ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Kansas City pilot project seeks to install electric vehicle chargers on 30 to 60 streetlights this year as a way to improve charging access. (Energy News Network)
OHIO:
• The Ohio Senate unanimously votes to repeal HB 6 nuclear plant subsidies while leaving other components of the scandal-tainted law in place. (Cleveland.com)
• FirstEnergy discloses that a $4.3 million payment made to former utility regulator Sam Randazzo before his appointment was meant to benefit the company. (Energy and Policy Institute)
PIPELINES: Minnesota activists mark the 30th anniversary of a major inland oil spill from the Line 3 pipeline, which Enbridge is seeking to replace and expand. (MPR News)
OIL & GAS:
• Kansas is among states looking to prevent local natural gas bans after Lawrence officials adopted a 100% renewable energy target. (NPR)
• Proposed legislation in Indiana would also limit local governments from banning any specific fuel sources for home heating and appliances. (Indianapolis Star)
• Ameren Illinois is set to begin replacing 11 miles of outdated natural gas pipelines in the Champaign area. (WAND)
NUCLEAR: A Missouri nuclear plant has been offline for two months as Ameren officials replace “significant components” at the facility. (News Tribune)
UTILITIES: Kansas lawmakers are fast-tracking legislation that would help cities facing massive energy bills after last month’s cold weather. (Topeka Capital Journal)
SOLAR:
• Developers provide local officials with more details on a planned 250 MW solar project in western Indiana. (Sullivan Daily Times)
• Solar advocates launch a cooperative group-buying program in Cincinnati as interest in home installations grows. (Spectrum News)
MICROGRIDS: County officials in the Cleveland area consider a microgrid plan that would involve a $500,000 investment before turning the development and operation over to a contractor. (Cleveland.com)
FINANCE: U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says she is ready to revamp a $40 billion federal loan program for clean energy. (Reuters)
GRID: Utility and grid officials discuss last month’s rolling blackouts with Nebraska lawmakers, who expressed frustration about how the electricity challenges were handled. (Omaha World-Herald)
BIOFUELS: Climate legislation introduced by U.S. House Democrats this week would end the EPA’s practice of withholding names of companies that receive exemptions from biofuel blending requirements. (E&E News, subscription)
COMMENTARY:
• Renewed federal interest in climate change action means opportunities for Indiana in wind, solar and auto manufacturing, says the head of the Environmental Law and Policy Center. (Indianapolis Star)
• “Ensuring the rights of Native people are respected is critical” as the U.S. and Canada set out to craft bilateral climate policies following the cancelation of the Keystone XL pipeline, a journalist writes. (Vox)
• MISO and the Southwest Power Pool need stronger transmission connections to improve grid resiliency that fell short last month, a consultant says. (Natural Resources Defense Council)