In the news today…
Media Alert:
- Thanks to the Pottstown Mercury (PA) carrying my new op-ed where I argue that the EPA’s new carbon rule could have disastrous effects on the reliability of the power grid.
Grid:
- KSTP reports that grid congestion on transmission lines is creating a wind energy bottleneck in southwestern Minnesota and restricting additional development.
- Utility Dive reports that interconnection delays in grid operator PJM’s territory are harming states’ ability to reach clean energy goals, according to a new Natural Resources Defense Council report.
- Utility Dive reports that as Texas eyes new gas power plants, ‘probably the most important bill for grid reliability is effectively dead.’ Senate Bill 258 would have set a 1% annual energy savings target but the Texas House Committee on State Affairs did not advance the measure last week.
Permitting:
- E&E News reports that a permitting law overhaul remains on the table as part of debt-ceiling negotiations, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said, hinting at the possibility that President Joe Biden could be on board to expedite energy project approvals for both oil and gas and renewable developments, although the White House did not comment on the talks. McCarthy told E&E News that any permitting policy changes that could not be agreed on by the debt-limit deadline could be taken care of later, delivering on an earlier promise he made to Biden.
Mining:
- E&E News reports that the Biden administration has paused finalizing an environmental impact statement for a controversial copper mine in Arizona in order to meet with opposing tribes and review the Forest Service’s consultation.