PIPELINES: A Michigan agency approves permits for Enbridge to build a pipeline tunnel for Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac, concluding that the project would comply with the state’s environmental laws. (Bridge Michigan)

ALSO:
• Tribal leaders say President Biden’s cancelation of a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline is a rare victory and commitment from federal officials. (Associated Press)
• Environmental groups and labor unions that supported President Biden’s campaign are now at odds over efforts to stop major pipeline projects. (Reuters)
• Pipeline activists hope Biden’s swift action against Keystone XL signals additional steps to block the Line 3, Line 5 and Dakota Access projects. (Associated Press)

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EFFICIENCY: The organization responsible for developing model building energy codes is facing growing pressure to reconsider proposed changes that would limit the role of state and local governments in approving future updates. (Energy News Network)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: South Dakota lawmakers advance a bill that would charge electric vehicle drivers a $50 annual fee that would go to the state’s road maintenance fund. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader)

UTILITIES:
• Xcel Energy says it’s on track to reduce carbon emissions 80% over the next decade, though company officials are skeptical about the Biden administration’s 100% carbon-free power target by 2035. (Utility Dive)
• Duke Energy plans to sell a 19.9% stake in its Indiana business unit to help pay for an up to $60 billion capital plan. (Bloomberg)

OHIO:
• Attorney General Dave Yost is scheduled to give an update today on new developments in the case against the state’s power plant subsidy law. (FOX 19)
• The Cleveland City Council president who’s leading the effort to expose FirstEnergy’s attempt to weaken Cleveland Public Power has overseen accounts that accepted FirstEnergy campaign contributions for years. (Cleveland.com)

CLEAN ENERGY:
• Indiana lawmakers consider a series of bills involving clean energy development, including new wind and solar siting standards. (Indianapolis Star)
• Fossil fuel and ethanol supporters back a proposed North Dakota commission that would oversee $25 million for “sustainable energy” projects, though critics say it would exclude renewable energy. (Bismarck Tribune)

SOLAR: An Illinois school district is still considering whether to pursue rooftop solar projects after project proposals came back less promising than expected. (Journal Courier)

OIL & GAS: North Dakota industry officials are alarmed by the Biden administration’s swift action to tackle climate change through orders targeting oil and gas development. (Bismarck Tribune)

COMMENTARY: Clean energy advocates say grid operator MISO needs to improve on planning regional transmission projects to facilitate renewable energy development. (Natural Resources Defense Council)

Andy compiles the Midwest Energy News digest and was a journalism fellow for Midwest Energy News from 2014-2020. He is managing editor of MiBiz in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was formerly a reporter and editor at City Pulse, Lansing’s alternative newsweekly.