NUCLEAR: An Illinois Republican lawmaker says Exelon’s threats to shut down two nuclear plants later this year if an agreement isn’t reached to subsidize them is “not a bluff.” (Chicago Tribune)

OHIO: Ohio’s former top energy regulator helped draft provisions in a statewide power plant subsidy bill that guaranteed FirstEnergy an estimated $355 million in profits over five years, according to a statement of facts signed by the utility’s CEO and federal prosecutors. (Ohio Capital Journal)

PIPELINES:
• Thirty-two Minnesota lawmakers call on a state agency to temporarily suspend Enbridge’s Line 3 permits after nine drilling fluid spills have been reported along the project during a widespread drought. (Duluth News Tribune)
• Indigenous author and activist Winona LaDuke on tribes’ ongoing protests against Line 3: “We’re gonna stand here and fight it out.” (Slate)
• Several bands will headline a music festival in Duluth next month in protest of the Line 3 pipeline. (Star Tribune)
• Indigenous activists on a cross-country journey to highlight sacred tribal sites make their final stop in northern Michigan to call for the shutdown of Line 5. (Michigan Advance)

CARBON CAPTURE: North Dakota regulators approve permits for a pipeline that will transport carbon dioxide emissions from a synthetic fuels plant to an underground storage site. (Bismarck Tribune)

WIND: A developer appeals a decision by state regulators to reject plans for a northern Ohio wind project. (Fremont News Messenger)

CLIMATE: A years-long effort to incorporate climate change impacts into Minnesota’s environmental review process could face delays after pushback from groups concerned about potentially higher building costs. (MPR News)

OVERSIGHT: Departing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission member Neil Chatterjee says his handling of a Trump-era push to elevate the value of coal and nuclear plants caused the issue to spiral into partisan politics. (E&E News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Officials unveil Bismarck, North Dakota’s first two fast-charging electric vehicle stations. (Bismarck Tribune)

SOLAR:
• County officials in northern Ohio consider plans for a 120 MW solar project that’s received both support and opposition from the community. (WTOL)
• Plans move forward for a 320 MW solar project in Kansas, which would be the largest in the state. (Shawnee Mission Post)
• Local officials have problems electrifying an Indiana solar project, which caused outages for nearby customers, including a manufacturing facility. (Pharos Tribune)

BIOFUELS: More than 40 U.S. ethanol plants pledge to help the Biden administration reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. (Farm and Dairy)

OIL & GAS: A Kansas natural gas utility asks state regulators for a $10.2 million rate increase to help fund infrastructure improvements. (Kansas Reflector)

COMMENTARY: Indiana clergy members applaud the state’s U.S. senators for supporting a bill that breaks down barriers for farmers participating in carbon markets, but say much more climate action is needed. (Indianapolis Star)