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Energy Update: February 13, 2023

 

In the States

 

CO: Governor Jared Polis ordered state action to combat rising energy bills. “I am directing the Public Utility Commission to improve long-term price stability and reduce customer exposure to price spikes," Governor Polis said during a press conference. The directive includes a measure requesting the Public Utility Commission elevate low-income heating assistance programs and increase the number of budget payment plans. The Governor also asked the state to prioritize outreach to the most vulnerable Coloradans. "Of course, the long-term solution is to continue driving towards 100% low-cost renewable energy, ending our reliance on costly fossil fuels that also make us vulnerable to price increases," the Governor added. Following the Governor’s press conference, gas industry leaders announced a $1 million investment in heating assistance for low-income customers. Governor Polis orders state action to reduce Colorado’s high energy bills —CBS Colorado

 

MN: Governor Tim Walz is set to sign a bill that requires that all energy produced in Minnesota be carbon-free by 2040. The bill, approved on a party-line 34-33 vote in the Minnesota Senate, would require that the largest electric utilities derive 100% of their energy from carbon-free sources by 2040. While clean, renewable sources such as solar and wind are preferred by the bill, it also allows nuclear, hydrogen, biomass, and hydroelectric energy to be used. Small electric cooperatives would have to meet a less ambitious standard, while fuels such as natural gas and propane would still be allowed. Previously, the state had a goal of producing 25% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025, something that it achieved seven years ago. 100% carbon-free electricity bill heads to Governor—TwinCities.com

 

TN: Governor Bill Lee proposed a $50 million fund to attract new nuclear power development in the state, as a part of his annual “State of the State” address to the Legislature. Calling it the “Nuclear Fast Track fund,” the Governor said that the fund will help “recruit companies to our state that will specifically establish a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem built for the future of Tennessee. We cannot pass up this opportunity. Tennessee can and should be the leader in nuclear energy for America.” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivers 2023 State of the State address—WCYB 5

 

AK: Governor Mike Dunleavy called for developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Asia and “unlocking” the North Slope’s natural resources for extraction. The Governor said that Alaska’s future relies on both being a leading producer of oil, natural gas and minerals while also becoming a “global leader in new forms of low-and no-carbon energy.” In his State of the State address, the Governor said “we’ll unlock our stranded North Slope gas to power Alaska, to supply our Asian allies, and to produce zero carbon energy in the form of hydrogen and ammonia.” The Governor expressed support for a long-planned LNG project that would consist of a pipeline spanning from the northern shores of the state into the Kenai peninsula, for liquefication and shipping to Asia. The project is being planned by the state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corp. Governor Dunleavy noted that Alaskan gas production does not utilize the environmentally hazardous practice of flaring (burning of excess gas from wells), and said that Alaska operators adopted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies “before ESG was the latest fashionable thing on Wall Street or in Washington.  Alaska Governor Ready to "Unlock" North Slope Natural Gas to Strengthen Energy Supplies—Natural Gas Intel

 

National

Over 100,000 climate-friendly jobs have been created in the months following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, a new analysis by an environmental group showed. The bill, which passed along party lines during the previous Congress, included tax credits to produce carbon-free energy. The analysis, prepared by the group “Climate Power,” showed that companies announced 101,036 new jobs and more than 90 new projects since the law’s enactment. Arizona, Kansas, Georgia and Tennessee will all see more than 10,000 jobs created. Southern states including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama will all see over 1,000 jobs created, among others. Most jobs will be in the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing sectors. Inflation Reduction Act has spurred 100,000 new green jobs so far: here’s where they are—CNBC

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