Xcel Energy granted approval by Colorado regulators to participate in the SPP's day-ahead power market.

Headline: Energy Developments Across the West

In the dynamic world of energy, developments are aplenty across the western United States. Here's a roundup of some of the latest news:

Opposition to Pacific Power's Transmission Line

Some Oregon residents are voicing concerns over a proposed 180-mile transmission line by Pacific Power, claiming it is too close to their community. The concern stems from potential impacts on local landscapes and communities. (Central Oregon Daily)

California's Wildfire Fund and Utility Costs

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed legislation that would require utility ratepayers and shareholders to split the $18 billion cost to bolster the state's wildfire fund. This move aims to address the financial burden of wildfire prevention and recovery efforts. (Los Angeles Times)

Exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

An Alaska investment authority is proposing seismic oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a move that could potentially impact the region's delicate ecosystem. (E&E News)

Pressure on Regulators to Weaken Power Line Removal Rules

Records show California utilities pressured regulators to weaken a 2005 rule requiring the removal of abandoned power lines, similar to those suspected of sparking the deadly Eaton fire in January. (Los Angeles Times)

Climate Benefits and Environmental Impacts of a Nevada Lithium Mine

California columnist Sammy Roth is weighing the climate benefits and environmental impacts of the proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine in Nevada, a project that could boost the state's renewable energy efforts but potentially disrupt local ecosystems. (Los Angeles Times)

Power Supply for Montana Data Center

NorthWestern Energy has signed a letter of intent to provide up to 1,000 MW of power to Quantica Infrastructure's data center under development in Montana. (Montana Free Press)

Permitting for California Solar Installation and Energy Storage System

California officials have begun permitting for Terra-Gen's proposed 1,400 MW solar installation and 1,000 MW battery energy storage system in Kern County. (Energy Storage News)

Wildfire Damages Utility Poles in Utah

A wildfire in central Utah has damaged utility poles, leaving over 3,000 customers without power. (ABC4)

Grid-Scale Battery System in Colorado

Colorado firm Peak Energy has installed the nation's first grid-scale sodium-ion pyrophosphate battery system at a Denver-area facility. (PV Magazine)

Joining the SPP's Markets+ Day-Ahead Regional Power Market

Colorado regulators have approved Xcel Energy's proposal to spend $30 million to join the SPP's Markets+ day-ahead regional power market. (Colorado Sun)

PG&E's Anticipated Grid Demand Increase

Pacific Gas & Electric expects new data centers to increase demand on its grid by 10,000 MW over the next 10 years. (PG&E news release)

Halted Offshore Wind Energy Development in Oregon

The Trump administration's rescission of designated offshore wind energy areas has halted potential development along Oregon's coast, but will not affect three projects already underway off California's central coast. (Oregon Capital Chronicle, KCLU)

Rescinding Stricter Reviews for Wind and Solar Projects

The federal Bureau of Land Management's retirees organization has asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to rescind a new policy requiring stricter reviews for proposed wind and solar projects. (E&E News)

Solar Arrays in Washington State Apple Orchards

A new study finds installing solar arrays in Washington state apple orchards reduces fruit sunburn and increases yields. (PV Magazine)

Nuclear Renaissance in Idaho

The director of Idaho National Laboratory predicts Trump administration policies will lead to a nuclear renaissance by "reinvigorating" the industrial base. (Idaho Capital Sun)

Oregon's Climate Change Efforts

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek says the state will continue efforts to fight climate change even though the Trump administration is rolling back federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. (Jefferson Public Radio)

No Solar Plant Plans in Utah

At the moment, no relevant information could be found about a company currently planning a solar plant with a 1,400 MW storage system capacity and a 1,000 MW battery energy storage in Utah.

Repeal of Carbon Capture Equipment Study Bill in Wyoming

A Wyoming legislative committee has killed a bill that would repeal a state law requiring utilities to study the feasibility of installing carbon capture equipment on aging coal plants. (WyoFile)

Data Access for North Carolina Customers

North Carolina has approved Duke Energy's plan to let customers access their data. (Canary)

Onsite Radioactive Waste Storage for Nuclear Microreactors in Wyoming

Wyoming lawmakers have tabled legislation that would allow nuclear microreactors to store radioactive waste onsite following residents' pushback. (WyoFile)

Geothermal Development in Idaho

The federal Bureau of Land Management proposes leasing nearly 70,000 acres in Idaho for geothermal development. (news release)

Green Hydrogen Production in Los Angeles

Avina continues work on its green hydrogen production and distribution facility in Los Angeles, despite the Trump administration revoking federal support for the technology. (Los Angeles Times)

Nuclear Fusion Reactor Facility in Washington State

Helion Energy breaks ground on its nuclear fusion reactor facility in Washington state, even though neither Helion nor any other company has perfected the technology yet. (E&E News)