Energy news in brief

** The federal government could sell off up to 50,000 acres of public lands in Nevada in an attempt to promote local economic development and other purposes, under a new bill introduced by Rep. Mark Amodei (R)

** More than 50 industry trade associations, environmental groups and think tanks are urging congressional appropriators to provide robust spending increases for the Department of Energy’s research and development portfolio in its upcoming fiscal 2021 spending bill.

** As Congress crafts a third coronavirus aid package, the airline industry is seeking more than $50 billion in federal assistance — and lawmakers appear poised to heed its call for help.

** Xcel Energy officials give details on a planned 72-turbine wind project in northeastern South Dakota expected to start construction this year.

** South Dakota regulators approved permits for a planned 300 MW wind project.

** Analysts say electric vehicles are “particularly exposed” to business impacts from the coronavirus as consumers seek less riskier options during the pandemic.

** The coronavirus outbreak will trigger an economic slowdown that’s likely to affect the broader clean energy transition, including renewables, storage and electric vehicles, according to a recent report. 

** The sheriff of a California county says Tesla cannot continue to operate its plant under a Bay Area lockdown to prevent spread of coronavirus.

** Equipment failure at a suburban Denver oil refinery released a burst of “clay-like” pollution, and local officials say operators have failed to release information as to whether the public is at risk.

** New data analysis indicates Alaska and Wyoming can afford not to levy an income tax because of revenue generated from oil, natural gas, coal, and other mineral extraction.

** A new report indicates solar installations in Arizona more than doubled in 2019.