ELECTRIC VEHICLES: General Motors is testing new technologies and manufacturing processes aimed at reducing the cost of electric vehicle batteries and dependence on price-sensitive metals. (Reuters)
ALSO: Few states and utilities are ensuring that low-income customers and communities of color will benefit under electric vehicle transition plans, according to a clean energy group’s new report. (Utility Dive)
***SPONSORED LINK: On April 9, join U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and climate leaders for a conversation about how Congress can pass a meaningful climate and infrastructure package that delivers good paying clean energy jobs, and provides the path to 100% clean electricity by 2035. Presented by Fresh Energy.***
SOLAR:
• Officials grant local approval for a planned 50 MW solar project in western Minnesota. (Fergus Falls Daily Journal)
• Residential solar customers in most of the U.S. are “grossly undercompensated” for the excess power they send back to the grid, according to a new study from Michigan researchers. (E&E News, subscription)
COAL: Iowa State University officials propose spending $16 million to replace two coal boilers with natural gas systems. (Ames Tribune)
POLICY: President Biden names a Native American law expert from Minnesota who has said tribes should be more involved in permitting decisions to be the solicitor at the Interior Department. (Minnesota Reformer)
CLIMATE: Ann Arbor, Michigan, officials urge the University of Michigan to adopt a carbon neutrality plan that would align with the city’s similar target. (MLive)
PIPELINES:
• Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota seeks tribal consultation and pushes the Biden administration to keep the Dakota Access pipeline open during an environmental review. (Williston Herald)
• Michigan’s governor and attorney general argue that a case involving a shutdown notice for Line 5 should be in state, not federal, court. (Michigan Advance)
BIOFUELS:
• Managers at nine Indiana ethanol plants urge Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto legislation that would mandate warning labels on fuel pumps dispensing a blend of up to 15% ethanol. (Kokomo Tribune)
• Industry supporters say biofuels will be crucial as federal officials and automakers plan to transition to electric vehicles. (Associated Press)
EFFICIENCY: An Ohio congresswoman announces $1 million in federal funding for Toledo to help fund health, safety, and energy efficiency upgrades in homes. (WTVG)
OIL & GAS:
• Enbridge’s CEO expects the company’s future investments in projects to be more heavily weighted to natural gas and renewables than oil. (S&P Global)
• Black Hills Energy customers in Nebraska face steep rate increases to pay for $80 million in natural gas purchases the utility made in February when supplies were constrained. (Lincoln Journal Star)
***SPONSORED LINK: What does the future hold as the U.S. accelerates its transition to clean energy? Join the Energy News Network on April 22 for a conversation about what’s next for coal country. Register today!***
WIND: Sen. Joni Ernst tours a wind energy training facility at an Iowa community college. (KIOW)
NUCLEAR: Authorities are investigating a “law enforcement situation” after two people mistakenly drove on an Ohio nuclear plant property. (WKYC)