COAL: Kansas legislation allowing utilities to refinance debt on coal plants that are retired early will likely be signed into law, but it’s unclear how often it might be used. (Energy News Network)

RENEWABLES: An amendment to a controversial Indiana bill involving local control over renewable energy siting would allow local governments to maintain strict zoning rules but also offer incentives for abandoning them. (Indianapolis Star)

***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.***

SOLAR:
• While community solar has taken off in Minnesota, experts say programs have failed to deliver benefits to low-income customers and those disproportionately affected by pollution. (Sahan Journal)
• The federal government’s attempt to further reduce the cost of solar power could reshape energy debates and hasten the transition from fossil fuels. (Inside Climate News)
• Some residents speak out against a developer’s plan for a 500-acre solar project just west of Omaha, Nebraska. (WOWT)
• Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor visits a new 2.4 MW solar project at a University of Wisconsin campus that he says can help reshape building design. (Telegraph Herald)

OIL & GAS: Dozens of fossil fuel companies received billions of dollars in tax benefits from last year’s COVID-19 relief package but cut tens of thousands of jobs anyway, an analysis finds. (Inside Climate News)

NUCLEAR: The future of two Ohio nuclear plants remains unclear after Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill to repeal subsidies for the plants but no replacement legislation is in sight. (S&P Global)

PIPELINES:
• Critics say a plan to tunnel the Line 5 pipeline between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas is a bad long-term deal that would impede climate mitigation efforts. (Bridge Michigan)
• A group of 33 Democratic lawmakers call on President Biden to shut down the Dakota Access pipeline as the administration faces an upcoming deadline to decide the project’s future. (The Hill)

UTILITIES: DTE Energy’s executive chairman says perceptions about the utility industry are outdated and that the company and others are committed to drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Michigan Daily)

EMISSIONS: Ford provides more details on its net-zero carbon goal by 2050 that calls for varying targets in the coming years. (ABC News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A Kansas City suburb is the first in the state to install solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations. (FOX 4)
• Ohio-based startup Lordstown Motors unveils the first beta models of its electric trucks amid criticism about the company’s progress. (Crain’s Cleveland Business)
• La Crosse, Wisconsin’s transit agency partners with Xcel Energy to deliver electrified buses to help reduce the city’s transportation emissions. (WXOW)

BIOFUELS: Iowa lawmakers advance an amended bill that softens a proposal from Gov. Kim Reynolds mandating biofuel sales. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

***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!***

EFFICIENCY: Ann Arbor, Michigan, officials plan to distribute energy efficiency kits that include LED light bulbs and other devices to curb energy usage to more than 200 homebound residents. (MLive)

COMMENTARY: Nonprofit groups with ties to Michigan’s two largest utilities start an online advertising campaign targeting legislation that would expand rooftop solar programs. (Energy and Policy Institute)