SOLAR: A flurry of large project proposals in Ohio could help solar challenge nuclear power in the coming years as the state’s third-largest source of generation. (Energy News Network)
ALSO:
• Experts predict rooftop solar is also poised for growth in Ohio as installations become more accessible for middle- and low-income households. (WYSO)
• A central Indiana county continues to see proposed solar projects despite a moratorium on new developments at least through July. (Herald Bulletin)
***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!***
CLEAN ENERGY: A labor-backed coalition of Illinois lawmakers proposes a bill that would require union labor on any clean energy projects that receive state subsidies and set labor standards and diversity hiring goals for the industry. (Capitol News Illinois, Chicago Sun-Times)
WIND: An alliance between wind energy developers and Republican lawmakers has formed in Indiana over plans for statewide siting regulations, which have divided environmental and consumer advocates. (Inside Climate News)
PIPELINES: Twenty-six people were arrested last week at a Line 3 pipeline protest in Minnesota, including some who were allegedly trespassing on private property. (Detroit Lakes Tribune)
STORAGE: Long duration energy storage could see major growth as costs decline and more intermittent renewables come online. (Bloomberg)
OIL & GAS:
• An increasing number of women are working in Ohio’s historically male-dominated oil and gas sector. (WYSO)
• North Dakota lawmakers press federal regulators to approve a 60-mile gas pipeline expansion they argue is needed to cut down on methane emissions from flaring. (S&P Global)
• North Dakota lawmakers pass a bill creating a broader investment policy for the state’s oil tax savings account, including loans for infrastructure projects. (Associated Press)
• A North Dakota pilot project will test a new substance that’s sent down oil wells to increase production. (Associated Press)
• Ameren Illinois will replace 11 miles of outdated natural gas infrastructure in Springfield this spring and summer. (WAND)
HYDROELECTRIC: A utility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will continue investing in a 119-year-old hydroelectric facility to maintain as part of its clean energy portfolio. (WLUC)
UTILITIES: Millions in the U.S. are at risk of losing electricity as restrictions on power disconnections during the winter and COVID-19 pandemic are set to expire this month in more than a dozen states. (NPR)