NOTE TO READERS — Recipients of the 2016 Midwest Energy News 40 Under 40 are being announced this week. Representing energy professionals from business, government, academic, and advocacy sectors, congratulations to today’s group of honorees.
CLIMATE: A Detroit-based advocacy group says clean energy and environmental justice are key components to the city’s revitalization. (Midwest Energy News)
SOLAR:
• A “mini-boom” in solar development is taking place across Nebraska. (Omaha World-Herald)
• A tribal community in South Dakota is among those selected to receive solar installations as part of a federal grant program to help areas underserved by utilities. (PV Magazine)
• A developer says installing solar panels at a new Illinois sewer plant would essentially eliminate the plant’s electric bill in seven years. (Sauk Valley News)
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COAL:
• Michigan-based Consumers Energy is in negotiations with an industrial development company to sell a former coal plant site along lakefront property in west Michigan. (MLive)
• A large coal plant in southeast Michigan is named as a “super polluter” due to its greenhouse gas emissions. (Center for Public Integrity)
PIPELINES:
• Twenty-one more Dakota Access pipeline protesters were arrested this week in North Dakota, officials say. (Associated Press)
• North Dakota officials seek an explanation of why the Dakota Access developer bought a ranch where protests turned violent earlier this month. (Associated Press)
WIND: A Nebraska-based independent power producer buys 470 megawatts worth of wind projects in Minnesota and North Dakota. (Platts)
GRID: Researchers say the Upper Midwest power grid is more susceptible than other parts of the country to solar storms, which can trigger blackouts and damage equipment. (Minnesota Public Radio)
OIL AND GAS: The federal government will pay nearly $500 million to Native American tribes after allegations that it has mismanaged natural resources, including oil and gas leases. (Grist)
***SPONSORED LINK: Join us October 5 in Minneapolis for Trending Green: Understanding Corporate Renewable Procurement in the Midwest. Featuring keynote speaker Adam Kramer of Switch–data center provider and sustainability leader—along with other regional energy thought leaders.***
CLEAN POWER PLAN: Many say the EPA came out ahead during oral arguments over the Clean Power Plan on Tuesday, but both sides are predicting victory. (ClimateWire/The Hill)
COMMENTARY:
• A Nebraska congressman praises a community solar project for being the “first of its kind and size in our region.” (Plattsmouth Journal)
• Cheap natural gas is leading to an “energy renaissance” in Wisconsin and throughout the country. (Janesville Gazette)