RENEWABLES: A backlash against renewable energy is boiling up in pockets across the country, with the most active resistance coming from Ohio. (Capital Journal)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Ford halts production of its F-150 Lightning pickup truck because of a possible battery problem discovered during pre-delivery inspections. (CNN)
• The Biden administration announces that Tesla will start to open parts of its charging network to other automakers’ electric vehicles. (E&E News)
• The Missouri House advances a bill to block cities from requiring developers to install electric vehicle charging stations in new construction. (Post-Dispatch)
• An electric luxury boat developed by a Minnesotan and former Tesla executive expects to begin deliveries in the second quarter of 2024. (Axios)
OHIO: A witness in the public corruption trial of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder describes a $15,000 off-the-books payment and its connection to what a utility executive referred to as a “black op.” (Capital Journal)
ELECTRIFICATION: Minnesota lawmakers introduce a bill to ban the sale of new gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and weed whippers starting in 2025. (Minnesota Reformer)
WIND:
• An Iowa State University team is selected to compete in a U.S. Department of Energy collegiate wind turbine design competition. (news release)
• An Illinois county board postpones a vote on a proposed wind farm after its chair was unable to attend a meeting due to a medical issue. (Journal-Republican)
SOLAR: An Ameren Missouri official says a recently approved 200 MW solar project will create about 250 jobs and power over 40,000 homes. (93.9 The Eagle)
EFFICIENCY: A Michigan weatherization program is helping more residents lower their utility bills after raising the income threshold for participants. (MLive)
PIPELINES: The Keystone pipeline continues to operate at reduced volumes following a December leak that spilled about 14,000 barrels in Kansas. (S&P Global)
BIOMASS: A $3.5 million biomass boiler that will burn hemlock is under construction in Wisconsin as part of a lumber manufacturing facility. (WBAY-TV)
COMMENTARY:
• An environmental advocate writes that clean energy is a better option than expensive natural gas to replace a retiring Iowa coal plant. (Sierra Club)
• Ohio needs stronger regulations to limit methane emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells, writes a regional director for the Ohio Environmental Council. (Columbus Dispatch)
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