Energy news in brief

** North Dakota regulators will hear testimony next month on whether oil production at current low prices amounts to wasting natural resources, potentially setting the stage for output restrictions.

** New Mexico regulators delay a decision on a proposed solar and storage project to offset the loss of the San Juan Generating Station.

** A federal judge criticizes PG&E for failing to maintain the grid and orders the utility to overhaul its tree-trimming and power line inspection practices.

** A California industry group opposes Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to strengthen oil and gas production oversight.

** Rocky Mountain Power now estimates it needs more than 170 additional workers for its transmission line expansion project running through a Wyoming county.

** Two Arizona energy advocates say the coronavirus pandemic underscores the urgent need for the state’s power sector to reinvest in Arizona’s coalfield communities.

** Peabody Energy posts a weak first quarter with losses of nearly $130 million compared to a profit during the same period last year.

** In a lawsuit over the Keystone XL pipeline, tribes warn that construction crews are flouting the developer’s COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

** A drop in ethanol demand that slowed production at Iowa plants caused a shortage of carbon dioxide used in the water treatment process.

** General Motors delays the unveiling of its new Hummer electric pick-up truck due to the pandemic.