ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Six major utilities across the Midwest sign a pledge to build out an interstate, fast-charging EV network over the next two years. (MLive)
OIL & GAS: A North Dakota commission approves changes to the state’s gas capture policy that encourages pipeline and processing infrastructure investments but doesn’t change flaring targets. (Bismarck Tribune)
***SPONSORED LINK: The National Solar Tour is going virtual! Sep. 28-Oct. 4. Meet solar owners from around the country. Hear about their experience going solar. Explore new technologies. Learn about solar’s role in energy equity and community empowerment.***
CLEAN ENERGY: An AEP subsidiary will contribute $1.5 million to a political campaign by the city of Columbus encouraging voters to pass a renewable energy aggregation program. (Columbus Dispatch)
CLIMATE: An eastern Iowa county hires its first sustainability manager, whose early goals include a greenhouse gas inventory to help shape a climate action plan. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
UTILITIES:
• Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot tells ComEd the city will not renew its utility agreement unless the company commits to ethics reforms, ends residential disconnections and helps with the city’s clean energy goals. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Illinois regulators reach a deal with the state’s major electricity and gas providers to extend a moratorium on utility disconnections through March 2021. (CBS Chicago)
POLITICS: The CEO of the company that developed the Dakota Access pipeline contributes $10 million to a Super PAC supporting the reelection of President Trump. (E&E News, subscription)
COAL:
• DTE Energy receives $500 million in tax-exempt funding from the state of Michigan to clean solid waste pollution at several coal-related sites in southeastern Michigan. (Crain’s Detroit Business)
• An Illinois power cooperative is set to lay off 21 employees as it downsizes its coal generation. (Southern Illinoisan)
• As Peabody Energy and Arch Resources seek to consolidate mining operations, federal officials say the move would limit competition in some regions. (E&E News, subscription)
***SPONSORED LINK: Michigan’s renewable energy economy is POISED TO BUST LOOSE. Big policy change is afoot and clean energy infrastructure demand will surge. Get the inside story on the Speaking of Resilience podcast! Leaders in business, policy and advocacy share insight!***
NUCLEAR: The owner of a southwestern Michigan nuclear plant seeks federal approval of a plan to fix cracking and other damage at the plant. (MLive)
COMMENTARY:
• An Illinois utility watchdog says a news report about its taking money from utility-funded foundations “perpetuated numerous misconceptions and included misstatements.” (Citizens Utility Board)
• An Indiana conservative clean energy advocate says wind development is an “economic boon to rural Indiana.” (Journal & Courier)
• A MidAmerican Energy official says wind power has been a beneficial “stabilizing factor for many Iowa landowners and counties.” (Wallaces Farmer)
• Dozens of communities in five states including Michigan and Ohio are overpaying for electricity through long-term contracts with American Municipal Power, according to energy analysts. (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis)