In the news today:
Renewable Energy:
- Utility Dive reports that Congress on Monday passed another stimulus package as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The package includes extensions on the solar and wind production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC), energy efficiency incentives, research and development “enhancements” for clean energy technologies and more, according to a joint statement from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
EPA:
- The Hill reports that the CDC warned that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rationale for keeping Obama-era standards on particulate matter was “not scientifically defensible” before the agency finalized the rule earlier this month.
Coal:
- Utility Dive reports that the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) on Wednesday backed away from a plan to accelerate the closure of three coal plants, after regulators expressed concerns about the “feasibility of the transitions if the closure dates are moved up.” The plants impacted by the decision include Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s Craig 3 unit; Platte River Power Authority’s Rawhide plant, and Colorado Spring’s Nixon facility.
Congress:
- E&E reports that green groups are stepping up their fundraising and bringing in millions in support of the Democratic candidates in the Senate runoff elections set for next month in Georgia.