ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Switching to electric models of light-duty pickups, sedans and SUVs could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from driving by two-thirds in the near term, according to Ford and University of Michigan researchers. (MLive) 

NUCLEAR:
• The Nebraska Public Power District ends a nearly 30-year partnership with Entergy and takes over full operation of the state’s only nuclear power plant. (Omaha World-Herald)
• MidAmerican Energy seeks approval from Iowa regulators for a $3.9 billion project that includes studying the potential for small modular nuclear generation. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

OIL & GAS:
• An Illinois pipeline that spilled 3,900 barrels of crude oil has been repaired and resumes operations as crews continue cleaning the area and nearby creek. (FOX 2)
• The temporary closure of the pipeline, a key artery for barrels leaving an Oklahoma storage hub, could boost stockpiles at the storage facility that has seen recent drawdowns during high demand. (Reuters)
• Governors and state lawmakers across the country are weighing whether to suspend state gasoline taxes to relieve drivers, though critics say it jeopardizes infrastructure funding and may help oil companies and retailers. (Politico)

SOLAR: Developers present initial plans for a 100 MW solar project under consideration in central Missouri. (Fulton Sun)

GRID: Developers say a 94-mile transmission line spanning southeastern Kansas and southwestern Missouri will “reduce congestion on the grid and therefore reduce the cost of electricity for the region.” (KSNF)

WIND: Developers are in the early stages of pursuing a 210 MW wind project in central Iowa. (North Tama Telegraph)

RENEWABLES: Fort Wayne-based Indiana Michigan Power issues a request for proposals to develop about 800 MW of wind energy and 500 MW of solar power. (Inside Indiana Business)

UTILITIES:
• The new president and CEO of Michigan’s largest member-owned electric cooperative prioritizes affordability and reliability, and says the organization is among utilities leading the state on renewable energy. (MiBiz)
• Natural gas utility CenterPoint Energy will suspend disconnections through May following outcry over rising natural gas prices from several Indiana organizations. (Evansville Courier & Press)

CLIMATE: Federal appeals court judges appear skeptical about Minnesota’s climate liability lawsuit against the fossil fuel industry and whether a state court is the proper venue for the litigation. (E&E News, subscription)

EFFICIENCY: Indianapolis launches the first phase of a building energy use tracking program that is voluntary for private property owners but mandated for some municipal buildings. (Indianapolis Business Journal)

COMMENTARY: Michigan faces two consequential climate decisions as state leaders finalize a statewide climate action plan and regulators consider a tunnel to extend the life of the Line 5 pipeline, a clean energy advocate says. (Crain’s Detroit Business)