Reports that a new Obama Administration climate plan seeks to circumvent congress have democrats and republicans up in arms. The alleged plan would create binding agreements with other governments that fall short of an actual treaty which would require a majority senate vote many see as unlikely. “Republicans have also sought to portray Obama as a figure abusing his power with executive actions. House Republicans approved legislation in August that would allow Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to file a lawsuit challenging Obama’s actions.” [The Hill]

Alaska voters chose not to repeal a 2013 oil tax law that oil companies lobbied hard to get passed. “The campaign was all about fixing the problem of declining oil production, which has seen output in the trans-Alaska pipeline fall from a high of 2 million barrels per day in 1988 to 547,866 barrels in 2012, Lyford said.” [Rigzone]

A GE study found wind farms can be more effective at maintaining frequency on the power grid than thermal plants because wind can respond more quickly. “While GE’s study considered the impact of wind power on the Eastern Interconnection of the U.S., the lessons we’ve learned can be applied in Europe and around the globe,” said Nicholas Miller, lead author of the study and senior technical director for GE’s Energy Consulting business. “The conclusions demonstrate that wind power can be more effective in maintaining frequency than thermal generation when wind farms are equipped with grid friendly controls. These findings should show that the future of wind energy is bright and it will continue to play a larger role in the power we consume.” [Renewable Energy Focus] Of course GE manufactures wind turbines and grid-friendly control systems.