SOLAR: Alliant Energy releases plans to build another 414 megawatts of solar generation, putting it on track to become Wisconsin’s largest owner of solar energy projects. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
ALSO:
• Alliant Energy has completed construction of a 4-megawatt project near Beloit, one of several major solar projects in progress for the utility. (Beloit Daily News)
• Local officials consider plans for a 165 MW solar project in western Ohio. (Daily Advocate)
***SPONSORED LINK: What does the future hold as the U.S. accelerates its transition to clean energy? Join the Energy News Network on April 22 for a conversation about what’s next for coal country. Register today!***
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Detroit automakers and union leaders send a letter to President Biden urging him to include a major federal investment in electric vehicles as part of his infrastructure plan. (Detroit Free Press)
PIPELINES:
• Enbridge says that it is not reimbursing local law enforcement agencies for overseeing pipeline protests in Michigan. (Michigan Advance)
• The Line 3 pipeline hasn’t proven to be the economic boon that some northern Minnesota business owners had hoped. (Duluth News Tribune)
• U.S. House Republicans plan a forum on President Biden’s decision to revoke a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline project. (E&E News, subscription)
CLEAN ENERGY: U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Detroit co-sponsors a 10-year, $10 trillion clean energy plan focused on environmental justice. (Michigan Advance)
EFFICIENCY: A startup company aims to bring net zero affordable housing to Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Green Bay Press Gazette)
UTILITIES: Cleveland Public Power lacks transparency on data involving the frequency and duration of power outages. (News 5 Cleveland)
WIND:
• Southern Power acquires a 300 MW wind project in South Dakota. (North American Windpower)
• Two Wisconsin utilities seek regulatory approval to purchase power from a 92 MW wind project. (WMTV)
COMMENTARY:
• Michigan’s largest utilities launch a social media advertising campaign against more favorable policies for rooftop solar customers, a watchdog group finds. (Energy and Policy Institute)
• Clean energy advocates highlight a Minneapolis program that provides residential building owners with rebates for solar and energy efficiency projects. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
• Minnesota is right to enact transportation emission controls to protect public health, an editorial says. (Minnesota Reformer)
• Line 3 pipeline protests are being led by a majority of Indigenous women who are calling on the Biden administration to halt construction on the expansion project. (Heated)