POLITICS: The Biden administration is racing to spend out Inflation Reduction Act funding and enact environmental rules as a potential Trump presidency looms, experts say, though some proposed regulations will remain unfinished. (Axios, The Hill)

UTILITIES:

  • The federal funding announced last week for rural electric co-ops to decarbonize marks the result of a yearslong effort between co-op leaders and environmentalists to collaborate on a clean energy transition. (E&E News)
  • Environmentalists and energy experts criticize the Tennessee Valley Authority for its plans to build eight natural gas-fired power plants, doubling down on fossil fuels despite running nuclear and hydroelectric plants through most of its history. (Washington Post)
  • Ratepayer and clean energy advocates across the country rally to highlight the link between climate change and rising electric bills. (Inside Climate News)

SOLAR: 

  • The U.S. solar industry installed 9.4 GW of capacity during what analysts called a “great second quarter” this year on the strength of utility-scale projects and federal policy support. (Solar Power World)
  • The anticipated launch of Hanwha Qcells’ end-to-end solar factory in Georgia is expected to supercharge the U.S. solar supply chain, which has already quadrupled in the two years since the passage of a federal climate package. (Canary Media)
  • Clean energy advocates wait to see if New Hampshire will continue its net energy metering program, though state regulators seem unswayed by the policy’s widespread support. (Energy News Network)

GRID: 

  • The U.S. energy storage sector deployed 11 GW of new utility-scale capacity in the second quarter, up 91% from a year earlier. (Utility Dive)
  • A regional coalition plans to develop a transmission study aimed at guiding interregional grid development across the West with an emphasis on reliability, efficiency and state policy goals. (Utility Dive)
  • High prices in grid operator PJM’s most recent capacity auction are a signal to build new generation but also may spur new demand response and batteries that help reduce demand, experts say. (Utility Dive)

OIL & GAS: Gulf Coast residents and environmental groups turn to federal courts to try to block a wave of liquified natural gas export facilities they say haven’t been adequately vetted for their potential impacts on environmental justice, greenhouse gas emissions, fisheries and more. (Floodlight)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Several automakers are scaling back their electric vehicle plans even though EV sales continue to climb. (Canary Media)

WIND: Federal ocean energy officials publish their final environmental assessment of a Gulf of Maine wind area, finding commercial wind energy projects would not have significant environmental impacts. (North American Wind Power)

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Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.