PIPELINES:
• Two weeks before two highly anticipated studies about the future of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline were to be published, the state of Michigan terminates an agreement with one of the contractors, citing a conflict of interest with an employee. (Midwest Energy News)
• A judge allows oil to keep flowing through the Dakota Access pipeline this summer while further environmental review is conducted. (Reuters)

GRID: A new report by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation says the power grid is remaining reliable and resilient amid the growth of variable, distributed generation. (Midwest Energy News)

WIND: As wind energy deployment grows in the Great Plains, opponents raise questions about its reliability, though experts say there isn’t cause for concern. (NPR)

NUCLEAR: A Michigan utility is among several in the U.S. with a construction and operating license for a new nuclear reactor that “creates an option down the road.” (Utility Dive)

COAL: Ohio coal CEO Robert Murray files a defamation lawsuit against TV host John Oliver over a segment critical of Murray and the coal industry. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

SOLAR:
• A Wisconsin county postpones a decision to install privately funded solar panels on government buildings. (Baraboo News Republic)
• A nature center in southwest Michigan will now meet 30 percent of its electricity needs through solar. (WMUK)
• A deadline is approaching to apply for financial assistance for residential solar installations in the Cincinnati area. (WCPO)

UTILITIES: Ohio utility regulators rule that submetering companies can’t charge more than what households would pay to their local regulated utility. (Columbus Dispatch)

DIVESTMENT: Indiana’s attorney general joins officials from 12 other states in signing a letter to the California insurance commissioner, “asking that he stop pressing insurance companies to publicly disclose fossil fuel investments and divest from the coal industry.” (Associated Press)

CLEAN ENERGY: Former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz is launching a research think tank and advisory firm focused on clean energy innovation. (E&E News)