COAL: The coronavirus pandemic has worsened already high unemployment rates in Ohio coal communities that were struggling with the industry’s downturn. (Energy News Network)
ALSO: A coal ash removal plan at five sites in northwestern Indiana has raised health and environmental concerns, particularly for communities of color. (Associated Press)
***SPONSORED LINK: Applications are now open for the Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship, a yearlong program for high-performing, high-potential military veterans in advanced energy, presented by the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org/fellowship.***
HYDROELECTRIC: The operator of a mid-Michigan dam that broke Tuesday, causing severe flooding, had its hydroelectric license revoked in 2018 by federal energy regulators due to numerous safety violations. (Detroit News)
PIPELINES: The premier of Alberta, Canada, says he is prepared for court challenges if Joe Biden is elected and follows through on a pledge to revoke a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. (Calgary Herald)
UTILITIES: A shareholder group wants Wisconsin utility Madison Gas and Electric to appoint a board member with environmental health expertise who will promote the benefits of clean energy. (WUWM)
EFFICIENCY: Consumers Energy is giving away 100,000 Google Nest thermostats to customers to help conserve power during the pandemic. (MLive)
CLIMATE: While Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has gained public support for his COVID-19 response and following scientific consensus, his approach to climate change has been less consistent. (Grist)
SOLAR:
• Geronimo Energy proposes a 128 MW solar project in western South Dakota. (KELO)
• A Kansas City suburb adopts an ordinance requiring new commercial and residential structures to be designed with a roof and electrical system that support solar arrays. (Shawnee Mission Post)
• An Ohio school district considers a solar power contract that would save it $1.5 million over 20 years. (Fulton County Expositor)
TRANSPORTATION: Kansas City, Missouri, is among the first cities to pilot zero-fare transit in an effort to drive up ridership of public transportation. (Environment Missouri)
OIL & GAS: Google says it will no longer build artificial intelligence tools for speeding up oil and gas extraction following pressure from Greenpeace. (Associated Press)
***SPONSORED LINK: Green Energy Ohio invites you to a virtual conversation about Clean Energy in the Age of Coronavirus, May 21 at noon EDT. Featuring ENN reporter Kathiann Kowalski and Dan Gearino from InsideClimate News. Register today!***
GRID: A proposed minimum offer price rule could increase costs for customers in grid operator PJM’s territory by up to $2.6 billion annually, according to a recent analysis. (Utility Dive)
COMMENTARY:
• The president and CEO of FirstEnergy responds to a recent editorial, saying it falsely linked the utility with a now unaffiliated company and showed “blatant smear tactics.” (Toledo Blade)
• Bankruptcy filings show Murray Energy paid nearly $1 million last year to a law firm that has fought wind and solar development in Ohio, a watchdog group reports. (Energy and Policy Institute)