** Environmental and community groups have sued a California county after the prime oil-drilling region approved a plan to fast-track thousands of new wells in a state that’s positioned itself as a leader in combating climate change.
** The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking $3.2 million in penalties from Appalachian coal mines owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice over claims they violated a settlement meant to prevent pollution.
** GE Renewable Energy will create as many as 750 new jobs in northeast England with a new factory that will make hundreds of giant blades destined for wind turbines in the North Sea.
** Environmental and community groups sue to block a California county’s decision to approve more than 40,000 new oil and gas wells.
** An electric car parts manufacturer announces plans for a new plant in Flagstaff, projected to employ 350 people within five years.
** A proposed Oregon bill that would prohibit the sale of petroleum diesel fuel for use in any motor vehicle by January 2027 is drawing criticism.
** A federal judge halts oil and gas development in Ohio’s Wayne National Forest after a ruling last year found federal officials didn’t adequately consider the project’s impacts.
** North Dakota’s oil production declined earlier this year after high winds caused power outages, state officials report.
** A work stoppage caused by an ongoing contract dispute with employees at a Minnesota refinery enters its second month with no end in sight.
** General Motors will partner with a startup company to advance the automaker’s battery development in pursuit of higher electric vehicle driving range in a smaller package.
** An Arkansas farmer testifies to a U.S. Senate committee about his use of solar panels and participation in a carbon credit pilot program as evidence of the rice industry’s environmental friendliness.
** John Kerry pitches a climate partnership with Wall Street, leaning on banks to help governments confront the costs of fighting climate change.