EFFICIENCY: Iowa’s largest utilities have dramatically scaled back efforts to help customers conserve energy since a 2018 law gutted the state’s energy efficiency requirements. (Energy News Network)
RENEWABLES: Clean energy supporters say misinformation has played a key role in the Ohio legislature’s ongoing attacks against renewable energy development. (Energy News Network)
EMISSIONS: Minnesota’s top pollution regulator resigns from her appointed position ahead of a confirmation vote on her nomination that Republicans vowed to block after a months-long dispute over vehicle emission standards. (Minnesota Reformer)
OIL & GAS:
• A new Minnesota law allows natural gas utilities to recover the cost of replacing standard natural gas supplies with lower-emission alternatives. (S&P Global)
• Critics are skeptical that a proposed oil refinery near a national park in North Dakota will ever be completed as a mid-September deadline approaches for construction to begin. (Inforum)
COAL: Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signs a bill allowing utilities to refinance debt on coal plants so they can retire the plants early. (Missouri Independent)
WIND:
• A developer is approved to begin the permitting process for a planned 200 MW wind project in South Dakota. (South Dakota Public Broadcasting)
• A proposed 75-turbine wind project is dividing central Michigan residents over local tax revenue and aesthetics. (FOX 17)
• County officials in western Iowa advance new regulations to guide future wind development on farmland. (KCAU)
• An Indianapolis company is awarded a $70 million contract to repower a 240 MW wind project in northwestern Illinois. (Inside Indiana Business)
SOLAR:
• Officials in Dubuque, Iowa, unanimously approve a pilot project that will install solar projects on 10 low- to moderate-income households. (Telegraph Herald)
• A growing number of Minnesota solar projects include pollinator-friendly landscapes that are providing rich, native habitats for bees, insects and butterflies. (Star Tribune)
• Public hearings are scheduled in the coming weeks for two Ohio solar projects totaling 357 MW. (Farm and Dairy)
BIOGAS: Wisconsin farming and renewable energy advocates push for federal tax incentives to support the development of biogas technology. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
CLIMATE: The mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, proposes a citywide 20-year tax dedicated to climate change measures. (MLive)
RENEWABLES: A Minnesota company that provides logistics for solar, wind and battery storage projects sees 600% growth in its energy segment. (Star Tribune)
TRANSPORTATION:
• An Illinois coalition wants Gov. J.B. Pritzker to pledge that at least 30% of all new trucks and buses sold in the state will be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, and 100% by 2050. (WGLT)
• St. Louis’ metro transit agency adds 18 electric buses to its fleet that are expected to reduce fuel and maintenance costs compared to diesel models. (FOX 2)
COMMENTARY:
• A former Iowa lawmaker says solar can keep the state’s farmland productive while also providing substantial revenue to landowners and local governments. (Des Moines Register)
• Two Michigan lawmakers say pending bills to expand community solar in the state offer a rare chance for bipartisanship. (Bridge Michigan)