Correction: An Appalachian infrastructure plan could bring 235,000 jobs per year to Ohio over the next decade, according to a recent study. An item in yesterday’s email misstated the number.
NATURAL GAS: A coalition of Minnesota clean energy and environmental advocates launches a campaign to shift public opinion on natural gas, arguing that it is neither a clean or cheap alternative to coal. (Energy News Network)
SOLAR:
• NIPSCO plans three large-scale solar and battery storage projects totaling 900 MW in northwestern Indiana in the coming years. (Times of Northwest Indiana)
• A northern Michigan city continues to pursue a small-scale solar demonstration project ahead of larger renewable energy commitments. (Petoskey News-Review)
***SPONSORED LINK: The University of Minnesota Law, Policy, and Business Conference on Equity and Electrification of Transportation, Friday, October 23, from 10 am – 2:30 pm, will discuss broader reforms to our transportation systems through the lens of law, policy, and business. Register here. ***
UTILITIES: If passed by voters next month, a ballot initiative in Columbus, Ohio, would create the state’s largest community aggregation program and significantly boost renewable energy purchases. (Energy News Network)
OHIO:
• FirstEnergy argues that ratepayers can’t pursue a class action lawsuit against the company for allegedly conspiring with state lawmakers on power plant subsidies because the subsidies haven’t taken effect. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)
• The whistleblower who helped uncover the alleged bribery scheme speaks out: “If I had the opportunity I would do it again 1,000 times over.” (WOSU)
• Environmental groups schedule three virtual public forums over the next week to keep pressure on lawmakers to repeal HB 6. (Columbus Dispatch)
CLIMATE: Negative health effects associated with climate change are expected to worsen in Wisconsin without efforts to curb the global situation, researchers say. (Wisconsin Examiner)
BIOFUELS: Iowa officials reach a settlement with a shuttered ethanol plant that lets the company off the hook for millions of dollars in tax incentives. (Associated Press)
NUCLEAR:
• A Northern Illinois University analysis says shutting down Exelon’s Byron nuclear plant would cost 2,300 direct and indirect jobs. (WTVO)
• A southwestern Michigan nuclear plant set for decommissioning in two years is back online after its final refueling and maintenance outage. (Power Engineering)
RENEWABLES: A Minnesota family living off the grid heats their home with wood, pumps well water with a wind turbine and uses solar panels for the small amount of electricity consumed. (Yale Climate Connections)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: General Motors is among seven auto companies planning to roll out new electric pickup trucks over the next two years. (Associated Press)
GRID: Michigan officials mark the first year of an extensive grid-planning initiative that has already led to new orders and draft rules for interconnection standards. (Daily Energy Insider)
COMMENTARY: Efforts to discredit climate science underscore the need for “sound, science-based, interdisciplinary climate-change education and training of teachers,” says the executive director of a Minnesota climate advocacy organization. (Duluth News Tribune)