EFFICIENCY: A Minneapolis residential benchmarking program completed more than 6,200 home energy audits in its first year, though the reports are not likely a deciding factor for buyers yet because of how quickly homes are selling. (Energy News Network)
RENEWABLES: A proposed wind and solar project in southwestern Minnesota could be the first of its kind in the state if built but has also drawn historic preservation concerns from tribal leaders. (MPR News)
***SPONSORED LINK: On April 9, join U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and climate leaders for a conversation about how Congress can pass a meaningful climate and infrastructure package that delivers good paying clean energy jobs, and provides the path to 100% clean electricity by 2035. Presented by Fresh Energy.***
PIPELINES:
• Invoices reveal a close relationship between Enbridge and Minnesota law enforcement, with cash-strapped departments dedicating significant time to patrolling Line 3 protests to earn payments from the company. (Heated)
• Dakota Access pipeline developer Energy Transfer issues a broad subpoena to a nonprofit news website related to its coverage of the Standing Rock protests. (The Intercept)
• North Dakota’s attorney general calls on the Biden administration to consult with the state before taking any potential action on the Dakota Access pipeline. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)
OHIO: A state Republican lawmaker says discussions will continue over whether to repeal subsidies for two coal plants and six solar projects that were included in a broader power plant bailout law that was partially repealed last week. (Statehouse News Bureau)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A pair of Minnesota geologists launch a company that extracts cobalt, copper and nickel from industrial waste streams to be used in electric vehicle batteries. (Star Tribune)
• An Indiana auto factory that formerly produced Hummers will begin making electric delivery vehicles later this year. (South Bend Tribune)
CLEAN ENERGY:
• Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed budget includes millions of dollars for reducing climate emissions and investing in clean energy. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• A Michigan task force submits recommendations to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to improve reliability and expand clean energy in the Upper Peninsula. (Associated Press)
OIL & GAS:
• A small Kansas town is suing BP after receiving a $53,000 natural gas bill in February when prices skyrocketed during a cold weather snap. (Wichita Eagle)
• Small utilities in Missouri want state lawmakers to create a zero-interest loan program to help pay off high heating bills from February. (KMBC)
WIND: Three public hearings are scheduled this month on a Missouri county’s plan to adopt more restrictive wind siting rules. (Columbia Missourian)
SOLAR:
• A mid-Michigan resident starts a campaign in opposition to a developer’s plan to expand a major solar project over land use concerns. (MLive)
• State regulators will hold a public hearing next month on a proposed 110 MW solar project in northwestern Ohio. (Toledo Blade)
BIOFUELS: Iowa lawmakers advance legislation that would require new gas station infrastructure to support at least 10% ethanol products and create seasonal biofuel standards. (Telegraph Herald)
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OVERSIGHT: A former state lawmaker who was appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission says he will prioritize ratepayer protections. (Missourinet)
COMMENTARY: Illinois should begin spending down $89 million left in Volkswagen settlement funds to jumpstart the state’s electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption, an editorial board says. (Chicago Sun-Times)