Federal government aims efforts at approvals for SouthCoast Wind projects
In recent times, there has been a significant shift in the energy sector across the United States. Venture capital groups, nonprofits, and academics have collaborated to create a comprehensive roadmap for decarbonization in the U.S., a move aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change (Heatmap).
On the political front, a bipartisan House group has released a permitting reform plan. This initiative aims to set deadlines for court reviews of permitting decisions and intends to be shaped into legislation, a step that could expedite the approval process for clean energy projects (Utility Dive).
In the realm of renewable energy, California aims to develop 25 gigawatts of floating offshore wind energy by 2045. This ambitious target, despite the expiration of federal tax credits and Trump administration hostility, underscores the state's commitment to a sustainable future (Los Angeles Times).
However, challenges persist. The Trump administration has frozen or canceled over $29 billion in community environmental and clean energy grants awarded under the Biden administration (Inside Climate News). The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has even filed a motion to revoke its approval of the SouthCoast Wind project off Massachusetts. SouthCoast Wind, however, has vowed to 'vigorously defend' its permits in federal court (WBUR).
Elsewhere, the clean energy sector continues to grow. A new report from advocacy group E2 finds the sector added nearly 100,000 jobs in 2024. Hyundai, for instance, has announced a $2.7 billion expansion for its Georgia plant to increase production and build 10 different electric and hybrid models (Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
Iowa, traditionally known for its wind energy, is set to expand its solar energy capacity in the coming years. Advocates suggest a shift from decades of wind energy dominance in the state's energy mix (Inside Climate News).
Virtual power plants are being explored as a potential solution to relieve hot spots on neighborhood power grids. Meanwhile, some developers in New England are reconsidering pumped hydro as a form of energy storage due to the growth of intermittent renewable energy generation in the region (RTO Insider).
In the realm of transportation, EV Realty has secured $75M to expand electric truck charging in California (New from Canary - Jeff St. John). Microsoft also plans a $4 billion expansion at its data center in southeastern Wisconsin (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).
However, not all news is positive. A coal-burning steel plant may hinder Cleveland's climate goals (New from Canary - Kathiann M. Kowalski). The Republican-led House has also approved a bill prioritizing dispatchable energy for grid interconnection, potentially creating a roadblock for renewables projects without battery storage (The Hill).
Lastly, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has been accused of consistently failing to properly review wind and solar projects on public lands between 2017 and 2023 (Reuters). The Interior Department has also been criticized for its handling of projects like Revolution Wind, with developers claiming 'factually incorrect' reasoning for stopping work on the project (Reuters).
As the U.S. navigates its energy transition, these developments highlight the complexities and the promise of a sustainable future. The road ahead is challenging, but with continued collaboration and innovation, a greener future may yet be within reach.
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