The Pentagon is going solar

SOLAR: The U.S. military will install rooftop solar panels on the Pentagon as part of a $250 million package announced Wednesday to reduce emissions from federal buildings. (Associated Press)

‍

ALSO:

• Solar power is poised for record growth this year, though domestic manufacturing incentives, interconnection delays, net metering changes and interest rates could all slow deployment. (E&E News)
• The Biden administration adds 22 million acres in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming to the original six states in its federal land solar development plan. (The Hill)
• Federal officials grant Maine’s Acadia National Park $1 million to install rooftop solar and a dozen electric vehicle charging stations at a new headquarters in Bar Harbor. (Maine Public Radio)

‍

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Amid reports of drivers struggling to charge electric vehicles in frigid temperatures, experts say a little planning can ensure typical travel. (Associated Press)
• Analysts say waning federal subsidies, global competition and uncertainty with this year’s presidential election could slow Michigan-based automakers’ electric vehicle sales. (Bridge)
• While few medium- and heavy-duty truck drivers are piloting electric models, many who do love their smooth handling and a lack of noise and fumes. (Washington Post)
• While electric vehicle sales growth has slowed, hybrid vehicle sales remain strong, with experts suggesting price barriers and discomfort are keeping people from adopting a fully electric car. (New York Times)

‍

NUCLEAR:

• Despite growing public and governmental support for nuclear power, industry experts say it’s unclear when the next U.S. reactor may come online. (Canary Media)
• The Biden administration approves spending $1.1 billion to help keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in California running beyond its previously scheduled 2025 retirement date. (Associated Press)

‍

POLITICS:

• Democratic strategists worry young voters aren’t excited to turn out and re-elect President Biden, but say his climate policy could persuade them. (E&E News)
• John Kerry’s coming departure as U.S. climate envoy opens the way for another high-profile Democrat or a climate policy expert to take his place. (Politico)

‍

WORKFORCE: Renewable energy is boosting West Virginia with a series of new factories and projects, but the state is hampered by a low labor force participation rate and lack of policies supporting smaller community-scale projects. (Mountain State Spotlight)

‍

GRID:

• Texas’ electric grid has held firm despite frigid temperatures and new winter peak demand records, but experts say energy efficiency improvements would boost its performance and help residents suffering from the cold. (Utility Dive, KTRK)
• South Dakota regulators ask Xcel Energy to reconsider closing two large Minnesota coal plants in the coming years based on concerns over whether there will be adequate power on the grid. (Utility Dive)

‍