PIPELINES: Tribal members inspecting the Line 5 pipeline using a remote underwater vehicle find possible prehistoric stone formations in the Straits of Mackinac that — if confirmed — could affect the route of Enbridge’s proposed pipeline tunnel. (Detroit Free Press)

ALSO:
• A University of Michigan archaeologist says Enbridge previously told a subcontractor to ignore possible prehistoric artifacts in the Straits of Mackinac. (MLive)
• Enbridge completes the replacement of a 12-mile section of the Line 3 pipeline through North Dakota. (Associated Press)

***SPONSORED LINK: The University of Minnesota Law, Policy, and Business Conference on Equity and Electrification of Transportation, Friday, October 23, from 10 am – 2:30 pm, will discuss broader reforms to our transportation systems through the lens of law, policy, and business. Register here. ***

OHIO: Federal prosecutors subpoena Energy Harbor for documents as part of an investigation into whether the utility knowingly made payments to help secure favorable legislation for its nuclear plants. (Wall Street Journal, subscription)

UTILITIES: DTE Energy and Exelon deny reports that they’re considering divesting non-utility assets, though experts say the practice could be increasingly common among regulated utilities. (Utility Dive)

EMISSIONS: Two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota who previously signed a pledge opposing tougher vehicle emission standards proposed by Gov. Tim Walz now say they support the policy. (MinnPost)

SOLAR: Indiana developer Inovateus Solar launches a financing venture that will provide capital for early and mid-stage solar projects. (Inside Indiana Business)

COAL: A regional commission awards $5.7 million in federal grants to support workforce development in Ohio coal-dependent towns. (Logan Daily News) 

EFFICIENCY: Multi-phased energy efficiency investments have helped a Wisconsin school district save tens of thousands of dollars on energy costs over the past year along with savings realized during the pandemic. (Kenosha News)

OIL & GAS: Experts say the U.S. oil and gas industry is on the verge of defaulting on billions of dollars in environmental cleanup obligations as company bankruptcies mount. (DeSmog)

WIND:
• Dozens of residents join a lawsuit challenging a 66-turbine wind project approved in central Illinois. (Herald & Review)
• Iowa officials say the state’s strong wind energy resources are a “strategic advantage” that can help attract business investment. (KMA Land)

BIOFUELS: President Trump touts his administration’s record supporting the ethanol industry at a campaign stop in Iowa, though the industry has faced ongoing uncertainty during his tenure. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

COMMENTARY: A Minnesota clean energy advocate discusses her new nonprofit’s strategies for expanding clean energy access in marginalized areas of Minneapolis. (Clean Energy Resource Teams)