In the States
AK: Governor Mike Dunleavy concluded a trade mission to Japan, touting Alaska’s energy resources and export capabilities. Japan is in the midst of an energy transition focused on increasing reliability, given the nation’s geopolitical threats. The Governor met with Japanese utilities, government officials and companies to discuss Alaskan natural gas and hydrogen. "Alaska and Japan have a trade partnership going back over fifty years to the first LNG export from Nikiski to Japan," said Governor Dunleavy. "The natural gas of the Cook Inlet literally turned the lights on in cities across Japan and powered the economic engine that lifted that nation's postwar society into a critically powerful western ally.” The trip was the Governor’s second visit to Japan since taking office, and he was accompanied by officials from the Alaska Gasoline Development Corporation. Dunleavy concludes trade mission to Japan—KINY 800
LA: Governor John Bel Edwards signed a major offshore wind energy bill into law. House Bill 165 creates a framework for leasing areas for offshore wind production. Like the process for offshore oil drilling, the provision allows the state to take a percentage of revenue from the wind farm revenues and allows the state to sell leases. The measure differs from regulations in federal waters, wherein wind companies are not required to pay a percentage of revenues. Louisiana state waters extend three miles from the coastline, and often see lower wind speeds than federal waters offshore. Governor Edwards has long promoted the importance of wind power to meeting his goal of “net zero” carbon emissions by the year 2050. Gov. Edwards signs offshore wind bill—NOLA.com
ND: Governor Doug Burgum, alongside North Dakota’s congressional delegation, unveiled the new Green Bison Soy Processing Facility in Spiritwood. The facility, which will convert soybeans into biofuels and renewable diesel, will process over 150,000 bushels of soybeans per day. It is expected to create 70 permanent jobs. The plant is a 75%-25% venture between the food giant Archer Daniels Midland Co. and energy company Marathon Petroleum. "This plant means more options for local soybean farmers," said Ken Campbell, president of North American oils, biodiesel and renewable chemicals for Archer Daniels Midland. "It is a greater opportunity for ADM Green Bison to show our farmer community the wide variety of services and technologies to help growers thrive. It means good jobs and economic growth for Jamestown region and it means continued progress toward a lower carbon future." Green Bison Soy Processing breaks ground on soybean crushing plant—The Jamestown Sun
NY: Governor Kathy Hochul announced awards for 22 large-scale solar and energy storage projects. The projects will deliver clean energy to power 620,000 New York homes. The awards were a part of an auction of so-called Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs represent renewable energy entering the electric grid, and the agreement commits the state to purchase RECs from the generation projects for use by New York residents. The facilities are located mainly in the Albany, Plattsburgh, Syracuse and Buffalo areas. Governor Hochul said that the projects would spur $2.7 billion in private investment and create 3,000 jobs. New York’s goal is to source 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Hochul announces 22 renewable energy projects—ReNews
National
House Republicans unveiled their energy and climate strategy, should they win majorities in Congress. The plan was announced by Rep. Garrett Graves (R-LA), who leads the House GOP’s task force on climate and conservation. “We are aggressively pursuing meeting this global energy demand spike with U.S. resources. That means U.S. innovation, it means U.S. renewable energy technologies and, yes, it means conventional energy sources like oil and gas,” Graves said. The plan calls for legislation to promote oil and gas production, as well as hydropower and the production of critical minerals, which are used in renewable power storage. The plan is the first effort by House Republicans to offer a policy response to climate change. An energy industry source told The Hill that “When the Trump administration surprisingly won in 2016, climate fell off the agenda for the party. If they take over, that can’t happen again…this is a sign that it won’t.”
House Republicans unveil energy and climate strategy—The Hill