ELECTRIC CARS:
• Ford announces a $4.5 billion investment in electric vehicles, including a proposed SUV with 300 miles of range. (MLive, CNET)
• A section of I-94 from Detroit to Fargo is among the routes the federal government is promoting as an electric vehicle corridor. (Alexandria Echo Press)
OHIO:
• While Ohio’s clean energy standards will resume this year, they remain weakened by a pair of 2014 laws. (Midwest Energy News)
• Leaders of Ohio’s House and Senate say the state needs a long-term energy plan that is “consistent and stable.” (Cleveland.com)
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SOLAR:
• Michigan’s new energy law is creating confusion about the economics of consumer-owned solar installations. (Traverse City Record-Eagle)
• A 10 MW solar array along with energy efficiency measures are part of a Minnesota National Guard base’s plan to move to net zero. (Midwest Energy News)
• Community solar comes to Ohio’s coal country. (PV Magazine)
WIND: A Minnesota company announces plans to expand a North Dakota wind farm. (Duluth News Tribune)
FRACKING: A judge orders Ohio officials to allow a wastewater injection well to resume operations after it was shut down in 2014 because of a string of nearby earthquakes. (Associated Press)
PIPELINES: North Dakota’s governor warns Dakota Access protesters about the dangers of potential spring flooding at their camp. (Reuters)
EPA: Environmental groups launch a campaign to oppose the nomination of Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt to head the EPA. (The Hill)
NUCLEAR: A Canadian company planning to store waste near Lake Huron says it has ruled out other alternatives as too costly. (Associated Press)
GRID: A Michigan utility plans to complete its installation of smart meters this year. (MLive)
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CLIMATE: Advocates seek ways to begin cutting emissions from the agriculture industry. (InsideClimate News)
COMMENTARY:
• A state lawmaker says Michigan’s new energy plan is “a good compromise that puts Michigan consumers first.” (Petoskey News Review)
• 2016 was a year of ups and downs for nuclear energy. (Natural Resources Defense Council)