RENEWABLES: The Missouri Supreme Court will consider whether to restore the state’s renewable portfolio standard as passed by voters in 2008 after state lawmakers undermined the rule in 2010. (Midwest Energy News)
POLICY:
• Ohio lawmakers resume hearings on whether to weaken or further delay enforceable obligations under the state’s clean energy standards. (Midwest Energy News)
• Illinois lawmakers introduce a long-awaited massive energy bill, though provisions offering support for downstate coal plants could be a deal-breaker for environmental groups. (Midwest Energy News)
• A change in the makeup of Minnesota’s Senate means it may be more difficult to strengthen clean energy standards there. (Minnesota Public Radio)
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REGULATION: An Ohio utility pushes lawmakers to allow state regulators to raise rates if a utility’s “financial integrity is at stake.” (Dayton Daily News)
PIPELINES:
• The Dakota Access pipeline developer asks a federal judge to circumvent the Obama administration and allow the company to proceed with construction at a controversial section in North Dakota. (Associated Press)
• Rallies and marches protesting the Dakota Access pipeline pop up in Nebraska, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ohio. (Lincoln Journal Star, MLive, WKOW, Minnesota Public Radio, Associated Press)
COAL: Outdated operating permits are being disputed at an Illinois coal plant. (WEEK)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Tesla partners with an Iowa-based grocery chain to install fast-charging EV stations at sites along Interstate 80. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
MICHIGAN: Utilities and environmental groups in Michigan say despite the presidential election results, the state is headed down a path toward more natural gas and renewables. (Michigan Radio)
EFFICIENCY: A Michigan county looks for energy savings opportunities as the number and size of government facilities grows. (MLive)
UTILITIES: Dynegy is seeking full ownership of two Ohio power plants that it co-owns with other energy companies. (Columbus Business First)
OIL AND GAS: The Interior Department finalizes rules designed to slash the amount of natural gas that’s vented and flared at wells on federal and tribal land, which is immediately challenged by industry groups. (Greenwire)
VOLKSWAGEN SCANDAL: The German automaker agrees to pay Minnesota $11.5 million as part of its wide-ranging settlement for emissions cheating. (Minnesota Public Radio)
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NUCLEAR: A southeast Michigan nuclear plant is back online after being shut down for repairs. (Monroe News)
COMMENTARY:
• “The economics of solar and energy efficiency remain as strong today as they did before Election Day.” (Midwest Energy News)
• A new report shows weaknesses with the financing of the Dakota Access pipeline and raises questions about the long-term usefulness of the project. (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis)