People opposed to expanding a fracked gas pipeline in the Northwest are pointing to the explosion of a pipeline in Virginia as another reason to reject the project. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will decide tomorrow whether to approve expansion of Gas Transmission Northwest, or GTN Xpress, which moves fracked gas from Canada to California. On Tuesday, a pipeline owned by the company behind GTN Xpress, TC Energy, ruptured and caught fire 80 miles from Washington, D.C., causing the closure of a nearby interstate. .
As signs of climate change surface in Minnesota, policymakers and utilities are making a hard charge to transition to clean energy sources, but questions remain about whether the power grid will be ready. Citing independent estimates, the U.S. Department of Energy said to meet demand for sources like wind and solar, the nation will need to expand transmission systems by 60% by 2030 and possibly triple them by 2050. .
Interest in community solar is on the rise, as a greater share of West Virginians household incomes go toward utility bills. Federal data show electricity rates are increasing in the Mountain State, and major utilities are proposing more rate hikes for next year. Danny Chiotos, development manager for Chaberton Energy, explained community solar is emerging as an alternative. .
A spending bill in Washington, D.C. includes a provision to conduct further study of wind energy before its installation in Idaho. Critics say the provision could slow down wind power s roll out. .
State and federal legislation lay the groundwork for a clean energy revolution in Minnesota. Advocates are fighting to ensure diverse communities are included.