EFFICIENCY: As commercial property owners invest in air quality technology to combat COVID-19 and other viruses, energy conservation experts recommend pairing them with efficiency upgrades to offset added energy use. (Energy News Network)
WIND:
• State regulators unanimously reject plans for a 50 MW wind project in northwestern Ohio. (Toledo Blade)
• Developers propose a 70-turbine wind project in South Dakota. (KELO)
• The developer behind an Illinois wind project contributes $300,000 to a conservation grant to protect wildlife areas in other parts of the state. (WLDS)
• County officials will vote next month on plans for a 64-turbine wind project in central Illinois. (WEEK)
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UTILITIES: Clean energy advocates in Minnesota support Xcel Energy’s plan to retire its remaining coal units by 2030 but raise concerns about an over-reliance on natural gas. (MPR News)
OHIO: State election officials delay a review of alleged campaign finance violations against former House Speaker Larry Householder and others related to a power plant bailout bribery scheme. (Associated Press)
SOLAR:
• A recently approved energy bill in Minnesota includes $21 million for solar projects at schools and community colleges as well as $10 million for an Xcel Energy customer solar program. (Finance & Commerce)
• Nearly 25 qualified families will be selected to participate in a mostly grant-funded community solar project in mid-Michigan. (WLNS)
• State regulators will soon hold a public hearing over plans for a 125 MW solar project in northern Ohio. (Fremont News Messenger)
CLIMATE: Two congressional lawmakers from Indiana join dozens of legislators who recently formed a GOP climate caucus to support conservative climate measures. (Indianapolis Star)
PIPELINES: A new documentary focuses on the women who helped lead protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. (Forbes)
TRANSPORTATION:
• Local officials in Madison, Wisconsin, hold a grand opening of a new high-tech and electric vehicle-friendly fleet maintenance garage. (Capital Times)
• Federal researchers say vehicle charging infrastructure, battery quality and cultural acceptance will play larger roles than government subsidies in consumers’ decision to purchase an electric vehicle. (E&E News, subscription)
OIL & GAS: A North Dakota panel takes no action on new settlement offers from energy companies that owe the state millions of dollars in unpaid oil and gas royalties. (Associated Press)