OIL & GAS: As natural gas and chemical plants expand in coastal Louisiana, so are community efforts to stop the factories by residents concerned about the impact on their health. (WWNO)
ALSO:
• Ohio Valley utilities, energy producers and energy sector workers are adjusting operations and bracing for economic impacts due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Ohio Valley Resource)
• The federal government plans to buy up to 77 million barrels of crude oil to top off strategic petroleum reserves in Louisiana and Texas. (The Advocate)
• Texas oil and gas regulators are considering reducing oil production during the coronavirus pandemic, at the behest of some producers. (Texas Tribune)
RENEWABLES: Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia is among three House Democrats pushing to include clean energy tax credits in coronavirus stimulus legislation. (Greentech Media)
SOLAR: Despite coronavirus concerns, a UK developer backed by BP closes on a $250 million financing package for a 260 MW solar project in Texas. (Greentech Media)
COAL: The National Mining Association is also asking the Senate for a bailout package during the coronavirus pandemic. (E&E News, subscription)
NUCLEAR: About 120 workers at Georgia’s Plant Vogtle are quarantined at home awaiting the results of their colleagues’ coronavirus tests. (E&E News, subscription)
UTILITIES:
• A Memphis municipal utility considers acquiring power from another utility instead of the Tennessee Valley Authority. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• The NextEra Energy companies commit $1.5 million to emergency assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. (Florida Politics)
CLIMATE: Over half of North Carolina voters believe climate change requires mobilization similar to the coronavirus response, according to a poll by the League of Conservation Voters. (E&E News, subscription)
COMMENTARY: South Carolina lawmakers should proceed with caution when considering how to introduce electricity competition because of potential hidden costs for customers, a director at a consultant firm says. (Post and Courier)