EFFICIENCY: Data coming in for the first few years of Chicago’s energy efficiency benchmarking program shows large buildings making progress in reducing energy use, but also challenges in how the data is disclosed. (Midwest Energy News)
ADVOCACY: The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel outlines its legislative priorities for the year, which include moving utilities closer to full market pricing for electricity and preventing opportunities for subsidies and excessive profits. (Midwest Energy News)
***SPONSORED LINK: Stay current on the newest developments in the energy economy by attending the Advancing Renewables in the Midwest Conference this coming April 24th & 25th in Columbia, MO. For registration and details: www.AdvancingRenewables.org.***
SOLAR:
• An eastern Michigan county known for the amount of its wind development takes initial steps toward a moratorium on commercial-scale solar projects in order to sort out zoning regulations. (Huron Daily Tribune)
• Advocates are focusing in on a plan to cap net metering in Iowa that they worry could stunt industry growth. (Radio Iowa)
• Indiana rooftop solar owners speak out against a proposal to end net metering there. (Rushville Republican)
• Northeast Ohio homeowners reduce their electric bills through a countywide solar cooperative. (Freshwater Cleveland)
• Why residential solar company Sungevity went bankrupt despite a growing industry. (E&E News)
UTILITIES: Xcel Energy continues to play a major role behind the scenes at the Minnesota Capitol. (City Pages)
OIL AND GAS:
• The Trump administration is rolling back rules that require companies that drill for oil and natural gas on federal lands to disclose chemicals used for fracking. (Associated Press)
• Local officials in Springfield, Illinois want to know how the city’s municipal utility would be impacted by the construction of a new $1 billion natural gas plant nearby. (State Journal-Register)
EMISSIONS:
• Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says President Trump’s plan to revisit fuel economy standards and emissions requirements is “very positive.” (MLive)
• Michigan researchers say Trump’s plan could benefit the auto industry but stunt progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (MLive)
COAL: A small group of investment funds could reap hundreds of millions of dollars in gains from an unusual sale of discounted Peabody Energy stock. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
***SPONSORED LINK: The 2nd Grid Modernization Forum, April 3-5 in Chicago, examines key lessons from top utilities including Eversource, Alliant Energy, Con Edison, National Grid, Ameren and many others. Enter MWEN when registering for 20% off.***
CLIMATE: A group of 17 congressional Republicans sign a resolution vowing to seek “economically viable” ways to stave off global warming. (The Hill)
PIPELINES: Officials are reopening a stretch of highway in North Dakota that was closed for months due to pipeline protests. (Associated Press)