UTILITIES: Xcel Energy submits an amended long-term clean energy plan to Minnesota regulators that scraps a proposed large-scale natural gas plant in favor of more renewable energy and smaller gas facilities that run less frequently. (MPR News)
ALSO: Fallout from February’s cold snap continues as states across the Midwest step in to help utility customers pay skyrocketing natural gas bills while calling for more federal oversight. (Wall Street Journal, subscription)
TRANSITION: A new report identifies hundreds of fossil fuel-dependent areas in the U.S. facing lost jobs and wages, a shrinking population and eroding tax bases amid the clean energy transition. (Inside Climate News)
PIPELINES: The Biden administration defends key water permits for the Line 3 pipeline in federal court over opposition from environmental groups and Indigenous tribes. (Star Tribune)
CARBON CAPTURE: Proposed carbon capture projects at U.S. coal plants in Illinois, Nebraska and North Dakota face financing challenges as the Biden administration focuses on using the technology at natural gas plants and other industrial facilities. (S&P Global)
EMISSIONS: U.S. EPA officials say Missouri could be hit with steep financial penalties if a bill ending a vehicle emissions testing program in suburban St. Louis becomes law. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
RENEWABLES:
• Ohio regulators approve nearly 447 MW of new wind and solar projects while rejecting plans for a proposed 200 MW wind project. (Columbus Dispatch)
• A Minnesota university plans a $12 million clean energy project with investments in solar and energy efficiency. (Post Bulletin)
GRID:
• Federal officials are reviewing eight proposed route adjustments for a contested transmission line through southwestern Wisconsin. (Wisconsin State Journal)
• A federal infrastructure spending agreement reached between President Biden and a bipartisan group of senators includes $73 billion for grid infrastructure. (Utility Dive)
• North Dakota regulators approve a 26.5-mile transmission line that’s expected to meet growing power demand from the oil industry and ensure reliability for residents. (Bismarck Tribune)
CLEAN TECH: A new clean energy business accelerator based in Minnesota will focus on commercializing technologies for cold weather climates. (Star Tribune)
COAL: A coal plant demolition in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is ongoing and expected to be completed within the next year. (Marquette Mining Journal)
OIL & GAS: An overflowing tank causes roughly 1,000 barrels of saltwater and other oil-drilling byproducts to spill in North Dakota. (Bismarck Tribune)
COMMENTARY: Two Indiana Republican lawmakers tout the benefits of a proposed federal carbon tax and dividend plan. (Indianapolis Star)