COAL: Murray Energy may be close to emerging from bankruptcy, but the future of coal is still in doubt due to cheaper natural gas and renewable energy. (Energy News Network)
ALSO: An Indiana utility and state officials continue negotiations over more than 120 permit violations involving coal plant contaminant discharges. (Associated Press)
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WIND: Wisconsin regulators deny a request by landowners to stop construction of a 65 MW wind project near the state’s southern border. (Wisconsin State Journal)
SOLAR:
• Eastern Indiana officials are developing regulations for siting utility-scale solar as a developer plans a $242 million, 200 MW project. (Muncie Star Press)
• Geronimo Energy begins construction on two Michigan solar projects totaling 40 MW. (Daily Energy Insider)
• An energy educator with Michigan State University Extension encourages rural solar projects to incorporate livestock and pollinator habitat. (Yale Climate Connections)
• A nearly 1 MW solar project is completed at a western Ohio school district. (Solar Power World)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Following the botched demolition of a former coal plant in Chicago, a city alderman wants the power to revoke tax incentives from developers who put residents’ health and safety at risk. (Chicago Sun-Times)
CLEAN ENERGY: Investments in electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels are paying off for an Ohio village near Columbus. (ThisWeek Community News)
UTILITIES: FirstEnergy appoints new president Steve Strah to oversee most day-to-day operations and continue to navigate the pandemic. (Toledo Blade)
OIL & GAS:
• North Dakota oil production dropped 15% in April due to the pandemic, while May’s figures are expected to be worse. (Star Tribune)
• With 100,000 U.S. oil jobs lost due to the pandemic, an analysis expects the industry to recover more slowly than the rest of the economy. (E&E News, subscription)
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BIOFUELS: U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota introduces a bill to provide additional certainty for ethanol producers looking to produce sanitizer. (Pierre Capital Journal)
COMMENTARY: Advanced energy advocates continue pushing Michigan regulators to improve voluntary green pricing programs that make corporate renewable energy purchases easier. (Energy News Network)