PIPELINES:
• The Rover gas pipeline being constructed in Ohio and Michigan continues to face scrutiny from state and federal regulators over spills of drilling mud, as well as mounting concerns from landowners. (Midwest Energy News)
• Ohio and Michigan landowners are similarly concerned about the potential construction of the Nexus gas pipeline and what it would mean for their properties. (E&E News)
BIOFUELS:
• A biofuels research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will shift its focus from ethanol to other forms of biofuels after receiving new grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. (Wisconsin State Journal)
• The University of Wisconsin-Madison and ExxonMobil extend by two years an agreement researching the the fundamental chemistry of converting biomass into transportation fuels. (press release)
WIND:
• “Seasonal trends, favorable conditions and ever-improving technology” came together in April to help the United States’ wind fleet pass coal’s capacity factor. (Greentech Media)
• A Nebraska city reaches an agreement to buy 16.1 megawatts of energy from a planned nearby wind project. (Sandhills Express)
• Some South Dakota residents say living near wind turbines are having negative effects on their quality of life. (Marshall Independent)
SOLAR:
• Consumers Energy is partnering with a west Michigan-based developer to build a solar-plus-storage project in a 10-block area in Grand Rapids. (MLive)
• A Wisconsin school district plans to save about $3,000 a year in energy costs after installing solar panels at one of its schools. (Wisconsin Dells Events)
• An Illinois city considers partnering with an in-state installer on a solar project. (Alton Daily News)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Automakers, regulators, legislators and utilities are increasingly working together on various incentives to boost sales of electric vehicles. (E&E News)
DEMAND RESPONSE: AEP Ohio is partnering with a Michigan-based tech company to deploy software that manages home energy use through mobile devices. (Utility Dive)
CLIMATE: Officials in an eastern Iowa county vote unanimously to join a national coalition that vows to reduce carbon emissions. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)