Wyoming’s high court rejects plan to slash rooftop solar incentives

ALSO:

• Oregon advocates push back against utilities’ proposals to slash net-metering compensation for rooftop and community solar, saying they would slow the energy transition and disproportionately harm disadvantaged communities. (Oregon Capital Chronicle) 
• Colorado observers say high interest rates have slowed rooftop solar installations and harmed large-scale installers, but state and federal incentives have helped keep small local firms afloat. (Colorado Sun)
• A manufacturer and utility service provider team up to bring rooftop solar installations to about 300 off-grid homes on the Navajo Nation. (Renewable Energy)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Colorado extends and expands its cash-for-clunkers electric-vehicle purchasing rebate program after retiring more gasoline-powered cars than expected last year. (Colorado Sun)
• Some California big rig drivers welcome the transition to electric trucks, but say batteries must be lighter and last longer and the charging ecosystem significantly expanded. (Sierra)
• The U.S. Transportation Department awards Oregon $15 million to build up to 500 level 2 electric-vehicle quick chargers at multifamily buildings and public facilities. (KOIN)
• Observers say Wyoming’s fossil fuel-friendly politics pose a bigger obstacle to electric vehicle adoption than the state’s wide open spaces and harsh winters. (Inside Climate News)

ELECTRIFICATION:

• Berkeley, California’s residents are set to vote on a proposal to tax natural gas consumption in large buildings after the courts shot down the city’s gas hookup ban. (Canary Media)
• A California city considers offering a rebate on electric leaf-blower purchases in an effort to phase out existing diesel models. (San Jose Spotlight)