CLEAN TECH: Exelon and Northwestern University in Illinois are partnering on a clean energy research initiative that focuses on grid technology, renewables and energy storage and bringing products to consumers. (Chicago Tribune)

ALSO:
• The University of Dayton in Ohio is putting up $1 million for a revolving loan fund that will develop clean energy and technology. (Dayton Business Journal)
• Ohio ranks among the middle of U.S. states in developing clean technology, according to a new report. (Dayton Business Journal)

COAL:
• A new report lists multiple coal companies that have increased CEO compensation while struggling through bankruptcy. (Grist)
FirstEnergy’s CEO says the utility cannot eliminate coal right now without affecting reliability. (Akron Beacon Journal)

RENEWABLES: The Cleveland City Council approves a resolution supporting the “immediate return” of clean energy standards in Ohio. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

CLEAN POWER PLAN: The federal rules would reduce the U.S.’s share of electric generation by coal to 18 percent by 2040, according to the Energy Information Administration. (Platts)

EMISSIONS: Carbon dioxide emissions from power plants were at their lowest in decades for 2015, falling by 21 percent below 2005 levels. (Climate Central)

WIND: Construction starts on a 150-megawatt wind project in North Dakota. (Energy Business Review)

NUCLEAR: Federal regulators reach a settlement with the owner of a southwest Michigan nuclear plant that addresses the “root cause” of a leak five years ago and improves public communication. (Associated Press)

UTILITIES:
• Ohio enters a pivotal time for its energy industry as FirstEnergy and AEP wait to see what happens to its struggling coal and nuclear plants. (WKSU)
A history of Ohio’s deregulated electric market. (WOSU)
Illinois lawmakers are set to hold a hearing this week on ComEd’s demand charge proposal. (CBS Chicago)

WILDFIRE: A financial analysis shows the wildfires around Alberta’s oil sands region has cost more than $750 million in lost output, or 1.2 million barrels a day over two weeks. (BBC)

PIPELINES: A property-rights group will advise Iowa landowners who live in the project area of the Dakota Access pipeline about the state’s eminent domain laws. (The Gazette)

BIOFUELS:
• Researchers in Missouri say biodiesel “holds significant promise” over fossil fuels in being able to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. (Biofuels Digest)
Industry officials seek continued funding sources for a grant program in Iowa that helps finance the installation of biofuel pumps. (Radio Iowa)

EFFICIENCY:
• Western Wisconsin communities will see new energy efficient streetlights as part of a larger program by Xcel Energy. (LaCrosse Tribune)
The U.S. Department of Energy announces a new series of efficiency programs emphasizing combined heat and power and improving the building stock in low-income communities. (Utility Dive)
Sharp differences remain among the lighting industry and efficiency advocates about the federal government’s plan to phase out most existing light bulbs by 2020. (Greenwire)

TRANSMISSION: Property owners express concern about the eventual siting of a high-powered transmission line connecting Wisconsin and Iowa. (WMTV)

COMMENTARY:
• The Clean Power Plan will help address the “negative effects pollution and climate change disproportionately have on communities of color.” (Duluth News Tribune)
In support of Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s “effort to stand strong against pressure from the utilities” over the clean-energy standards freeze there. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

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Andy Balaskovitz

Andy compiles the Midwest Energy News digest and was a journalism fellow for Midwest Energy News from 2014-2020. He is managing editor of MiBiz in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was formerly a reporter and editor at City Pulse, Lansing’s alternative newsweekly.

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