Trump seeks significant cuts to funding for national labs in Colorado and the Northwest region

In this month's roundup, we bring you the latest updates on energy and environmental developments across the United States.

The California grid operator's test of a virtual power plant, comprising 100,000 distributed batteries, was a resounding success. The Brattle Group reported that the trial added an average of 535 MW onto the grid, demonstrating the potential of this innovative approach to bolster the state's energy supply.

Meanwhile, in Nevada, CanCambria Energy plans to delve into oil and gas drilling, marking a significant shift in industry interest for a region historically weak in such activity. The company recently received regulatory approval for confirmation wells to advance their Ba-IX field project.

Minnesota's electric coffee roasting pioneers, Dan Haugen of Canary, are making waves in the industry. Their innovative approach to sustainable energy is paving the way for a greener future.

In Wyoming, a professor is developing technology to protect nuclear reactors from earthquake damage. This development, reported by Cowboy State Daily, could potentially mitigate the risks associated with seismic activity and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities.

The federal Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on 11 proposed oil and gas leases on 20,000 acres in Nevada. Historically, industry interest in the region has been weak, but these proposals signal a potential shift.

The Trump administration and congressional Republicans have proposed slashing budgets and laying off thousands of employees from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado. This move could have significant implications for the future of renewable energy research in these states.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has brought the Eland solar-plus-storage project online. This project is expected to supply about 7% of the city's total electricity needs, contributing significantly to the city's renewable energy goals.

The U.S. Interior Department has approved the proposed Rosebud Mine expansion on federal land in Montana for the extraction of 33.75 million tons of fuel for the Rosebud and Colstrip coal plants. This decision has sparked controversy and concerns about the impact on the environment and climate change.

In Colorado, advocates fear the state could lose $156 million in already awarded federal funds if the U.S. EPA follows through with plans to cancel the $7 billion Solar for All program. This potential loss could setback the state's renewable energy goals.

New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney has stated that the state will continue "leading on climate action" despite the rollback of federal regulations by the Trump administration. The state has recently signed a contract worth $5 million to acquire six electric school buses and charging stations with vehicle-to-grid capability.

Xcel Energy officials have said they are "prepared to go to court" in September to fend off allegations that the utility's equipment sparked the destructive 2021 Marshall Fire near Boulder, Colorado.

A Colorado researcher claims that the science on oil and gas drilling is nearing a tipping point at which there is conclusive evidence proving fossil fuel extraction harms human health.

Nevada-based Redwood Materials claims its method of stacking used lithium-ion batteries is the cheapest way to build long-duration energy storage.

The Trump administration has fast-tracked federal permitting for the Sweetwater in-situ uranium extraction project in southwestern Wyoming. This decision has been met with criticism from environmental groups.

In Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek has signed a bill allowing regulators to develop performance-based plans aimed at encouraging utilities to improve operations and reduce costs, develop distributed generation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Washington state regulators have fined HF Sinclair and Tesoro a total of $2.7 million for violating dangerous waste laws by storing sulfuric acid and spilling oily wastewater.

In Chicago, EV ambassadors are being enlisted to help drivers transition to electric vehicles. This initiative aims to address concerns and misconceptions about electric vehicles and promote their adoption.

A Massachusetts town has banned gas and housing still boomed anyway, demonstrating that sustainable living can be both achievable and profitable.

Rover Critical Minerals has abandoned its proposal to mine lithium at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada due to falling commodity prices and increasing opposition. This decision is a victory for environmentalists who have been advocating for the protection of this sensitive ecosystem.

In Colorado, regulators have greenlighted Tri-State Generation's proposed 307 MW natural gas plant at the site of a retiring coal facility in the northwestern part of the state. This decision has sparked debate about the future of energy production in Colorado.

A Wyoming columnist has called for state lawmakers to rescind a law requiring utilities to study retrofitting aging coal plants with carbon capture, stating that the technology is unfeasible and will increase electricity rates. This viewpoint contrasts with those who see carbon capture as a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector.

Lastly, a Hawaii shipping company has halted deliveries of electric vehicles due to lithium-ion battery fire risks. This development underscores the challenges and risks associated with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-evolving energy and environmental landscape in the United States.

Trump seeks significant cuts to funding for national labs in Colorado and the Northwest region