PIPELINES: A federal appeals court overturns an order and allows oil to keep flowing through the Dakota Access pipeline for now, though an environmental review is still needed for a key water-crossing permit. (Bismarck Tribune)
ALSO:
• Enbridge completes replacement work on a section of the Line 5 pipeline that travels beneath the St. Clair River in eastern Michigan. (Port Huron Times Herald)
• The Keystone XL pipeline developer reaches an agreement with major U.S. labor unions to build the project, which could stoke political division among Democrats. (E&E News, subscription)
***SPONSORED LINK: The ESA Annual Energy Storage Conference & Expo (#ESACon20) is a true 360-degree conference experience – gone digital. Featuring one-on-one conversations and interactions, group discussion, demos of real projects and more. Use discount code ENN2020VTL for 5% off.***
OHIO:
• About 50 companies urge Ohio lawmakers to repeal HB 6, the state’s nuclear and coal bailout law at the center of an alleged bribery scheme. (Columbus Dispatch)
• A court hearing is scheduled today for former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four others for their alleged involvement in the scheme. (Associated Press)
UTILITIES:
• An Illinois coalition calls for legislation that makes ethics reforms recently imposed on ComEd after its role in a bribery scheme apply to all utilities in the state. (Daily Herald)
• Minnesota Power reports a more optimistic sales forecast as northern Minnesota mines return to work. (Star Tribune)
CLEAN ENERGY: Evergy announces a new strategic five-year plan that boosts its clean energy portfolio as part of a deal with an activist investor. (Kansas City Business Journal)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A Minnesota agency announces a pilot program that will deploy electric school buses by 2022 using Volkswagen settlement funds. (WCCO)
• EV charging station operator ChargePoint raises an additional $127 million from investors to expand its charging network ahead of anticipated demand from business and commercial fleets. (Forbes)
SOLAR:
• A suburban Chicago village will continue to participate in a community solar program, citing “no apparent downside.” (Daily Herald)
• Solar developers across the U.S. are piloting agrivoltaics projects that pair solar installations with grazing livestock to manage vegetation. (Utility Dive)
• County officials in central Iowa approve a pair of ordinances allowing for solar development on agricultural land. (Fort Dodge Messenger News)
COAL:
• An Indiana coal producer is among companies seeking relief from state officials in complying with environmental regulations during the pandemic. (Indianapolis Star)
• Analysts say coal generation could recover next year from recent low levels in grid operator PJM’s territory due to an anticipated natural gas price resurgence. (S&P Global)
***SPONSORED LINK: Register today for emPOWER20 August 26-28, emPOWER is a virtual experience with 30 sessions and 40+ hours of content designed to foster a new kind of energy leadership. Join experts across the clean energy industry in finance, policy, and technology.***
EMISSIONS: Fiat Chrysler prepares for a potential recall over excess emissions affecting about 1 million vehicles. (Detroit Free Press)
COMMENTARY: A Minnesota environmental activist criticizes Minnesota Power’s long-term energy plan for “largely continuing business as usual.” (Duluth News Tribune)