Happy Friday!
In the news today…
Grid:
- Utility Dive reports that as California grid interconnection requests triple, analysts assess CAISO’s moves to handle the influx. Bringing large amounts of clean energy to the grid over the next decade and beyond — resources that are critical to the state’s climate as well as power reliability goals — experts are increasingly pointing to the need to revamp its interconnection processes.
Energy:
- The Hill reports the House on Thursday passed an energy package that was the Republican conference’s top legislative priority, sending the measure to the Senate where the Democratic leader has said it is “dead-on-arrival.”
- Wall Street Journal carries an op-ed by Sen. Joe Manchin in which he calls on President Biden to implement the Inflation Reduction Act as intended.
- E&E Daily reports two Democrats are set to introduce an energy permitting overhaul, a response to Republicans’ sweeping energy package.
- E&E Daily reports the House Republican energy and permitting bill is poised to become a cudgel in congressional campaigns for both parties, as the GOP looks to defend its narrow majority in the chamber.
Coal:
- Argus reports coal exports from Hampton Roads, Virginia, reached their highest level in nearly four years in February as some rail shipments accelerated and European demand increased.
- E&E Climatewire reports two Washington state utilities have announced plans in recent months to transfer their ownership interests in a massive Montana coal plant to a pair of power companies that intend to operate the facility for years to come.
Minerals:
- E&E Greenwire reports the Biden administration unveiled a long-awaited proposed rule Friday that will make fewer electric vehicles eligible for $7,500 tax credits meant to encourage consumers to ditch gas-powered cars, an at least temporary crimp in the White House’s strategy to address climate change.