OVERNIGHT ENERGY: EPA chief touts climate talks with China

WHAT WE HAVE HERE ISN’T A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE: On the eve of Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy’s trip to China, the administrator said the U.S. must lead the way on talks because it is one of the world’s top carbon emitters.

At a discussion hosted by the liberal Center for American Progress on Monday, McCarthy said the U.S. and China should be key leaders in international climate talks.

{mosads}The agency plans to help China tackle its air pollution challenges and said the two countries can learn from each other.

“It is not about a level of commitment, it is about an appropriate levee of engagement,” McCarthy said about U.S. relations with China on black carbon, methane and traditional pollutants.

McCarthy also noted that the EPA would foster conversation with states on carbon emissions standards for existing power plants, which should be proposed come June.

RENEWABLE ENERGY OUTLOOK: On Tuesday, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) will release the latest part in its series of studies across the 50 states.

The Renewable Energy in 50 States series by ACORE will focus on the Northeast region, which has the second highest solar power capacity in the country, an early release on the report notes.

High electricity prices should push the country to develop in-state clean energy projects, ACORE said.

You can find more information here.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Here’s what ran on E2-Wire on Monday.

– EPA chief: U.S. and China must lead way on climate regs
– Billionaire ‘absolutely’ wants to sway Keystone XL decision
– Chamber wades into Kentucky Senate race
– EPA to be ‘flexible’ on carbon standards
– EPA chief defends emissions listening tour

AROUND THE WEB:

AP reports North Dakota health regulators will launch a website this week that allows the public to monitor reported oil spills and hazardous leaks.

The move comes after state officials received heavy backlash for failing to report a pipeline burst that released 20,000 barrels of crude oil across a wheat field.

Reuters reports a U.S. online startup, Geostellar, wants to mimic Expedia or Orbitz by providing a one-stop shop for consumers who want to lease or buy solar panels.

Bloomberg reports Canada could lose its chance to become an energy superpower, as delays for new pipelines and an inability to get crude supplies to markets in Asia hurt the country’s industry.

Please send tips and comments to Laura Barron-Lopez, laurab@digital-release.thehill.com.