Study: We’re good on fossil fuel projects

FOSSIL FUELS: The world already has enough planned fossil fuel projects in the pipeline to cover predicted energy demand through 2050, a study finds, suggesting countries should halt new permits. (Guardian)

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ALSO: Democratic senators call on the U.S. Justice Department to “use every tool” it has to combat oil industry price fixing. (Associated Press)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• The Biden administration opens applications for $1.3 billion in funding to build electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel stations. (news release)
• Ford and General Motors’ CEOs offer dueling views of hybrid vehicles, with Ford’s executive suggesting they’re not a “transitional technology” but a more permanent solution, while GM’s says they’re “not the end game” on the path to zero emissions. (Reuters)
• A University of Michigan study suggests new AI tools could be used to analyze and improve electric vehicle charging. (The Verge)
• Kia begins producing its new flagship electric SUV at a Georgia factory. (WTVM)
• Experts say skills shortages are hindering Michigan’s transition to electric -vehicle manufacturing, and that the industry will need to invest in new training and education efforts. (Michigan Advance)

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CLIMATE:

• Top federal climate adviser John Podesta discusses how trade disagreements are hindering cooperation between the U.S. and China on climate. (Washington Post)
• Vermont becomes the first state to pass a measure requiring major oil companies to pay for climate damages. (VT Digger)

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SOLAR:

• California regulators side with utilities and adopt rules slashing compensation for community solar providers and subscribers, raising concerns for the program’s future viability. (CalMatters)
• The CEO of the nation’s largest residential solar company discusses how the company is trying to innovate in a sector held back by the utility industry’s “slow and no” culture. (Energy News Network)

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NUCLEAR: Biden administration officials tout Georgia Power’s recent expansion of Plant Vogtle — long-delayed and far over-budget — as they pledge federal support for nuclear projects. (Georgia Recorder, E&E News)

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WIND: Federal regulators decide to lease a 15.2-square-mile site in the Gulf of Maine to the state of Maine to form the first U.S. floating offshore wind research site in federal waters. (Mainebiz)

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BUILDINGS: New York launches the country’s first energy rebate program supported by $158 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds, providing up to $14,000 to low-to-moderate-income homeowners for energy efficient upgrades. (Spectrum News 1; Gothamist)

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GRID: Data centers are on track to consume 9% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030, though better efficiency measures and grid technology upgrades can help address the surge, a research group finds. (Utility Dive)

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COAL ASH: The U.S. EPA’s rejection of Alabama’s coal ash plan raises questions in Georgia, where Georgia Power also plans to leave millions of tons of coal ash submerged in groundwater. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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