Focus
Project applicants can now pay for expedited federal environmental review under NEPA
Allen Matkins – July 16
The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) adds a new provision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that allows project sponsors/applicants to pay for expedited completion of an environmental review document. This is the latest in a recent spate of congressional and executive branch actions intended to speed up the environmental review process under NEPA, which requires federal agencies to analyze environmental impacts of projects that they carry out (including private projects that require federal agency approval or receive federal funding).
News
Solar and wind groups seek California aid after Trump subsidy cuts
Reuters – July 16
In a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders circulated on July 16, five trade groups representing solar, wind, and energy storage companies called on the state to speed environmental reviews and project approvals, initiate new clean-energy procurement, and allow more facilities to be sited on agricultural lands. The groups said rollbacks to clean energy tax credits and stricter rules on when a project is considered to have started construction threatened billions of dollars in investment and the state’s climate change goals.
California reaches new record clean energy milestone
SiliconValley – July 15
California has hit a new record for clean energy. Solar, wind, hydropower, and other carbon-free sources made up 67% of the state’s retail electricity supply in 2023, the most recent year that data is available, according to new statistics released on July 14 by the California Energy Commission. The total is up from 2022, when it was 61%. It exceeds the prior record of 64%, set in 2019.
California Senate committee approves bill that would keep solar net metering intact
Solar Power World – July 16
The California Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee has amended Assembly Bill 942 to maintain net metering agreements for solar consumers who sell their homes or properties on July 15. The amendments also removed language that would deny cap-and-trade climate credits to solar consumers.
Projects
California’s wind and solar projects face new federal hurdles
CalMatters – July 14
Clean-energy projects have new deadlines for federal tax credits and limits on foreign parts, taking aim at California’s climate agenda. Eleven major solar projects and one onshore wind project now face potential delays or cancellation, according to an analysis of federal data by Atlas Public Policy provided to CalMatters. The projects are spread across the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and Northern California.
New solar facility approved in Madison County, New York
Spectrum News – July 10
A final siting permit has been issued to develop and operate a new solar facility in Madison County, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced. Cypress Creek Renewables will develop Oxbow Hill Solar, which Hochul’s office said will contribute 140 MW of clean energy to New York’s electric grid.
DESRI starts construction at 150 MW solar-plus-storage project in New Mexico
PV-Tech – July 15
The Santa Tera Solar and Storage Project, which will combine a 150 MW solar facility with a 600 MWh battery energy storage system, is now under construction in Doña Ana County. DESRI has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with local utility El Paso Electric to sell power generated at the project.
Lydian Energy lands $233M in financing for 550 MW/1.1 GWh of Texas storage
Utility Dive – July 15
Lydian Energy has secured $233 million in financing for three, two-hour battery storage projects in Texas totaling 550 MW. ING served as the lender for the Pintail and Crane projects in San Patricio and Crane Counties, Texas, respectively. Lydian’s three Texas projects are part of a surge in energy storage development in the ERCOT market.
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