OHIO: Representatives of a dark-money political advocacy group sign a guilty plea admitting involvement in a major bribery scandal involving the state’s power plant subsidy law. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
ALSO: Former FirstEnergy subsidiary Energy Harbor says it may decline the $1 billion in subsidies for two Ohio nuclear plants included in the scandal-tainted legislation. (Associated Press)
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TRANSPORTATION:
• A Minnesota startup looks to fill an underserved niche by specializing in customized, medium-duty electric trucks for commercial and government fleets. (Energy News Network)
• Ford says it will double its investment in electric vehicles to $22 billion by 2025. (Reuters)
SOLAR:
• Developers of a planned 149 MW solar project in Wisconsin delay construction for two years as they seek federal financing. (Wisconsin State Journal)
• Solar advocates hope Indiana lawmakers will extend net metering compensation rates before they’re set to expire. (WFYI)
• An AES Corp. subsidiary plans to purchase a 195 MW solar project in Indiana. (PV Tech)
COAL: The drop in coal-fired generation during the pandemic declined more than any other power source and could accelerate the shift to clean energy, researchers say. (New York Times)
UTILITIES:
• Kansas regulators are analyzing Evergy’s proposed clean energy plan that includes $5.6 billion in capital expenditures to upgrade transmission and distribution. (Topeka Capital-Journal)
• Indiana utility NIPSCO is moving forward with renewable energy projects despite state lawmakers’ attempts to slow the closure of coal plants. (Chicago Tribune)
CLIMATE: A Minnesota company launches a carbon exchange program allowing businesses to purchase credits to offset greenhouse gas emissions. (MPR News)
PIPELINES:
• Some Democrats in Congress are calling on the Biden administration to cancel the Dakota Access pipeline after similar action against Keystone XL. (E&E News, subscription)
• Whether climate change should be considered remains a key legal question involving a plan to build a tunnel for Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. (Michigan Radio)
• The owner of the Nexus natural gas pipeline is challenging the valuation of the project in an Ohio county in an attempt to lower the company’s tax assessment. (Morning Journal)
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BIOFUELS: Sen. Chuck Grassley seeks to work with the Biden administration to preserve renewable fuel standards following uncertainty under President Trump. (Axios)
COMMENTARY:
• Rebuilding a post-pandemic economy means investing in clean transportation in communities disproportionately affected by pollution, advocates say. (Energy News Network)
• The developer of a proposed mid-Michigan wind project says its model will encourage economic growth in the county. (Greenville Daily News)