• Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has suffered its third mass bleaching in five years.
• The Welsh government will plant a national forest that will span the length and breadth of the country.
• Vehicle emissions drop in March due to COVID-19, but what happens when driving returns?
• And more…

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• A wind and solar chairman responds to Trump’s assertion that the Green New Deal is “ridiculous.”
• EPA suspends environmental law enforcement, citing coronavirus.
• A judge orders a full environmental review of the Dakota Access pipeline.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a suspension of the enforcement of environmental rules on Thursday, saying it “will generally not seek stipulated or other penalties for noncompliance with such obligations” during the coronavirus outbreak.

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The US Senate has unanimously passed the $2 trillion stimulus package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s the largest emergency aid package in US history. And the green energy sector didn’t get anything, as expected… but neither did Big Oil.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• The world’s wind power grew by nearly one-fifth in 2019 compared to the previous year.
• The US stimulus package has been finalized. Here’s what’s in it for energy (hint: not a lot).
• How to make your home more energy-efficient during social distancing.

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Russell Hardy, the CEO of Dutch energy and commodities company Vitol, the world’s largest independent oil trader, spoke with Bloomberg Markets: European Open this morning about the impact of the coronavirus on the oil markets as Congress finalizes the latest stimulus bill. What will energy get?

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Electricity demand is shifting and falling in the US and globally due to the coronavirus.
• The CEO of Vitol talks to Bloomberg Markets about oil’s drop in demand and rise in supply.
• Surprise! EVs really do reduce carbon emissions overall, even with fossil-fuel-powered electricity.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Idaho is expected to build a wind farm that will produce around 1,000MW and cost $1 billion.
• China’s COVID-19 lockdown was tough on every form of green energy except solar.
• GOP blames the inclusion of the Green New Deal for stimulus package delay — but it’s not in there.

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The US Senate has been in extensive talks — and some very heated arguments — for days in order to attempt to reach agreement over the latest stimulus bill in response to COVID-19. Democrats say the delay is a result of the bill not containing enough support for healthcare systems. Republicans argue that Democrats are trying to ram through the Green New Deal. The latter is wrong.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Some Wien Energie employees are working and living in isolation, and US workers may do the same.
• Here’s what is — and isn’t — on the table for energy in today’s US stimulus package.
• New York State invests $1 billion in green energy development.

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Senate Democrats and Republicans disagree about the latest stimulus package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. They are now frantically negotiating and aiming for a noon Eastern time vote. Here’s where energy and transport stand.

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• Social distancing doesn’t have to be boring — it can also help the planet. Here’s how.
• Coronavirus masks are clogging up Hong Kong’s beaches and nature trails.
• It sounds more than a bit odd, but the coronavirus lockdown may save lives by reducing air pollution.
• And more…

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Working from home can boost your energy bill. Here’s how to keep it under control.
• The DOE’s Solar Challenge Decathlon Design Challenge Weekend in April will be virtual.
• The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy fights for suspending utility cutoffs.

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Senator Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Battery and Critical Mineral Recycling Act of 2020 this month. The groundbreaking bill aims, as it simply states, “to support the reuse and recycling of batteries and critical minerals, and for other purposes.”

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Mystery Science is providing free science lessons online for school-age kids.
• The Battery and Critical Mineral Recycling Act of 2020 aims to provide grants to recycle batteries in the US.
• The Monterey Bay Aquarium is live-streaming its jellyfish, and it’s a relaxing reminder of why we want green energy.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• New Mexico’s governor prioritizes EVs and charging stations for Santa Fe despite the coronavirus.
• House Democrats have included green energy tax incentives in the coronavirus stimulus package.
• Turning offshore oil rigs into radical futuristic housing? Hey, you never know.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Italy and Spain have banned all but absolutely essential cycling on both pedal and e-bikes.
• A Scottish government floating wind technology acceleration competition announces eight winners.
• A new commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission poses conflict of interest.

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