PIPELINES: In a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and supporters, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rejects a key easement for the Dakota Access pipeline in North Dakota, citing the need to explore alternative routes. (EnergyWire)
ALSO:
• Analysts and industry groups say the decision causes uncertainty for future pipeline projects because the developer had “undergone the necessary environmental reviews and permitting processes to move ahead with construction.” (Reuters)
• Protesters pledge to stay at the disputed site in North Dakota, citing uncertainty as President-elect Trump takes office. (Associated Press)
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NUCLEAR:
• Michigan’s three nuclear plants appear to be on solid financial ground, but the state may soon have to consider alternative generation to replace at least one plant in the coming years. (Midwest Energy News)
• Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says he’s still philosophically opposed to special deals for companies similar to the one passed to help the state’s struggling nuclear plants. (CBS Chicago)
• The Obama administration is urging the Trump transition team to reject efforts to revive plans for a permanent nuclear waste storage site in Nevada. (Greenwire)
SOLAR:
• House Democrats are concerned about proposed changes to Michigan’s net metering program that are part of a broader package of energy bills. (MLive, Midwest Energy News archives)
• City and utility officials are committed to developing more solar projects in Dubuque, Iowa. (Dubuque Telegraph Herald)
REGULATION: Facing a tough approval process in the state Senate, the only Democrat serving on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio resigns after being appointed by Gov. John Kasich in June. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
COAL: After filing for bankruptcy earlier this year, coal giant Peabody Energy will seek court approval to repay a $500 million loan early due to improving coal prices. (Reuters)
WIND: Some local officials in rural parts of Michigan are concerned that a proposed energy package will lead to more wind turbines in their area. (Great Lakes Echo)
WASTE-TO-ENERGY: Officials in a West Michigan town look to cut ties with a biodigester facility after a string of incidents left local residents unhappy with the plant. (MLive)
RATES: Critics of a bill passed in Illinois to save struggling nuclear plants say they are unclear how ratepayers across the state will be affected. (Southern Illinoisan)
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BIOFUELS: New owners of a southern Illinois ethanol plant, as well as nearby farmers, see economic development potential with the facility. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
COMMENTARY:
• Michigan lawmakers should approve a pair of proposed energy bills as a way to keep jobs in the state. (MLive)
• The recent jobs deal announced in Indiana — and Vice President-elect Mike Pence’s willingness to abandon energy efficiency standards there two years ago — “underscores” how the new administration doesn’t value the economic potential of clean energy. (Forbes)