Texas clears the way to loan out $5 billion for new gas plants

GRID: Texas regulators approve rules governing a new $5 billion energy fund that the state will loan to companies to build new natural gas-fired power plants. (San Antonio Express-News)

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ALSO:

• A Texas utility’s acknowledgement that one of its power poles likely led to this month’s historic wildfires is just the latest example of how climate change is stressing electric grids not built to withstand extreme heat and drought. (New York Times)
• The Tennessee Valley Authority seeks public feedback on its plan to build several miles of a 161 KW power line to meet the growing power needs of an Alabama arsenal. (WZDX)

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OIL & GAS:

• A powerful South Carolina lawmaker’s business relationship with a board member for Santee Cooper raises questions about whether he should vote or even discuss legislation to smooth the way for the state-owned utility to build a large natural-gas fired power plant. (The State)
• A Kentucky utility holds a public meeting to make its case for building a natural gas-fired power plant to replace capacity from two coal-fired plants closed last year. (WHAS)
• Texas, Louisiana and 14 other states ask a judge to overturn the Biden administration’s pause on awarding new permits for liquified natural gas export projects. (New York Times)
• CenterPoint Energy’s sale of its Louisiana and Mississippi distribution companies leads to speculation about whether gas utilities will continue selling off assets to raise capital. (S&P Global)

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TRANSITION:

• A company receives an $81 million federal grant to redevelop a Kentucky coal mine into a 287 MW pumped storage hydropower facility. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
• A Florida city that currently relies almost entirely on natural gas for power contemplates whether building out 1,000 MW of solar or developing small nuclear reactors might provide the best way to attain its goal of achieving net 100% renewable power by 2050. (WFSU)
• A South Carolina board approves the transfer of a former coal-fired power plant to a city that wants to develop a marina, beach and walkway on the property. (WBTW)

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SOLAR:

• A Shell subsidiary will receive $129 million in federal funding to build a 250 MW solar farm on two former coal mines in West Virginia. (West Virginia Public Broadcasting)
• Companies break ground on a 100 MW solar farm in Louisiana. (news release)

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CARBON CAPTURE: A company breaks ground on a direct air carbon capture plant in Texas, part of the leading edge of new technology the oil and gas industry is relying on to reduce its emissions, though critics say it’s too costly and energy-intensive. (Yale360)

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ELECTRIFICATION: Austin, Texas, looks to revamp its “cash for clunkers” equipment recycling program to encourage residents and landscaping businesses to trade in gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers and weed trimmers for electric models. (Austin Monitor)

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POLITICS:

• Kentucky lawmakers advance a resolution declaring the state a “sanctuary state” for fossil fuel-fired power plants and blocking its regulators from enforcing federal air quality rules. (Kentucky Public Radio)
• West Virginia U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito discusses her desire to halt the Biden administration’s new tailpipe emissions rules. (WV Metro News)

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COMMENTARY:

• A growing number of localities are banning and restricting wind and solar even as businesses call for more energy development, indicating the need for performance-based standards over the dictates of politicians or central regulators, writes a professor. (Austin American-Statesman)
• Rural opposition to solar development contrasts with growing power demand for data centers and artificial intelligence, creating a conundrum for policymakers, writes an editor. (Cardinal News)

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