SUSTAINABILITY: Stakeholders from a variety of sectors are developing the best ways to restore pollinator habitats along rights-of-way, including along transmission routes. (Midwest Energy News)
SOLAR:
• After permitting delays, Xcel Energy says two community solar projects in Wisconsin will be online later this year. (LaCrosse Tribune)
• Ameren Missouri looks to build a one-megawatt solar project near the St. Louis airport. (St. Louis Business Journal)
• Michigan-based DTE Energy is “exploring options” for redeveloping a former coal plant in Pittsburgh with solar panels. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
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NUCLEAR: Dozens of groups in Ohio line up in opposition to subsidies sought by FirstEnergy for its nuclear plants. (Columbus Business First)
UTILITIES:
• Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy are appealing a decision by Kansas regulators last month to block a merger of the two companies. (Associated Press)
• The CEO of We Energies’ parent company says the firm will continue transitioning away from coal to natural gas and renewables despite President Trump’s plan to end federal carbon-reduction requirements. (Milwaukee Business Journal)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Tesla plans to add a supercharging station in Minneapolis later this year and other locations around the Midwest. (City Pages)
COAL ASH: Alliant Energy has begun capping four coal ash ponds tied to a former power plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
BIOFUELS: U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt signals his support for lifting seasonal restrictions on the sale of high-ethanol fuel, giving ethanol supporters a “surprise boost.” (E&E News)
RATES:
• Consumer advocates are concerned about Xcel Energy’s planned electric and gas rate increases in Wisconsin to help pay for infrastructure investment and to offset lower-than-expected demand. (Winona Daily News)
• Indiana’s leading consumer advocate explains rates are going up to pay for investments in renewable energy and upgraded infrastructure. (RTV-6)
CLIMATE: A growing number of U.S. cities, including several in the Midwest, are committing to 100 percent renewable energy goals. (Grist)
WASTE-TO-ENERGY: A Nebraska waste-to-energy facility is fined more than $50,000 for six “serious violations” related to workplace safety. (Sioux City Journal)
OIL AND GAS: The North Dakota Petroleum Council launches a scholarship program for members of the Three Affiliated Tribes who are interested in a career in energy. (Forum News Service)