July 15, 2020: GRID Alternatives broke ground on California’s first community solar project that will serve low-income residents. Joe Biden released a $2 trillion climate and clean energy plan that includes a goal of reaching zero-emission power by 2035 and positioning the U.S. as a leader in electric vehicle production. A coalition of 15 states and D.C. are aiming for all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2050. Global investment in offshore wind more than quadrupled in the first half of 2020, despite an economic slump from the pandemic.

“These are the most critical investments we can make for the long-term health and vitality of both the American economy and the physical health and safety of the American people,” said Democratic candidate Joe Biden on his newly announced $2 trillion climate and clean energy plan. ”

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Political Climate: Beginning of the End for New Oil and Gas Pipelines?

GRID Alternatives, a leader in renewable energy technology for underserved communities, broke ground on California’s first ever low-income community solar project. The almost one-megawatt solar project is expected to create $5.4 million in savings for members of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians and other qualifying low-income members of the local power cooperative. The project will also provide job training and is expected to be completed by this fall. (Solar Power World)

Democratic candidate Joe Biden unveiled a $2 trillion plan that will boost clean energy across the transportation, power and building sectors. The plan seeks to revive the American economy while strengthening infrastructure and slashing fossil-fuel emissions. It includes an ambitious target of reaching zero-emission power by 2035, conducting energy efficiency upgrades on four million buildings over four years, and positioning the U.S. to lead the world in clean vehicle production. Biden also called for addressing the need to link environmental policy decisions with racial justice. (New York Times $)

A coalition of 15 states and the District of Columbia released a joint Memorandum of Understanding that aims to have all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2050. The MOU includes an interim goal of 30 percent zero-emission truck sales by 2030, although the goals are not legally binding. The effort is seen as one of the biggest steps to reduce harmful diesel pollution, which disproportionately impacts Black, Asian and Latino communities. Relatedly, a new study finds that residents of color in the Greater Boston area are much more likely to live near high-polluting roads, and lays out recommendations for tackling the inequities, including transportation electrification and cleaner modes of transport. (The Verge, Smart Cities Dive)

Global investment in offshore wind energy more than quadrupled in the first half of 2020, despite the economic fallout from the pandemic. Investment in the sector reached a record $34.9 billion during this time, and led the way for 28 new offshore wind farms. Analysts at Bloomberg New Energy Finance cited both the falling costs of offshore wind technology and a rush in China to take advantage of expiring subsidies as reasons for the trend. The record investments in offshore wind fueled a five percent increase in total renewable energy investment despite a drop in onshore wind and solar power investment due to COVID-19. (The Guardian)

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld a federal order that is seen as an essential next step to growing the energy storage market. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s 2018 Order 841 allows energy storage resources to compete with other resources in wholesale power markets and is seen as a significant step in moving to a clean energy grid. The ruling rejected opponent claims that the order encroached on state authority. (Utility Dive)

Electric vehicle company Rivian raised $2.5 billion in financing as it seeks to bring the first ever electric pickup truck to the market. New financing was led by T. Rowe Price Associates, and included funding from Soros Fund Management and others. The company has raised $6 billion in total funding thus far and is expected to launch an all-electric pickup and SUV in early 2021. Separately, utility Southern California Edison kicked off a $356 million program for electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which includes plans to install at least 870 commercial charging stations over the next five years. (CNBC, Greentech Media)

Solar development in Massachusetts is coming at the expense of forests and woodlands. A report by Audubon this year found that solar projects accounted for 25 percent of development on natural lands in the state over five years. Environmental advocates are pointing out that “misguided” state incentives for solar power encouraged solar projects to get built on undeveloped land, and groups like the Solar Energy Industries Association are encouraging development in alternate areas like rooftops, parking lots, and “low-value” wooded areas. State officials are planning to announce new rules that would limit where solar farms can get built, while some solar advocates caution the rules could jeopardize nearly 80 projects, and eliminate jobs and investment. (Boston Globe)