PIPELINES: Iowa regulators deny a request to stop construction of the Dakota Access pipeline amid eminent domain concerns; developers say the project is already 22 percent complete in the state. (Radio Iowa, Des Moines Register)
UTILITIES:
• An Ohio utility is the latest to propose a significant increase in the fixed portion of customer bills, which advocates say will discourage solar and efficiency. (Midwest Energy News)
• Shareholders will vote next month on Great Plains Energy’s proposed acquisition of Westar. (Topeka Capital-Journal)
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BIOFUELS: Biofuel supporters criticize a new study questioning the climate benefits of renewable fuels, noting the work was funded in part by an oil industry group. (MLive)
SOLAR:
• An Iowa rural co-op expands its unique solar installation business to help neighboring co-ops develop their own projects. (Midwest Energy News)
• A 20 MW solar project will be the largest in Ohio as the state’s developers look forward to the expiration of a “freeze” in state clean energy standards. (Toledo Blade)
• An Iowa county is installing solar panels on public buildings. (KCRG)
WIND: Developers of a planned Ohio wind farm consider a switch to more efficient turbines. (reNews)
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Renewables are producing more power than ever, surpassing levels of previous years in every month of 2016, according to the Energy Department. (Greentech Media)
COAL: Indiana regulators approve a deal allowing Duke Energy to increase rates to help pay for cost overruns at a coal gasification plant. (Indianapolis Star)
CLIMATE: Advocates in Madison, Wisconsin seek more public involvement in the city’s climate plan. (Madison Commons)
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VW: Volkswagen reaches a settlement with U.S. dealers over its diesel emissions scandal. (MLive)
COMMENTARY:
• The Dakota Access pipeline controversy is “a familiar story in Indian Country.” (New York Times)
• Could a lithium shortage derail the electric car boom? (Oilprice.com)