UTILITIES: Ohio-based FirstEnergy is undertaking a “strategic review” of its generating facilities that could lead to the selling of as many as 13 gas, coal and nuclear plants: “We do not think competitive generation is a good fit,” the utility’s CEO says. (Akron Beacon Journal)
WIND:
• An environmental consultant says a proposed offshore wind project in Lake Erie would have a minimal impact on wildlife. (Midwest Energy News)
• Amazon’s plan for a second wind project in Ohio could help bolster the state’s wind industry. (Toledo Blade)
• U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley spars with his Democratic opponent over who deserves the credit for launching Iowa’s wind industry. (Radio Iowa)
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PIPELINES:
• An increasing number of Iowa landowners say the Dakota Access pipeline developer is engaging in “questionable construction practices” and worsening tensions with residents. (Des Moines Register)
• A North Dakota sheriff’s department declines to participate in a rally promoting forgiveness between protesters and law enforcement over the Dakota Access pipeline. (Bismarck Tribune)
• At least seven journalists have been charged with crimes while covering pipeline protests in North Dakota. (Forum News Service)
SOLAR: A planned community solar project in mid-Michigan will nearly double in size based on interest from local residents. (Lansing State Journal)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: General Motors begins manufacturing the 200-mile range Chevrolet Bolt at a factory near Detroit. (Associated Press)
ADVOCACY: A new nonprofit organization in Michigan looks to boost opportunities for women in the energy sector. (MLive)
COAL:
• Residents in an Ohio town discuss the negative impacts of closing a Murray Energy-owned coal mine by the end of the year. (Steubenville Herald Star)
• Coal-dependent counties in North Dakota have been a “beacon of stability” economically compared to oil- and agricultural-dependent areas of the state. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Plans to demolish and salvage parts of a former Michigan coal plant have been delayed as officials consider future uses of the components and the site. (Hillsdale Daily News)
CLIMATE: Some of the world’s largest oil companies pledge to invest $1 billion to develop climate-friendly technologies, specifically reducing emissions from oil and gas. (Reuters)
REGULATION: The two candidates for an open seat on the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission offer a stark contrast on policy and political history. (Rapid City Journal)
OHIO: An energy marketing company pays $125,000 to state regulators to settle a series of complaints over using deceptive tactics in Ohio. (Columbus Dispatch)
COMMENTARY:
• Electric choice advocates in Michigan should stop using school districts as “pawns” to help forward their agenda. (MLive)
• Wisconsin policymakers are “wasting valuable time” by not developing a statewide Clean Power Plan compliance strategy. (Door County Pulse)