FRACKING: While the cause of a recent earthquake in Ohio remains unclear, it’s raising questions about the prospect of more oil and gas activity in Wayne National Forest. (Midwest Energy News)
GRID: At a conference in Chicago this week, attendees grappled with the question of who should pay for smart grid upgrades when the value isn’t immediately apparent. (Midwest Energy News)
***SPONSORED LINK: Stay current on the newest developments in the energy economy by attending the Advancing Renewables in the Midwest Conference April 24-25 in Columbia, Missouri. For registration and details: www.AdvancingRenewables.org.***
SOLAR:
• Advocates say they can defeat a bill in Missouri that would allow significant increases in fixed costs for utility customers. (Midwest Energy News)
• An industry publication calls an Indiana solar bill “a fascinating Trojan horse.” (PV Magazine)
• Led largely by corporate buyers, solar had a record year in Wisconsin in 2016. (Wisconsin Gazette)
TECHNOLOGY: Ohio State University approves a $1 billion plan to lease out its energy systems in a partnership that will position the school” as an international leader in energy and sustainability.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
PIPELINES:
• A Minnesota Republican calls opposition to a crude oil pipeline “mindless” as lawmakers seek to bypass state regulators on the project. (Minnesota Public Radio)
• A Michigan Public Service Commissioner has been named to a national subcommittee on pipeline safety. (Daily Energy Insider)
NUCLEAR:
• Industry groups voice opposition to legislation to increase ratepayer subsidies for Ohio nuclear plants. (Toledo Blade)
• Canadian officials are seeking more information on a proposed waste storage facility along Lake Huron. (Detroit Free Press)
POLLUTION: Detroit advocates warn of the health consequences of President Trump’s environmental rollback. (Detroit News)
CLEAN ENERGY: The CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev explains his company’s pursuit of 100% clean energy by 2025: “Everything boils down to energy.” (Forbes)
COMMENTARY:
• A Michigan utility executive says the state will move forward on clean energy regardless of the Trump administration. (MLive)
• Labor and consumer leaders say pipelines are good for Michigan. (Detroit News)