GeekWire)
• California has been reducing funding for state programs to cut methane emissions from livestock operations as climate advocates warn those efforts need to accelerate. (Agri-Pulse)

UTILITIES:
• Colorado regulators will allow Xcel Energy to offer discounts up to 30% for companies moving to the state, with one commissioner calling the plan ​“deeply flawed.” (Colorado Sun)
• A Nevada utility is planning a power outage today to prevent wildfires in a mountain community west of Las Vegas. (KTNV)
• Washington regulators will allow utility disconnections to resume starting July 31. (KING 5)

COMMENTARY:
• Advocates say California needs to more aggressively subsidize electric school buses, which help protect kids from the health impacts of diesel exhaust. (East Bay Times)
• A solar executive says Arizona regulators need to prepare for private companies like Tesla moving into the utility space. (Arizona Republic)