CLEAN ENERGY: Chicago’s Southeast Side and Newton, Iowa — both with a history of thriving industries — offer contrasting tales of using clean energy to rebuild the local economy. (Midwest Energy News)
UTILITIES: A Wisconsin farmer wins a case against Xcel Energy over stray voltage negatively impacting his cattle, leading to the largest award in state history. (LaCrosse Tribune)
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SOLAR:
• A trade complaint issued by solar panel manufacturer Suniva has caused uncertainty surrounding the prospect of a tariff on imported panels, putting projects on hold and driving up prices. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• Minnesota lawmakers say a solar panel plant in the state is in jeopardy if Suniva’s tariff request is approved. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• The trade petition is also attracting the attention of Michigan solar companies, one of which calls Suniva’s request “sour grapes.” (MiBiz)
• Thousands of solar panels are being installed at a former landfill in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. (WEAU)
• An Indiana entrepreneur is concerned about the direction of the state’s solar industry. (Terre Haute Tribune Star)
• An Ohio city is seeking input from residents about the potential for powering the city’s operations on solar. (Hamilton Journal-News)
GRID: Michigan regulators say the Lower Peninsula’s capacity needs will be met over the next five years, but the string of coal plant closures makes the future beyond that uncertain. (The Peninsula)
EFFICIENCY: Several Midwest states are among the 30 across the country with energy efficiency policies in place, according to the Energy Information Administration. (Utility Dive)
CLIMATE: The U.S. formally signals its intent to leave the Paris climate agreement, though the Trump administration is reportedly leaving open the prospect of staying in if certain conditions are met. (E&E News)
ELECTRIC CHOICE: The chairman of the Michigan House Energy Policy committee is threatening to sue state regulators over proposed rules he says would diminish the state’s limited electric choice market. (Detroit News)
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OIL AND GAS: An earthquake specialist at the University of Iowa says there is evidence that the recent string of earthquakes in Oklahoma are linked to oil and gas activity. (Radio Iowa)
COMMENTARY: An Indiana utility official makes the case for increasing rates in order to support renewable energy projects and grid reliability. (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)