PIPELINES: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer moves to revoke the 67-year-old easement that allows Enbridge to operate the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. (Detroit Free Press)
ALSO: Enbridge can still pursue an underground tunnel for the pipeline, though experts say shutting down Line 5 during a lengthy legal and permitting process could jeopardize the project. (MLive)
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OHIO:
• FBI agents were seen this morning executing a search warrant at the home of Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
• Attorney General Dave Yost files a second lawsuit that seeks to halt customer payments for power plant subsidies under the state’s HB 6 law at the center of a corruption scandal. (Cleveland.com)
CLEAN TECH: An Appalachian Ohio startup plans to recycle lithium-ion battery cells for use in new battery packs, which could see a growing need with more electric vehicles on the road. (Energy News Network)
UTILITIES: The Citizens Utility Board is embroiled in state and federal litigation as it seeks to win compensation from ComEd following a bribery scheme, though critics accuse CUB of being “ComEd’s lapdog” for receiving revenue from the utility. (Crain’s Chicago Business, WBEZ)
COAL ASH: A federal appeals court case over alleged coal ash pollution from an Illinois coal plant could more clearly define the scope of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Clean Water Act. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)
SOLAR:
• A growing number of Minnesota cities are turning to solar gardens to offset their electricity use at various facilities. (Pioneer Press)
• Opponents of a planned 300 MW solar project in northeastern Ohio have rallied in recent weeks in attempts to block the development. (Lima News)
• A planned solar project could offset up to 65% of a Kent State University campus’ electricity use while saving about $1.3 million over 25 years. (WKBN)
• A Toledo, Ohio, startup is awarded a $1.7 million federal grant to develop solar cell technology that can be integrated into building materials. (Toledo Blade)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: General Motors recalls more than 68,000 Chevrolet Bolt all-electric vehicles because the batteries pose a fire risk. (Detroit Free Press)
COMMENTARY:
• Geothermal energy has major potential for not just carbon-free electricity but also for heating buildings if done cost effectively, writes David Roberts. (Vox)
• Attorneys for environmental groups say Alliant Energy’s plan to retire coal units while adding hundreds of megawatts of solar will save ratepayers money and reduce emissions. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)