Tackling climate change clashes with coal mine cleanup in Colorado

CLIMATE: Some western Colorado residents push back on a proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by flaring methane leaking from an abandoned Colorado coal mine, saying it would reverse 30 years of reclamation work. (Colorado Sun)

ALSO: Phoenix, Arizona, is on track to set a record for the most heat-associated deaths in a metropolitan area following a sweltering summer. (Associated Press)

GRID: Alaska researchers join a national team looking to make rural power grids more resilient to climate change and extreme weather. (Daily Yonder)

STORAGE:

• The U.S. Energy Department awards $325 million for long-duration energy storage demonstration projects, including $70 million to install iron-air batteries at a retiring coal plant in Colorado and $50 million for a 1,200 MW pumped thermal storage project in Alaska. (Associated Press, Colorado Sun, Power Technology)

• Tesla launches a virtual power plant program for San Diego Gas & Electric customers with Powerwall battery storage. (Electrek)

WIND: Wyoming researchers find light-colored wind turbines attract insects and their avian predators, and painting them darker colors would reduce bird and bug collisions. (High Plains Journal)

TRANSPORTATION:

• San Diego officials drop a proposed road user charge — or ​“mileage tax” — from its long-term transportation plans following public confusion and opposition. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

• A Washington state judge upholds a $17 billion state transportation and climate package, rejecting opponents’ claims it is unconstitutional. (Washington State Standard)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Oregon officials say electric vehicle registrations have almost doubled since 2021, but affordability remains a barrier to widespread adoption. (OPB)

• California commercial landlords and businesses look to lure tenants and customers with electric vehicle charging stations. (Los Angeles Times)

OIL & GAS: 

• New Mexico regulators vote to proceed with the hearing process for a utility’s proposed liquefied natural gas storage facility in Rio Rancho. (NM Political Report)

• The Biden administration allocates nearly $40 million to tribal nations for cleaning up orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells, with about $6.5 million going to three Western tribes. (Fronteras Desk)

TRANSITION: Xcel Energy proposes building a 19 MW biomass power plant at a northwestern Colorado coal plant that is scheduled to close in 2028. (Steamboat Pilot & Today)

UTILITIES: A U.S. House subcommittee plans to probe last month’s deadly Maui wildfires, with a focus on Hawaiian Electric equipment’s role in sparking the blaze. (E&E News, subscription)

COMMENTARY: A California lawmaker and advocate urge state regulators to democratize clean energy and expedite climate-friendly affordable housing by enacting a robust community solar program. (Desert Sun)