MICROGRIDS: The rise of microgrid technology in Illinois shows parallels to the recent evolution in telecommunications. (Midwest Energy News)
SOLAR:
• A consignment store chain in Iowa expects to save $75,000 a year on electricity bills by installing solar panels at two of its stores. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• Community solar projects are increasingly accessible for more residents, including renters and apartment dwellers. (Bloomberg)
***SPONSORED LINK: EnergyStorage Global Innovation Forum, September 12-13 in Chicago brings together top experts from ComEd, Oncor, PowerStream, PJM, Midwest ISO, ARPA-E, Argonne National Lab and many others to examine grid-level and behind-the-meter storage business models, technology innovations and opportunities. Visit www.esinnovationforum.com ***
PIPELINES:
• Iowa landowners want state regulators to investigate possible permit violations by the developer of the Dakota Access pipeline during its construction; company officials deny the claims. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• A federal judge in North Dakota has ordered protesters not to interfere with construction of the Dakota Access pipeline. (KCCI-TV)
• Royal Dutch Shell wants to build a 94-mile pipeline to move ethane through Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. (Pittsburgh Business Times)
CLIMATE:
• The Obama administration announces fuel-efficiency standards to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks and other large vehicles as part of a climate change goal focused on transportation. (New York Times)
• Advocates debate whether existing technologies can help solve climate change problems or whether a major “breakthrough” is necessary. (ClimateWire)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE:
• Southeast Michigan residents say their civil rights are being violated due to ongoing air pollution from fossil fuels in the area. (The Voice)
• The state will monitor air quality in a Detroit neighborhood after input from community members. (Associated Press)
ILLINOIS: An out-of-state alternative energy supplier operating in Illinois may issue millions of dollars in rebates to customers over misleading claims about the source of its electricity. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
BIOMASS: Energy production from burning wood is slumping as the industry and the U.S. EPA spar over its emission impacts. (Climate Central)
REGULATION: The Michigan Senate will meet in early September to consider the appointment of a former BP lobbyist as head of the state’s Department of Environmental Quality. (Associated Press)
COAL:
• The University of Missouri’s campus power plant has steadily burned less coal since 2008, giving way to more biomass and natural gas. (Columbia Missourian)
• A new report says major coal lobbying groups have been steadily losing member companies in recent years. (Grist)
***SPONSORED LINK: The 15th annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainability Fair will be held Aug. 20-21at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Illinois. Events include speakers, exhibits, children’s activities, music, food, and more.www.illinoisrenew.org***
MERGER: The list of entities intervening in a proposed $12.2 billion merger between Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy continues to grow. (Topeka Capital-Journal)
OIL AND GAS:
• The CEO of a Minnesota-based oil and gas company is fired after federal regulators indicate he may have violated securities laws. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• An Ohio resident is speaking out against a plan to inject fracking waste into a well near her home and a nearby airport. (Youngstown Vindicator)