EFFICIENCY: Minneapolis officials propose an “inclusive financing” program for energy efficiency that would let residents borrow money for energy efficiency improvements without using conventional loans. (Energy News Network)
RENEWABLES: Despite a slower transition from coal than other areas, Great Lakes states have potential to be the next hot spot for renewable energy development, some experts say. (S&P Global)
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• General Motors considers spinning off its electric vehicle operations as investors look to put money into electric vehicles but not legacy companies. (Bloomberg)
• A Minnesota pilot program will gather data on the emission and health benefits of electric school buses. (MinnPost)
PIPELINES:
• A court-ordered review of the environmental impacts of the Dakota Access pipeline may directly conflict with the Trump administration’s overhaul of the National Environmental Policy Act, legal experts say. (E&E News, subscription)
• With additional delays to study the Dakota Access pipeline’s environmental impact, the presidential election could decide the fate of the project. (HuffPost)
• Michigan regulators will hold a public hearing this month on Enbridge’s request to build a tunnel for the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. (WNMU)
SOLAR:
• Madison Gas and Electric sees increased customer interest in community solar subscriptions. (Wisconsin State Journal)
• Manufacturer First Solar agrees to sell its North American operations and maintenance business as it seeks to streamline and focus on manufacturing thin-film solar modules. (Greentech Media)
UTILITIES:
• AEP says power consumption is rebounding since the start of the pandemic while it makes other operational adjustments to account for fewer sales. (Columbus Business First)
• The return of some industrial power customers in Minnesota allows ALLETE Energy to better forecast its remaining 2020 sales. (S&P Global)
CLIMATE: Iowa City’s sustainability coordinator looks for long-term emission reductions after the pandemic led to a decrease from transportation. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
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BIOMASS: A North Dakota ethanol company co-located with a major coal plant scheduled to close in 2022 explores biomass as its next potential fuel source. (Prairie Public Radio)
COMMENTARY:
• An Indiana editorial board urges state officials to extend a moratorium on utility disconnections, which it calls a “looming economic crisis.” (Goshen News)
• Author and pipeline activist Winona LaDuke says Enbridge should “engage in a just transition” from the Line 3 pipeline. (Duluth News Tribune)