In this week's Energy SciPol Weekly, the Senate approves a fracking ban; Elon Musk gives free solar panels and Tesla batteries; and Saudi Arabia makes a switch to renewables. 

The Courier Journal – The parent of Kentucky's two large utilities – LG&E and KU – has ordered a major reduction in emissions blamed for global warming by eliminating "the bulk" of its coal-burning in the coming years. 

The Washington Post – A memorandum from the Interior Department directs its field offices “to simplify and streamline the leasing process” so that federal leases to the oil and gas industry can be expedited “to ensure quarterly oil and gas lease sales are consistently held.”