Biden spotlights climate policy in State of the Union

CLIMATE: President Biden highlights his climate policies in his State of the Union address, tying Inflation Reduction Act incentives to a wave of clean energy manufacturing projects and jobs. (E&E News)

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ALSO: Two new analyses conclude this winter’s record-breaking warmth was driven by climate change, which combined with an El Niño weather pattern made the season unrecognizable in parts of the world. (New York Times)

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OIL & GAS:

• A wave of lawsuits from cities, states, and tribes against fossil fuel giants are about to get their day in court after years of legal limbo. (Grist)
• As the Biden administration reconsiders emissions rules for existing gas power plants, environmental justice advocates prepare to make a case for what they want out of the regulations. (E&E News, subscription)
• Advocates rally to push insurance companies to stop underwriting fossil fuel projects. (Inside Climate News)
• Colorado lawmakers continue to push a bill that would phase out new oil and gas development even though it is likely to fail, saying they want to spark debate about fossil fuels. (CPR)

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GRID: Advocates say grid-enhancing technologies can help squeeze more capacity out of existing U.S. transmission lines and reduce bottlenecks as more clean energy comes online. (States Newsroom)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Electric vehicles will be cheaper on average to build than gas-powered cars within the next three years, as innovations and increased production lower costs, a market research firm predicts. (The Hill)
• Electric vehicle maker Rivian announces plans to halt construction of a $5 billion vehicle and battery plant in Georgia due to financial troubles and legal battles over state incentives, and instead will focus on development of a new electric SUV in Illinois. (Associated Press, Quartz)

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UTILITIES: Xcel Energy acknowledges its power poles likely sparked the largest wildfire in Texas history, though denies it was negligent in maintaining its facilities. (Texas Tribune)

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SOLAR: New York City finds it feasible to develop solar and battery storage at Rikers Island, an infamous prison slated for closure, as well as install offshore wind power transmission equipment. (The City)

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STORAGE: Advocates say Hawaiian Electric’s plan to slash residential battery program incentives could imperil the state’s energy transition and lead to more power outages. (Grist)

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TRANSPORTATION: The founder of an electric bike-sharing company is determined to make the operation successful in Youngstown, Ohio, by scaling appropriately and focusing on community needs. (Energy News Network)

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BIOFUELS: Advocates say a California program allowing dairies to sell carbon credits for producing biofuels from manure incentivizes factory farming and its environmental impacts. (Sierra)

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COMMENTARY: A California columnist considers the pros and cons of public power agencies after Warren Buffett questions the financial viability of investor-owned utilities in the West. (Los Angeles Times)

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