New Mexico Enacts Trio of Bills Supporting Renewable Energy Expansion

NYSERDA Requests Funding to Launch Build-Ready Program for Renewable Energy Development

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on June 5 submitted a petition to the Public Service Commission, requesting approval to launch and advance the Build-Ready program through 2025. The move is in response to recent legislation that established a Clean Energy Resources Development and Incentives Program through which the agency will advance…...

U.S. Energy Department’s Better Buildings Initiative Saved Nearly $11 Billion in Energy Costs

U.S. Energy Department’s Better Buildings Initiative Saved Nearly $11 Billion in Energy Costs

The U.S. Energy Department on June 9 announced that the more than 950 public and private sector organizations participating in the Better Buildings Initiative saved nearly 1.8 quadrillion British thermal units of energy, yielding $10.7 billion in savings. The Better Buildings Initiative is designed to drive leadership in energy innovation. The department partners with leaders…...

RGGI Carbon Auction Signals Steady Market Defying COVID-19 Impacts

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – RGGI Carbon Auction Signals Steady Market Defying COVID-19 Impacts

Prices in the 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s latest carbon auction rose to the highest since 2015, defying impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic as two more states gear up to join the initiative. Meanwhile, revenues from California’s post-pandemic auction tumbled to $25 million, less than 5 percent of the previous auction proceeds, pointing to a need for reforms for predictable outcomes and a long-term strategy to fund climate programs.

FERC Conditionally Approves $4.3 Billion Sale of El Paso Electric Company

Trump Signs Executive Order to Expedite Infrastructure Investments to Recover Economy from COVID-19

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 4 directing federal agencies to use emergency powers to expedite infrastructure projects to facilitate recovery from the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19. The order allows agencies to consult with the White House Council on Environmental Quality to identify “alternative arrangements” for complying with the requirements…...

States Canada Imports and Exports Pulse

Energy Accounted for $85 Billion of U.S. Imports From Canada in 2019: EIA

Canada is the second-biggest destination for U.S. energy exports, next only to Mexico, and the main source of U.S. energy imports, according to a June 5 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In 2019, energy accounted for $85 billion, or 27 percent, of the trade value for U.S. imports from Canada; crude oil and…...

U.S. Court Issues Another Halt to Construction of $3-Billion Mountain Valley Natural Gas Pipeline

U.S. EPA Updates Water Certification Rule for Energy Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on June 1 issued a final rule specifying the timeframe for states to review water quality requirements for infrastructure projects under a section of the Clean Water Act. The rule requires states or authorized tribes to take final action within one year of a certification request. The agency also clarified…...

Georgia Power’s Fuel Rate Changes Expected to Reduce Annual Billings by $329 Million

FERC to Examine COVID-19 Impacts on Energy Industry

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on June 5 announced it will convene a technical conference next month to consider the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on various segments on the U.S. energy industry. The agency will analyse the potential longer-term impacts on regulated entities to ensure efficient functioning of energy markets, power transmission, oil…...

Oregon Governor Orders Sweeping Climate Action Setting Sector-Specific Emissions Caps, Tougher Clean Fuel Targets

RGGI Carbon Auction Sells Out, Generates $94 Million

The 48th quarterly carbon auction of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the nation’s first mandatory cap-and-trade program to cut power sector emissions, sold more than 16.3 million carbon allowances at a clearing price of $5.75. The auction generated about $93.9 million, bringing the total proceeds to nearly $3.6 billion. The clearing price was slightly higher…...

U.S. Biomass-Based Diesel

U.S. Biomass-Based Diesel Imports Rose by 26 Percent in 2019: EIA

U.S. biomass-based diesel imports increased by 26 percent in 2019 to more than 27,000 barrels per day after three consecutive years of decline, according to a June 2 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Production of biomass-based diesel, which refers to biodiesel and renewable diesel, is largely driven by federal and state policies as…...

New Mexico Enacts Trio of Bills Supporting Renewable Energy Expansion

Connecticut Regulator Provides Relief for Renewable Energy Projects Facing Delays From COVID-19

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority extended the start date for delivery of renewable energy credits, or RECs, from low and zero emission facilities under the state’s LREC/ZREC program to provide flexibility for projects that may be facing delivery delays due to the COVID 19 pandemic, according to a June 1 press release. The agency…...