EMPOWERED, a new book from Midwest Energy News, explores three cities that are taking their clean energy futures into their own hands. Download your free copy today!
EFFICIENCY: Indiana utilities show that, without energy efficiency standards as policy, they will invest less in eliminating energy waste. (Midwest Energy News)
GREAT LAKES:
• Michigan’s two U.S. senators introduce federal legislation meant to prevent oil spills by tanker or pipeline in the Great Lakes. (MLive)
• Several agencies and Enbridge will perform an oil spill response exercise in the Straits of Mackinac today. (Associated Press)
***SPONSORED LINK: Hear top executives from the area’s RTOs, utilities, transmission developers, and state regulatory agencies discuss and debate critical issues at EUCI’s Transmission Expansion in the Midwest conference November 9-10 in Indianapolis.***
OHIO: AEP Ohio’s president criticizes Texas-based Dynegy’s strategy in the state, the latest in public sparring between the two companies. (Columbus Business First)
CLIMATE CHANGE:
• Coinciding with with Pope Francis’s visit, leaders from several other major countries are expected to make climate change announcements this week. (ClimateWire)
• Ohio lawmakers are excited about the Pope’s visit, but not about his message on climate change. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
SOLAR: Net metering and battery storage technology are inherently at odds with each other, creating clashes between some allies. (EnergyWire)
COMPETITION: A new report says bringing competition to the market has led to less of an overall increase in rates compared to regulated states. (Governing)
OIL AND GAS:
• A new $2 billion pipeline could be ready by 2018 to help move natural gas from the Utica and Marcellus shales. (Columbus Business First)
• A new report says Michigan’s oil and gas industry and state regulators have a long way to go to convince the public that fracking is environmentally sound. (Associated Press)
• A $40 million revenue shortfall in July and August due to idling rigs and low oil prices is a “wake-up call” for North Dakota lawmakers. (Bismarck Tribune)
COAL:
• The total number of mines operating in the U.S. in 2013 hit the lowest point on record, according to a new EIA report. (Climate Central)
• An Ohio agency is studying removing a dam on the Cuyahoga River next to an old coal plant to improve water quality. (Idea Stream)
• A major shipping route on the Ohio River used to transport coal and other resources is experiencing major traffic delays. (Wall Street Journal)
POLITICS:
• Democrats believe their sweeping clean-energy bill will be a major draw for voters in 2016. (Greenwire)
• Going beyond Keystone, Hillary Clinton releases a broader energy policy that involves modernizing aging infrastructure. (Washington Post)
VW POLLUTION CASE: Adding to the list, attorneys in Missouri file a class-action lawsuit against the automaker on behalf of all Missouri residents who bought diesel VW cars. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
TECHNOLOGY: FirstEnergy’s utilities use smart phones and new software to better restore power after storms or outages. (TD World)
COMMENTARY: A Wisconsin resident’s visit to Alaska indicates a need for action on climate change. (Appleton Post-Crescent)