STORAGE: Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are exploring the potential for “self-healing” energy storage batteries that could respond to deterioration after wear and tear. (Midwest Energy News)
CLIMATE:
• A report finds carbon emissions from the power sector have dropped to 1990 levels; Ohio-based American Electric Power is still the top emitter despite being only the sixth largest energy producer. (InsideClimate News)
• A survey at the University of Michigan finds a majority of Americans believe states should take the lead to address climate change if the federal government fails to act. (Michigan Radio)
COAL: Advocates in Waukegan, Illinois say a coal-burning power plant is impeding development in the community along Lake Michigan after decades of dealing with industrial pollution. (Pacific Standard)
EFFICIENCY:
• Some residents in a St. Paul, Minnesota neighborhood say the switch to LED streetlights has been intrusive. (MinnPost)
• Illinois joins 10 other states in suing the Trump administration over its failure to finalize energy-use limits for portable air conditioners and other products. (Associated Press)
• A Wisconsin program seeks proposals from large energy users seeking financial assistance for energy efficiency projects. (Milwaukee Daily Reporter)
PIPELINES:
• After completing a pressure test, Enbridge says a portion of the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac is “fit for service.” (Detroit News)
• Though facing five years in prison if convicted, a Native American activist accused of inciting a riot during protests against the Dakota Access pipeline says he is prepared to take the case to trial. (Associated Press)
RATES: Under a new energy law in Illinois, monthly charges to support wind and solar development will roughly equal the cost to support two nuclear plants. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
REGULATION: A budget bill in the Ohio Senate would ban the chairman of the Public Utilities Commission from serving in the governor’s cabinet. (Columbus Business First)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: General Motors has built 130 self-driving Chevrolet Bolt electric cars at a factory in Michigan, “making it among the first automakers to mass produce self-driving vehicles.” (Associated Press)
OIL AND GAS: North Dakota oil production has stayed above one million barrels per day for the past three months. (Associated Press)
BIODIESEL: Researchers at the University of Minnesota patent a process to turn wastewater byproducts into biodiesel. (news release)
COMMENTARY:
• Researchers at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis say mismanagement of the shrinking coal industry will continue “and even stable jobs will remain at risk.”
• The editorial board at the University of Minnesota newspaper says the school should adhere to the Paris climate agreement following President Trump’s decision to drop out. (Minnesota Daily)
• An Ohio editorial board argues in favor of zero-emissions credits for nuclear plants in order to support climate change goals. (Akron Beacon Journal)