OIL & GAS: State regulators approve plans for a $370 million natural gas storage project in southeastern Wisconsin designed to provide fuel when demand spikes. (Wisconsin State Journal)
ALSO:
• North Dakota regulators grant temporary approval for a 2.6-mile gas pipeline that has operated without a permit since 2014 and connects a gas processing plant with a major export pipeline. (Bismarck Tribune)
• The executive board chairman at Energy Transfer, which built the Dakota Access pipeline, says it is “insanity” to suggest net zero emission targets will eliminate the use of oil and gas. (E&E News)
POLITICS: The Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio promises to replace all members of the Public Utilities Commission in response to the state’s power plant bailout law scandal: “We have to clean house.” (Ohio Capital Journal)
UTILITIES:
• Ameren executives see opportunity in building out transmission to accommodate renewables in MISO’s grid territory, as well as developing clean energy projects under Illinois’ new clean energy law. (S&P Global)
• Minnesota expands its energy assistance program to more customers ahead of an anticipated spike in home heating costs. (Mankato Free Press)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Canadian official says the country would respond “appropriately” to proposed U.S. tax credits for electric vehicles built in America, which he says would violate trade agreements and harm workers. (Reuters)
GRID:
• DTE Energy is approved to spend an additional $70 million on tree-trimming in southeast Michigan as part of the utility’s broader $7 billion grid modernization plan. (Detroit News)
• Work continues on Ohio Edison’s three-year, $219 million grid infrastructure plan that includes automated equipment and substation upgrades. (WKBN)
CLIMATE: Purdue University researchers release animations about climate change’s potential impacts on Indiana’s agriculture production as government officials meet in Scotland for the U.N. global climate conference. (Journal & Courier)
SOLAR:
• Dozens of residents turn out for a public hearing on a proposed 300 MW solar project in northwestern Ohio, drawing support for landowners’ rights and opposition over perceived environmental and aesthetic concerns. (LimaOhio.com)
• County officials in central Illinois are close to granting final approval for a 35 MW solar project. (Peoria Journal Star)
• Developers plan a 20 MW solar project on county-owned land near Madison, Wisconsin. (Herald-Independent)
BIOFUELS: Eight Midwestern governors ask the Biden administration to let gasoline with a 15% ethanol blend be sold in their states year-round. (Radio Iowa)