OHIO: Proposed legislation would phase out rate programs that have allowed Ohio utilities to collect billions in subsidies for the past 12 years but would also preserve coal plant subsidies and cut authority over efficiency programs. (Energy News Network)
COAL: NRG Energy announces plans to close two Illinois coal plants by June 2022 after securing lower-than-expected prices during a recent capacity auction. (Chicago Sun-Times)
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PIPELINES:
• The Line 3 replacement and expansion through northern Minnesota has become one of the biggest targets of U.S. environmental advocates who are also bringing attention to the Biden administration’s climate policies. (The Guardian)
• The 13-year dispute over the Keystone XL pipeline transformed the U.S. environmental movement and shifted the climate change debate to focus on immediate landowner impacts. (Inside Climate News)
WIND: Offshore wind along Michigan’s lake shores has potential to generate twice as much power as the state currently consumes, according to a new federal forecast. (Bridge Michigan)
SOLAR:
• Officials in two Indiana counties are scrambling to adopt utility-scale solar regulations before developers move forward on large projects. (Herald Republican)
• Developers propose a $120 million, 100 MW solar project in northern Indiana. (Elkhart Truth)
• Two municipal utilities in western Michigan grow their solar energy portfolios through recent power purchase agreements. (Holland Sentinel)
• A Michigan solar installer plans a new showroom for customers to pick out various solar and storage products in a retail setting. (MiBiz)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Several top executives at Lordstown Motors sold company stock just before the electric-truck startup reported its first financial results as a public company, raising questions about internal controls. (Wall Street Journal, subscription)
• Lordstown Motors said last week that it doesn’t have any firm orders for its vehicles, reversing previous statements from company officials. (Associated Press)
• Lordstown Motors would be a comeback story if it can emerge from its current problems, though analysts say the prospect is unlikely in such a challenging and competitive sector. (Inside Climate News)
NUCLEAR: State officials announce $1.2 million in grant funding for a southwestern Michigan community where a nuclear plant is scheduled to close next year. (MLive)
BIOGAS: A developer is working with dairy farmers to convert manure into renewable natural gas at three South Dakota facilities. (Pipestone County Star)
OIL & GAS: North Dakota regulators give a developer three more months to start construction on an oil refinery near a national park or the company risks losing its permit. (Bismarck Tribune)
POWER PLANTS:
• CenterPoint Energy seeks regulatory approval in Indiana for a 460 MW natural gas plant to replace retiring coal generation. (WFIE)
• Local officials approve up to $50 million in bonds to fund a new natural gas power plant and demolish and clean up a former coal plant in western Michigan. (MLive)
COMMENTARY:
• Wisconsin utility regulators “have clear conflicts” of interest while overseeing the approval of a controversial transmission project, a columnist says. (Isthmus)
• A Nebraska editorial board changes its position and now supports ending the development of the Keystone XL pipeline because “our world today is a far different place.” (Lincoln Journal Star)