The U.S. Energy Department has awarded $92.9 million to fund eight projects in six Western states aimed at uplifting communities impacted by transmission development. This initiative is supported by Western state utility regulators who back a new federal rule giving states a larger role in transmission planning, with the expectation that it will reduce energy costs. In the energy sector, a Colorado county and state regulators propose suspending fines for an oil and gas company in exchange for the closure and reclamation of all wells in the county. Furthermore, Permian Basin oil and gas companies are using self-driving trucks for hauling hydraulic fracturing sand. On the utilities front, a Montana utility is conducting performance testing on a controversial natural gas plant despite legal challenges. Xcel Energy anticipates the need to double its generating capacity in the Permian Basin due to growing electricity demand from the oil and gas industry. Idaho Power is offering rebates to commercial and industrial customers to reduce power usage during record-high temperatures. In environmental news, satellites have detected high levels of nitrogen dioxide pollutants around e-commerce distribution hubs in southern California. Washington state officials have certified a November ballot initiative seeking to overturn rules aimed at phasing out natural gas in buildings. Additionally, a report in Oregon highlights the increasing climate change-related health issues faced by residents. In the renewable energy sector, a developer is partnering with ranchers to graze sheep in solar installations in Oregon and Washington. There are also developments with solar installations in Colorado, California, and a 147 MW battery energy storage system coming online in southern California. Finally, a southern California police department has added a Tesla Cybertruck to its fleet for community outreach. Amidst these updates, a California company's hydrogen-electric aircraft successfully completes a 523-mile flight, showcasing advancements in hydrogen technology. In the political sphere, an Arizona poll reveals strong concerns about climate change and support for clean energy requirements among Latino voters.