Xcel says closing Colorado coal plants will cost $1.4 billion

COAL: In a filing to Colorado regulators, Xcel Energy says it will cost ratepayers $1.4 billion to close its remaining coal plants, a figure that will likely be challenged in proceedings. (Colorado Sun)

TECHNOLOGY: A California environmental data mapping tool could help the Biden administration find and remediate polluted neighborhoods nationwide. (Reuters)

CLEAN ENERGY:
• A proposed Alaska bill aims to expedite the funding of sustainable energy development projects through private sector partnerships and an initial $10 million investment from the state. (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, subscription)
• A Colorado city partners with Xcel Energy to develop and implement its clean energy goals, including reducing the city’s carbon footprint. (news release)

UTILITIES:
• Three federal judges hear arguments in a lawsuit aiming to invalidate a California bill allowing PG&E to be certified as a ​“safe” utility despite criminal investigations for multiple deadly and destructive wildfires. (KXTV)
• Consumer advocates warn PG&E ratepayers could be adversely impacted by the utility’s effort to securitize $7.5 billion in costs associated with wildfires in its service territory in 2017. (Utility Dive)

SOLAR:
• California solar groups and utilities agree the state’s solar net metering policy must balance the fundamental needs of the grid and those of low income ratepayers. (Canary Media)
• A California-based renewable energy company begins construction on two projects in Hawaii totaling 75 MW of solar backed by a combined 300 MWh of storage, representing a $280 million investment. (PV Magazine)

WIND: A New Mexico regulator says the company hoping to merge with the state’s largest power utility needs to address its ​“regulatory shortcuts” on two existing wind farm projects in the state. (Santa Fe New Mexican)

OIL & GAS: A research firm projects oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin will increase by more than 70 rigs by early 2022, the possible beginning of a new multi-year growth cycle. (Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION:
• The Washington House passes a bill that will establish an eight-year pilot project reducing sales tax on hydrogen vehicle purchases. (H2 View)
• California is set to launch a $50 million program today adding sites to recharge and refuel zero-emission buses and trucks. (E&E News, subscription)
• An Arizona utility is offering a $1,000 rebate for buying or leasing a new electric vehicle from a local dealership in a bid to decrease area emissions. (KNXV)
• A proposed California bill aims to establish a pilot program to encourage the purchase of electric bicycles through rebates. (Davis Vanguard)

EFFICIENCY: A California official says a green energy loan program targeting low-income homeowners engaged in ​“some predatory behavior.” (KPIX)

COMMENTARY:
• Two Idaho lawmakers say they are committed to keeping Columbia-Snake River System dams, the four Lower Snake River dams in particular. (Challis Post Register)
• Two Arizona advocates say state lawmakers lack the power to interfere with utility regulators’ clean energy rules, citing a 2020 ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court. (Arizona Republic)
• A California physician says it’s vital the state institutes 2,500-foot setbacks for oil wells, citing the adverse impacts of toxic pollution on the health of marginalized communities. (CalMatters)
• Two Nevada climate advocates hope U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei will co-sponsor a federal bill aiming to decrease carbon pollution to net zero by 2050 and accelerate the clean energy transition. (Reno Gazette Journal)