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Ahead of Stimulus Talks, Voters Back Relief for Renewables More Than for Oil and Gas
While future legislative action to support markets affected by the coronavirus pandemic remains uncertain, lawmakers have floated relief for both the renewable energy and the oil and gas sectors. But as the oil and gas industry faces the combined pressures of low demand and a supply glut, voters are more supportive of financial support for the renewables sector. [ read more … ]
Commentary
Moniz: How an energy jobs coalition can help the US economy bounce back
The chorus is growing louder: in addition to halting the increases in coronavirus cases, we need an energy stimulus package focused on rebuilding the economy. Job creation and infrastructure development will be key. With unemployment filings reaching nearly 10 million, it is clear we are in the midst of an economic calamity leading to significant business closures and further job losses, despite the stimulus packages enacted by Congress to date. We need to create new jobs, protect the livelihoods of American people and ensure the future resilience of our economy [ read more … ]
Wind Energy
Minnesota renewable-energy output grows as pollution from electric generation declines
Minnesota’s renewable-energy industry grew in 2019 and coal burning and carbon emissions declined, according to data released Thursday by Bloomberg New Energy Finance for the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. “This report shows the significant progress Minnesota is making as we transition to a clean energy economy,” Gregg Mast, chief executive of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, said in a statement. “This report also emphasizes the fact that wind and solar are the cheapest forms of new power generation in the market,” he said. [ read more … ]
Energy Department Announces $20 Million Investment in Offshore Wind Resource Characterization and Technology Demonstration
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $20 million investment in offshore wind energy resource characterization and technology demonstrations. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports offshore wind development by improving the ability to forecast energy production, and by demonstrating innovative technologies not yet deployed at commercial scale. [ read more … ]
Solar Energy
Huge U.S. Solar Project Permit Delayed Over Impact on Historic Trail
A U.S. government agency has delayed issuing a permit for the Gemini solar power project in Nevada, one of the country’s largest proposed solar farms, over concerns about its impact on a historic region traversed by settlers of the American West. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management missed its target to decide on the so-called Section 106 permit governing the project’s historic impact by the end of March, after overshooting a previous deadline in December. [ read more … ]
Coronavirus
Con Edison reaches 142 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths, as risks rise for utility workers
Consolidated Edison, the largest utility serving the New York City region, had 142 employees that tested positive for COVID-19 — six of whom have recovered and returned to work as of Thursday at noon, but two of whom have died, spokesperson Allan Drury told Utility Dive. These are the first utility worker deaths connected to COVID-19 confirmed by Utility Dive. [ read more … ]
Coronavirus could trigger biggest fall in carbon emissions since World War Two
Carbon dioxide emissions could fall by the largest amount since World War Two this year as the coronavirus outbreak brings economies to a virtual standstill, according to the chair of a network of scientists providing benchmark emissions data. Rob Jackson, who chairs the Global Carbon Project, which produces widely-watched annual emissions estimates, said carbon output could fall by more than 5% year-on-year — the first dip since a 1.4% reduction after the 2008 financial crisis. [ read more … ]
100% clean energy group launches, with eyes on coronavirus
State officials representing over a quarter of the country’s power sales are announcing a new coalition this morning centered on 100% carbon-free targets. So far, all but two of the 15 states and jurisdictions with 100% clean energy goals have confirmed their participation. The collaborative will hold its first meeting by call-in later this month.
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Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.