OHIO: State lawmakers consider separate bills that would restore some of Ohio’s previous energy efficiency program and also repeal ratepayer subsidies for two unprofitable coal plants. (Ohio Capital Journal)
SOLAR:
• Solar advocates testified last week in support of legislation that would open Michigan to third-party community solar development, though major utilities remain firmly opposed. (Crain’s Detroit Business)
• Cincinnati officials expect to start receiving power this winter from a 100 MW solar project under development about 45 miles east of the city. (Spectrum News)
• A developer seeks to build public support for a pair of solar projects totaling 250 MW in eastern Iowa. (Clinton Herald)
• Local officials hear support and opposition for a planned 250 MW solar project that’s advancing near Lincoln, Nebraska. (Nebraska Public Media)
RENEWABLES:
• A federal clean electricity program championed by U.S. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota was left out of a pared down $1.75 trillion spending plan released last week. (Star Tribune)
• Residents in central Missouri urge local officials to adopt a 100% renewable energy target. (Columbia Missourian)
EMISSIONS:
• North Dakota’s attorney general is among state officials supporting the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case that could limit the U.S. EPA’s authority to curb greenhouse gas emissions. (Associated Press)
• A North Dakota board is nearing an agreement with a utility that would capture carbon from a coal plant and store it underground on state property. (Bismarck Tribune)
OVERSIGHT: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appoints an engineer and agency division leader to head up the state’s Pollution Control Agency, whose previous leader resigned amid a dispute with Republican lawmakers. (Star Tribune)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Illinois lawmakers pass a plan to create more tax incentives for electric vehicle manufacturers in an effort to bring more production to the state. (HOIABC.com)
• The Indiana Toll Road operator lays out a plan to reduce carbon emissions 50% by 2030, including by installing electric vehicle charging stations at travel plazas along the 157-mile roadway. (Inside Indiana Business)
OIL & GAS:
• North Dakota’s budget plan calls for spending $150 million in federal pandemic relief funds on natural gas infrastructure. (Associated Press)
• North Dakota officials present plans for a new pipeline that could move natural gas to the eastern part of the state in an effort to increase gas storage capacity. (KFYR)