RENEWABLES: After celebrating a major legislative victory this month, Virginia renewable energy companies now face an economic slump due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Virginia Mercury)
WIND: The nascent offshore wind industry, including projects off the coast of Virginia, could see major setbacks because of the coronavirus. (InsideClimate News)
COAL:
• The United Mine Workers of America asks federal regulators to set guidelines to help protect coal miners from contracting coronavirus. (WVPB)
• West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signs into law a bill that gives power companies tax breaks for keeping coal-fired power plants open. (Bloomberg Tax, subscription)
• The coal industry will not receive direct assistance from the $2 trillion bill to bring economic relief to individuals and industries affected by the coronavirus pandemic. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
PIPELINES:
• A federal safety agency eases requirements for staff training and qualifications for pipeline operators to help them prepare for the spread of the coronavirus. (Bloomberg Environment)
• Mountain Valley Pipeline developers say construction won’t be further slowed by the coronavirus pandemic. (Roanoke Times)
OIL & GAS: Texas regulators consider a cap on oil production because of low prices, but several regulatory and practical hurdles remain. (Grist)
UTILITIES:
• Texas regulators vote to ban utility shut-offs during the coronavirus pandemic and put customers on payment plans. (Texas Tribune)
• Tampa Electric Company is leveraging low natural gas prices to help customers save money through the pandemic. (Florida Politics)
• The Tennessee Valley Authority is giving $1 billion in credit to local electric cooperatives and municipal power companies. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)