COAL: The Tennessee Valley Authority power plant in Paradise, Kentucky, burned its last load of coal last month despite last-ditch efforts by the state and federal governments to stop it from closing. (Associated Press)
ALSO:
• The Ohio Valley’s coal industry faces major slowdowns as the coronavirus pandemic impacts international exports and electricity demand. (WVPB)
• West Virginia doctors are checking on patients with black lung disease over the phone to help protect them from the coronavirus. (WVN)
PIPELINES: A federal district court declines to stop construction on the Permian Highway Pipeline in Texas despite claims that Kinder Morgan failed to follow some mitigation steps to protect endangered bird habitat. (S&P Global)
OIL & GAS: Houston liquified natural gas company Tellurian negotiates deferred payments on a $75 million loan until November 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. (NOLA.com)
RENEWABLES: Sarasota, Florida, residents and the Sierra Club pressure officials to pledge to power city operations with 100% renewable energy by 2045. (Your Observer)
SOLAR:
• Houston solar company Sunnova asks Congress to include the industry in a federal aid package for the coronavirus pandemic. (Houston Chronicle)
• Solar developers are hiring installers who are new to the industry, offering on-the-job training and long-term employment for projects in Florida, North Carolina and elsewhere. (PV Magazine)
UTILITIES:
• Virginia lawmakers passed clean energy bills, but proposals to challenge the power of Dominion Energy gained little traction. (S&P Global)
• Oklahoma electric utilities suspend disconnections in some rural areas as state officials discuss ways to provide consumer relief amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Oklahoman)
OVERSIGHT: Oklahoma regulators close headquarters and oil and gas field offices to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Oklahoman)