ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Michigan utility withdraws plans for a $15 million statewide electric vehicle charging network after facing broad criticism over how the plan would be funded. (Midwest Energy News)
OIL AND GAS:
• Minnesota lawmakers approve a bill to bypass state utility regulators and allow Xcel Energy to build a natural gas plant to replace coal-burning units. (Associated Press)
• The developer of the proposed NEXUS gas pipeline says opponents are too late in arguing that northwest Ohio is prone to earthquakes and that the project shouldn’t move forward. (Toledo Blade)
SOLAR:
• A utility-backed bill to repeal Indiana’s net metering program moves forward. (Associated Press)
• A Minnesota county takes pride in being dubbed the state’s “solar capital.” (Chisago County Press)
• Plans move forward for a solar project at a former landfill in Ohio. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• A Minnesota city looks to increase its investment in solar generation and save $2 million on future electric bills. (Mankato Free Press)
HYDRO: A Minnesota community is at odds over the future of two dams that produce electricity for the city. (KSTP)
PIPELINES:
• The developer of the Keystone XL pipeline is renewing efforts to build through Nebraska. (Associated Press)
• The South Dakota Senate GOP leader says a bill aimed at curtailing pipeline protests needs more legislative oversight. (Associated Press)
• Similar protest-oriented bills move forward in North Dakota. (Associated Press)
• State, tribal and federal officials were in a “tense situation” Thursday over plans to evacuate the Dakota Access protest site, where new reports say minor flooding is still likely. (Bismarck Tribune, Associated Press)
FRAC SAND: Demand for frac sand has surged in recent weeks as shale drillers anticipate “the next wave” of production. (Reuters)
COAL: President Trump signs a bill to end the Obama administration’s stream protection rule. (The Hill)
REGULATION: Ohio Gov. John Kasich appoints a Democrat and a Republican to fill two vacant seats on the state Public Utilities Commission. (Columbus Dispatch)
UTILITIES: State regulators say consumer complaints against investor-owned utilities in North Dakota were down in 2016. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY:
• An Indiana editorial board says a plan to repeal net metering provisions deserves more study. (Terre Haute Tribune-Star)
• A Vox columnist highlights increasing support for clean energy among Republican governors.