Surging U.S. gas production creates ​‘sacrifice zone’ on the Gulf

OIL & GAS: A surge in oil and gas production, largely driven by fracking, has turned the U.S. into the world’s top producer — and fuels concern that the Gulf Coast is becoming a ​“sacrifice zone for the oil and gas industry.” (The Guardian)

ALSO:

• As the U.S. shifts toward renewables, the Tennessee Valley Authority doubles down on gas generation with eight newly proposed gas-fired plants since 2020, including a planned 500 MW natural gas-fired power plant in Mississippi. (WPLN)
• Loopholes in Pennsylvania law allow fracking companies to still dispose of their wastewater along roadways even though the practice was banned over seven years ago. (Grist)

GRID: Utility regulators in 14 states sign a letter supporting a recent federal transmission order that they say will give states a larger role in transmission planning and cost allocation. (Utility Dive)

NUCLEAR:

• The nation’s top nuclear regulator says a decommissioned Michigan nuclear plant could reopen by August 2025 if an environmental review remains on schedule and is approved. (MLive)
• The founder of a failed Appalachian indoor farming company has re-emerged as the cofounder and CEO of a startup that wants to deploy a 6 GW nuclear-fission reactor fleet by the mid-2030s. (Canary Media)

WIND:

• Vineyard Wind’s developer tells investors that a seemingly isolated manufacturing defect is to blame for a blade failure; the company’s wind power unit still operates at a loss but could be profitable in 2025. (Reuters)
• Wind development continues to divide residents in Midwest states, as misinformation leads to restrictive local regulations and local economic benefits can take years to materialize. (Associated Press) 

STORAGE: Tesla says it deployed 9.4 GWh of battery storage in the second quarter of this year, marking a record quarter for the company’s energy generation and storage sector as its electric vehicle business slows. (Canary Media)

CLIMATE:

• The U.S. EPA announces $325 million for building weatherization, clean energy career programs, and other climate projects in environmental justice communities. (E&E News, subscription)
• Four top contenders to become Democrats’ vice presidential nominee have mixed records on climate, like Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who has acknowledged climate change but wouldn’t blame it for devastating 2022 floods. (New York Times)

SOLAR: Massachusetts officials, advocates, and businesses are hoping proposed changes to the state’s solar incentive program will help reinvigorate a flagging market and give more disadvantaged residents access to the benefits of renewable energy. (Energy News Network)

POLLUTION: Satellites detect high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide pollutants around e-commerce distribution hubs and warehouses around the country, stemming largely from delivery vehicles’ tailpipe emissions. (Grist)

ELECTRIFICATION: Washington state officials certify a November ballot initiative seeking to overturn rules aimed at phasing out natural gas and encouraging electrification in buildings. (Washington State Standard)