PIPELINES: Observers say the federal government’s involvement in calling for the Dakota Access pipeline developer to halt construction in a key portion of the project is unprecedented. (Associated Press)
ALSO:
• While some hailed the government’s announcement, not all who oppose the pipeline are optimistic about its decision and future of the project. (Reuters, DeSmog)
• An arrest warrant is issued for reporter Amy Goodman on trespassing charges after covering the pipeline protests in North Dakota. (Democracy Now!)
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EFFICIENCY:
• A Michigan company looks to make windows in buildings more energy efficient without having to replace them. (Midwest Energy News)
• A Nebraska utility says it needs to increase fixed charges because its customers’ electric use patterns have “fundamentally shifted.” (Lincoln Journal Star)
COAL: The U.S.’s aging coal fleet will be a major driver of coal retirements through 2020, experts say. (SNL)
BIOFUELS: Local and state officials notify the operator of a biodigester facility in Michigan that the stench coming from the facility is a public nuisance that the company must address. (MLive)
OIL AND GAS: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency approves five natural gas compressor sites across the state to support a planned gas pipeline project that is still under review by federal regulators. (Toledo Blade, Martins Ferry Times Leader)
POLICY: Time is running out for Michigan lawmakers to craft a comprehensive energy bill package this session. (Crain’s Detroit Business)
UTILITIES:
• Exelon is working to build support with Dynegy, which operates coal-fired power plants in Illinois, on energy reform bills. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
• AEP Ohio continues to seek support from other utilities for its restructuring plan that would support unprofitable coal plants. (Columbus Business First)
GRID: One weather scientist continues to push for the buildout of a nationwide super grid to improve access to renewable energy generation. (ClimateWire)
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Tesla is “steadfastly eroding” the way vehicles have traditionally been sold in the U.S. by avoiding the third-party dealership model. (Washington Post)
COMMENTARY:
• As a national carbon tax looks out of reach politically, lawmakers should seek to tackle carbon emissions from natural gas specifically. (Bloomberg View)
• The latest plan calling for more natural gas generation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to ease reliability concerns “sounds like a good move.” (Marquette Mining Journal)