In the States

AK – The Alaska LNG Project took a major step forward recently with the submission of a formal request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to begin the pre-file process, which includes an environmental review, design, and permitting for construction. A joint venture between Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, BP, TransCanada, and the State, the Alaska LNG Project is seeking to build an 800-mile pipeline connecting the State’s North Slope to a concurrently proposed natural gas liquefaction plant on the State’s southern coast. The pipeline is projected to transport as much as 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. According to a recent press release, the pipeline and liquefaction facility is expected to create at least 15,000 jobs. Alaska LNG Project takes step forward with FERC filing – FuelFix

CO – Governor John Hickenlooper named 19 members to a state task force on oil and gas land use issues. The panel, which was a key part of a compromise between the Governor and supporters of oil and gas-related ballot initiatives, will, as part of its work, examine the role of the State and local governments in siting facilities. The task force will develop recommendations, which can be turned into legislation, “to minimize land use conflicts that can occur when siting oil and gas facilities near homes, schools, businesses, and recreation areas.” La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt and Randy Cleveland, president of XTO Energy, Inc., will chair the task force, which is expected to release it recommendations early next year. “We are confident,” said Governor Hickenlooper, “that the task force members we have assembled to take on these critically important issues for our state are exactly the right group to ensure that Colorado’s economy and environment remain healthy and robust.” Hickenlooper names task force to defuse drilling land-use conflicts – The Denver Post

NH – The State’s Office of Energy and Planning released a new ten-year energy strategy, pursuant to state legislative authorization. The plan also calls on the State to “modernize its electrical grid, increase energy efficiency and transportation choices, and diversify the fuel supply.” The strategy plan and its recommendations do not contain any mandates or directives, but rather are intended to be used as tools for lawmakers and State agencies when working on energy policy. According to Governor Maggie Hassan, “the New Hampshire Energy Strategy proposes concrete ways to help reduce energy costs, create jobs, protect our natural resources, and improve reliability and diversity.” New Hampshire given recommendations for new 10-year energy strategy – The Concord Monitor

NV – Governor Brian Sandoval and Tesla Motors’ CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla will build a $5 billion gigafactory, which will produce lithium-ion battery cells, near Reno, Nevada. The project, which is expected to create nearly 7,000 jobs, has not yet been finalized as Governor Sandoval is seeking approval from the State Legislature on a tax incentives package ranging in worth from $700 million to $1.3 billion. The company is expected to generate more than $100 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years if the factory is built. Other States, including Texas, New Mexico, California, and Arizona, also competed for the project. Nevada lawmakers yet to reach decision on Tesla – USA Today and Nevada bets $1.3 billion on Tesla to push beyond gambling – Bloomberg

Federal and National

According to a new report by Environmental Entrepreneurs, nearly 13,000 clean energy and clean transportation jobs were created in the second quarter of 2014. That figure is more than double the total number of jobs created during the first quarter. The State of Arizona created the most jobs during the first six months of the year, with nearly 3,100 new positions. California, Michigan, Utah, and Massachusetts, in that order, were also among the top five clean jobs-producing States. The report by Environmental Entrepreneurs also requests that Congress extend tax provisions benefiting the industry at large. The States adding the most clean jobs – Forbes

The Department of Energy gave final approval for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) via Sempra Energy’s facility in Hackberry, Louisiana. Sempra Energy expects the project to create approximately 3,000 jobs in addition to several hundred jobs in construction, engineering, and operations. The project is authorized to export up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of LNG for the next 20 years. Louisiana Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter and Congressman Charles Boustany, whose district includes Hackberry, all supported the project. "LNG exports,” said Congressman Boustany, “will provide good paying jobs and economic growth for all Americans and Louisiana is leading the way." Senator Landrieu added that the project will help “to position the United States as an energy superpower.” Energy Department gives final OK for LNG export facility in Cameron Parish – The Times-Picayune