POLICY: Illinois Democrats introduce the latest version of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which aims for net zero emissions by 2050 and eliminates coal from the state’s electricity sector by 2030. (State Journal-Register)

ALSO: As Kansas and Nebraska officials consider drafting statewide energy or climate plans, advocates in nearby states say they are not always followed closely but still offer an opportunity to shape clean energy policy. (Energy News Network)

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OIL & GAS:
• Seven eastern Ohio counties saw jobs, population and personal income decline over the past decade despite economic advantages promised with natural gas development, a think tank reports. (Columbus Dispatch)
• Norway-based Equinor agrees to sell its U.S. Bakken shale oil assets after a decade of multi-billion-dollar losses. (Reuters)
• North Dakota oil prices have surged in recent months as producers scale back output amid uncertainty over the Dakota Access pipeline. (Reuters)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: EV startup Rivian is preparing to go public as soon as September at a valuation of about $50 billion. (Bloomberg)

SOLAR:
• Local officials seek public input on plans for a 375 MW solar project near Madison, Wisconsin. (Cambridge News)
• An Iowa school district selects firms to plan and build a 1 MW solar project on school property. (Globe Gazette)
• Developers complete a 2.8 MW solar project in Illinois that provides power to a residential facility for children and teens in need. (Solar Industry)

PIPELINES:
• A federal judge delays a hearing on whether the Dakota Access pipeline should continue operating without a key permit to allow Biden administration officials more time to familiarize themselves with the case. (Associated Press)
• Indigenous youth set out on a 93-mile run in sub-zero temperatures in South Dakota to protest the Dakota Access pipeline. (Common Dreams)
• A Minnesota sheriff’s office asks Enbridge to reimburse the department for nearly $82,000 worth of riot gear and other “less than lethal” ammunition related to monitoring Line 3 protests. (The Intercept)
• U.S. lawmakers make several long-shot efforts to reverse the Biden administration’s decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline. (CBC)

OVERSIGHT: Former Michigan Public Service Commission member Sally Talberg has been appointed as chair of the ERCOT board of directors in Texas. (RTO Insider)

OHIO: The U.S. attorney overseeing the bribery case involving Ohio’s power plant subsidy law has resigned following a request by the Biden administration to former President Trump appointees. (WOSU)

BIOFUELS: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds backs legislation to set biofuel standards for fuel sold across the state and to provide retailers with funding to upgrade infrastructure. (KIWA)

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STORAGE: An energy storage company receives state grant funding to add a second manufacturing facility in southeastern Michigan. (MLive)

COMMENTARY: Minnesota Power’s goal to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 is a prudent plan that balances consumer costs and reliability, says a construction labor official. (MinnPost)