CLIMATE: The University of Michigan is opening a “sustainability clinic” on Detroit’s east side that will support research addressing equitable climate solutions, emission reductions and lowering energy costs. (Energy News Network/Planet Detroit)
UTILITIES:
• Duke Energy Indiana’s latest long-term plan calls for phasing out coal by 2035 while getting 60% of its power from renewable energy by that time. (WFYI)
• DTE Energy’s CEO says the $1.75 trillion federal Build Back Better social spending plan would help save ratepayers money while accelerating coal plant retirements. (Detroit News)
SOLAR:
• Wisconsin regulators reject an effort to block what would be the state’s largest renewable energy project and defend a process that allows utilities to purchase large solar projects from developers. (Wisconsin State Journal)
• Developers plan to redesign the site plan for a proposed 280 MW solar project in southwestern Indiana following pushback from neighbors. (Princeton Clarion)
• Construction continues on a $5 million solar canopy project at Southeast Missouri State University. (KFVS)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• At a White House summit with Canada and Mexico, President Biden held firm to a proposal that would provide tax credits for purchasing U.S.-built electric vehicles. (Toronto Star)
• Minnesota will receive $68 million from the new federal infrastructure law to build electric vehicle charging stations. (MPR News)
• A vehicle leasing firm orders 5,400 more electric delivery vans from a General Motors company. (Reuters)
RENEWABLES: County officials in northern Ohio plan to vote soon on a resolution that would prohibit wind and solar development in a large majority of the county. (TiffinOhio.com)
PIPELINES:
• Despite recent speculation about the potential closure of Line 5, legal experts and even pipeline opponents say it could be months or even years before major decisions are made about its future. (Michigan Radio/Bridge Michigan)
• Enbridge ramps up advertising campaigns in Michigan supporting Line 5 ahead of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s re-election campaign. (Politico)
OIL & GAS:
• Construction is resuming on a $140 million North Dakota natural gas processing plant that was delayed last year by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Federal regulators will vote by Dec. 13 on extending a temporary permit for a Spire natural gas pipeline servicing St. Louis. (KSDK)
BIOFUELS: The U.S. EPA proposes giving oil refiners more time to comply with a federal biofuel blending mandates, angering advocates and Iowa lawmakers. (Des Moines Register)
COMMENTARY: Two Ohio Democratic lawmakers say a recently introduced comprehensive clean energy bill would focus on delivering clean energy benefits to those “historically and disproportionately harmed by Ohio’s current energy market. (Cleveland.com)