CLEAN ENERGY: A southeastern Michigan city could be fully powered through solar, energy efficiency and other local generation, but only after major state policy changes, according to a new report. (Planet Detroit/Energy News Network)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: A new coalition seeks to amplify the voices of people of color in Appalachia who have been disproportionately impacted by economic and social burdens. (Energy News Network)
PIPELINES: While climate and Indigenous activists have applauded President Biden for stopping the Keystone XL pipeline, he’s been widely criticized by the same groups for refusing to do the same with Line 3 and Line 5. (Inside Climate News)
SOLAR:
• Proposed legislation in Ohio would allow for the development of up to 3,000 MW of community solar projects, with a focus on brownfield properties. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• The Indiana Supreme Court will not consider an appeal from local residents looking to overturn approval of a planned 120 MW solar project. (Herald Bulletin)
• A central Indiana county passes an ordinance that includes setback distances and water well testing requirements for large-scale solar projects. (Kokomo Perspective)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Lordstown Motors will delay next year’s release of its electric pickup truck because of parts and materials shortages and other supply chain issues. (Reuters)
• President Biden plans to visit a Michigan GM electric vehicle plant next week as the administration pushes Congress to pass tax incentives for zero-emission vehicles. (Reuters)
• Two electric buses are delivered to transport students under a Minnesota pilot project. (Star Tribune)
WIND: A proposed 200 MW South Dakota wind project would qualify for more than $5.1 million in reimbursements under a state sales tax refund. (KELO)
OIL & GAS: The North Dakota Senate passes a bill that includes spending $150 million of federal pandemic relief funds on a cross-state natural gas pipeline. (Bismarck Tribune)
EMISSIONS: Wisconsin officials are accepting grant applications for transportation initiatives that reduce diesel emissions. (Wisconsin Examiner)
UTILITIES: Cooperatives that brought electricity to rural Ohio decades ago are now looking for ways to provide high-speed internet to members. (Farm and Dairy)
COMMENTARY:
• Decommissioning an aging and currently inoperable hydropower dam in southern Minnesota makes more sense than spending millions on repairs, an editorial board says. (Mankato Free Press)
• A former safety and performance manager at Midwest nuclear plants says existing plans should remain open to achieve climate targets. (Star Tribune)