Power market decision challenged by Northwest advocates in lawsuit against BPA

In the realm of energy and utilities, the western United States is witnessing a flurry of activity. Here's a snapshot of some of the significant developments taking place:

Oil and Gas Leases Up for Sale

The federal Bureau of Land Management has announced plans for a September sale of 26 oil and gas leases on 8,355 acres in Montana and North Dakota. This move is expected to stir debates about energy production and environmental conservation. (NBC Montana)

Nuclear Reactors and State Control

The Western Governors Association has passed a resolution calling for more state say over proposed nuclear reactor fuel depository siting. This resolution underscores the growing desire for local control in nuclear energy decisions. (KSJD)

Delay in Lithium-Boron Mine Construction

Ioneer has delayed construction on its Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron mine in Nevada due to low commodity prices. This pause could impact the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, a key component in the transition towards renewable energy. (Nevada Current)

Rate Hikes and Utility Regulation

Utah regulators stand by their April decision to approve a 4.7% Rocky Mountain Power rate hike instead of its proposed 18.1% increase, calling the utility's initial request "offensive." This decision highlights the ongoing tension between utility companies and regulatory bodies. (Utah News Dispatch)

Coal Leasing Ban Challenged

Montana's congressional delegation has introduced legislation aiming to overturn a Biden-era ban on new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin. This move could reignite the coal industry debate in the region. (KPVI)

Transition to Electric Buses in National Parks

Zion National Park officials report improved air quality following the transition of their diesel shuttle fleet to electric buses. This shift towards cleaner transportation within national parks is a positive step towards reducing emissions. (Reasons to be Cheerful)

New Coal Mine with Rare Earth Element Extraction

Ramaco Resources is breaking ground on a new coal mine in Wyoming where it plans to also extract rare earth elements and other critical minerals. This development could impact the balance between energy production and environmental concerns. (Wyoming Public Radio, E&E News)

Hybrid-Electric Ferry Launched in Washington State

Washington state has launched a 202-vehicle hybrid-electric ferry, the continent's largest vessel of its kind. This move signifies a commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. (KIRO)

Concerns over Clean Energy Tax Credit Cuts

Western officials are voicing concerns that federal clean energy tax credit cuts could threaten billions of dollars of investments and tens of thousands of potential jobs in their respective states. (AZ Mirror, WyoFile, Washington State Standard)

Calls for Streamlined Permitting in Oregon's Solar Industry

Oregon's solar industry is calling on state lawmakers to streamline permitting to help them weather the effects of federal clean energy incentive cuts. This call for action underscores the industry's resilience in the face of challenges. (OPB)

Lawsuit to Block Geothermal Project in Nevada

Conservationists have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the federal Bureau of Land Management’s pending approval of the proposed Dixie Meadows geothermal project in Nevada, claiming it would harm an endangered toad. (news release)

Lawsuit over Power Lines and Wildfire Accusations

Northwest advocates are suing the Bonneville Power Administration over its decision to join SPP’s day-ahead power market rather than the California grid operator’s. Meanwhile, victims of the Palisade Fire in Los Angeles are accusing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power of tampering with records relating to power lines near where the January blaze began. (Oregonian, KABC)

Proposed Battery Energy Storage System in California

Coval Infrastructure proposes a 1,150 MW battery energy storage system in the Antelope Valley in southern California. If approved, this system could significantly boost the region's renewable energy capacity. (Energy Storage News)

Call for Justice in Nuclear Power Development

Indigenous and environmental advocates are calling on firms and policymakers pushing for more nuclear power to consider the uranium industry's harmful legacy and keep "justice at the center of its governance policies." (Atmos)

Encouragement for Electric Vehicle Purchases in Colorado

Colorado energy officials are urging residents to purchase electric vehicles before federal and state incentives expire or are reduced. This call to action could accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the state. (CPR)

Proposal for Large-Scale Energy Infrastructure Project in Germany

While no large-scale battery energy storage facility larger than 1 gigawatt is planned in the western United States within the next year, the LEAG is pursuing a gigawatt-scale energy infrastructure project in Lausitz, Germany, including batteries, but not specifically in the western US or within the next year. (LEAG)

Record Energy Demand in Arizona

Arizona utility Salt River Project set a new peak energy demand record of 8.3 megawatts. This milestone underscores the growing energy needs in the region. (news release)