SOLAR:
• First Solar’s manufacturing plant in Toledo, Ohio, is expected to play a key role in helping to achieve the Biden administration’s renewable energy goals while also reducing dependence on China. (Washington Post)
• The Biden administration releases a clean energy blueprint that shows how the U.S. could generate 45% of its electricity from solar by 2050. (New York Times)
OIL & GAS: Ohio legislation that would eliminate regulations for using produced water from oil and gas wells as a de-icer on roads is “literally a radioactive subsidy” for the industry, critics say. (Energy News Network)
UTILITIES:
• Ann Arbor, Michigan, officials want to further examine the pros and cons of creating a municipally owned utility, which could be put to city voters as early as next year. (MLive)
• The Nebraska Public Power District releases a draft plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which could indirectly benefit a local utility that produces hydroelectric power. (Columbus Telegram)
• Environmental and consumer advocates say it is “simply unconscionable” for Ameren Missouri to seek a nearly $300 million rate increase for clean energy and grid improvements as many customers continue to struggle paying bills. (Missouri Independent)
GRID: Indiana Michigan Power’s plan to replace 30 miles of outdated transmission lines in northeastern Indiana has raised concerns among some landowners about where the new infrastructure will be placed. (WANE)
COAL:
• An Indiana municipal utility releases a $26 million plan to dispose of coal ash at one of its power plants to comply with federal law. (Richmond Palladium-Item)
• The lead engineer at an Illinois municipal utility says a recent coal ash release was caused by human error and shouldn’t be a catalyst to close the facility as some environmental advocates have demanded. (WICS)
WIND: County officials in southeastern Nebraska advance more restrictive wind energy regulations that could make it difficult to develop projects. (News Channel Nebraska)
EFFICIENCY: A Wisconsin college’s student union, recreation and athletic facility is recognized with an energy efficiency award from Gov. Tony Evers. (Beloit Daily News)
BIOFUELS: A draft U.S. House budget bill includes $1 billion for biofuel infrastructure and increasing the usage of biofuel-blended fuels. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
COMMENTARY: President Biden should block the remaining construction on the Line 3 pipeline similar to how he revoked a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, a Wisconsin editorial board says. (Madison Capital Times)