EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Carbon Trading Goes Mainstream as More States Tackle Climate Change
As more U.S. states look to expand clean energy and climate policies, carbon trading is evolving to play a key role in the shift to a greener economy.
Maryland Enacts Law Allowing Participation in Regional Program to Cut Transportation Emissions
Maryland enacted legislation on May 25 that authorizes the governor to include the state in a regional initiative that limits or reduces emissions from the transportation sector. The state is part of the Transportation and Climate Initiative, under which, a regional collaboration of nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and Washington DC that are exploring ways…
Maryland Governor Allows 50 Percent Renewable Standard Despite Discontent, Unveils 100 Percent Clean Energy Plan Including Nuclear
Republican Governor Larry Hogan announced on May 22 that he is allowing the Clean Energy Jobs bill, which raises the renewable portfolio standard to 50 percent by 2030, to take effect without his signature, expressing concerns that the measure could send jobs and environmental benefits to other states. Hogan chose to allow the measure to…
California-Quebec Carbon Auction Sells Out, Allowances Clear at Record Highs Signalling Market Stability
The nineteenth quarterly carbon auction held by California and Quebec sold all of the more than 66 million carbon permits offered for current emissions at a record-high $17.45 per credit, above the floor price of $15.62, according to the results released on May 22 by the California Air Resources Board. The auction also sold 100…
Trump Administration Pushes to Resume Federal Coal Leasing With Favorable Draft Review
The Bureau of Land Management on May 22 issued a draft environmental review finding that lifting an Obama-era moratorium on federal coal leasing would not change the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions compared to waiting for the pause to expire. The move responds to a court ruling issued last month, finding that former Interior Secretary Ryan…
Xcel Energy’s Upper Midwest Plan Seeks to Add 3 Gigawatts of Solar, Phase Out Coal by 2030
Xcel Energy Inc. plans to retire its last two coal power plants in Minnesota by 2030, a decade earlier than scheduled, while extending operations of its Monticello nuclear plant until at least 2040, according to a May 20 announcement. The closures are part of the company’s integrated resource plan, which will be filed with the…
EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – States Lean on Utilities to Foster the Rise of Electric Vehicles
The unabating momentum of electric vehicle (EV) growth has prompted regulators and legislators to examine policies and standards of utilities regarding charging infrastructure. Utilities can assume a larger role in developing EV charging because of their ability to install and operate widely distributed electrical assets.
FERC Approves Train 4 Texas Freeport LNG Expansion Despite Contentious Emission Standards
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved Texas Freeport LNG’s Train 4 expansion, the commission’s fourth approval of a liquified natural gas project this year, highlighting the nation’s commitment to exporting the super-chilled gas, according to a May 16 press release. The expansion of LNG terminal, located in eastern Texas, includes an extra liquefaction unit as…
PG&E Power Lines Caused Deadly Camp Fire According to California Investigator
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has determined that Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history, was caused by electrical transmission lines owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric, according to a May 15 press release. The Camp Fire started in Butte County on the morning of November 8,…
EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – U.S. to Become Net Gas Exporter by Pipeline in 2019 Amid Jump in Shipments to Mexico
The U.S. is poised to become a net exporter of natural gas by pipeline for the year for the first time ever following a 24 percent jump in shipments to Mexico in 2018 and a build out of new cross-border links set to expand the capacity for flows heading to the southern neighbor.
Coal-Fired Plants to Generate 13 Percent Less Power This Summer Amid Rise in Natural Gas, Renewables: EIA
U.S. power plants are projected to generate 2 percent less power during the summer months of 2019 compared to last year due to changes in the mix of energy sources, according to a May 9 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Coal is forecast to supply 25 percent of generation this summer, down from…
Rash of Climate Bills Fail to Advance in Montana’s Republican Controlled Legislature
A series of bills which sought to tackle, monitor or challenge the issue climate change failed to pass the Republican-controlled legislature in Montana before it adjourned on April 25. Introduced by representative Nary Dunwell, a Democrat, HB 193 would establish a carbon tax and create ways to distribute the revenue from it. The bill would require…