POLITICS: Closing arguments in the “ComEd Four” trial are scheduled for Monday as jurors consider large amounts of evidence involving the alleged bribery scheme between top political and former utility officials. (Chicago Sun-Times)
COAL: Indiana environmental groups say the state is allowing AES Indiana to release more than 1 million gallons of contaminated water from coal ash ponds per day into a river in violation of the Clean Water Act. (Indianapolis Business Journal)
Sponsored Link
Upper Midwest Electrical Expo
NCEL invites you to register for the Upper Midwest Electrical Expo on April 19th and 20th. Registration is free. The Expo will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. We hope to see you there!
PIPELINES: Delegations from the U.S. and Canada continue formal negotiations in Washington, D.C., as Canada invokes a 1977 treaty to prevent Michigan from shutting down the Line 5 pipeline. (Detroit News)
UTILITIES:
• Iowa lawmakers confirm Gov. Kim Reynolds’ two new picks to serve on the Iowa Utilities Board, which oversees the utility industry as well as carbon pipeline proposals. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• Ohio’s consumer advocate opposes a utility’s power supply plan, saying it will increase costs for residential customers to pay for coal plant subsidies. (WYSO)
NUCLEAR: Illinois environmental groups rally at the state capital against a plan to lift the state’s ban on the construction of new nuclear plants. (WTVO)
FINANCE: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers creates a commission to advise officials on forming the state’s first green bank to finance clean energy projects. (WSAW)
SOLAR:
• The developer of a proposed 800 MW solar project in Ohio plans to farm between the rows of solar panels across much of the project. (Farm and Dairy)
• Construction started last month on a nearly 600 MW solar project near Springfield, Illinois, that will provide power across the state. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Two solar manufacturers operating in northwestern Ohio will receive a combined $16.1 million in federal funding to advance solar technology. (WTOL)
CARBON CAPTURE: The city manager of Peoria, Illinois, says the state is trying to “get out in front” of the anticipated boom of carbon capture pipeline and storage projects. (WCBU)
BIOFUELS: The Biden administration’s plan to allow year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol in eight Midwestern states likely won’t go into effect until summer of 2024. (Reuters)
TRANSPORTATION: Minnesota lawmakers propose a $2 million program that would provide $1,500 rebates purchasing an electric bike. (MinnPost)
Sponsored Link
Midwest Energy Policy Series
Network and learn from leading industry experts at the Midwest Energy Policy Series on infrastructure, the premiere conference for energy professionals in the Midwest, on April 25th in Kansas City or virtually.
Register here or contact meps@moenergy.org with any questions.
HYDROGEN: At least 20 groups from across the U.S. have submitted applications for a share of $1.25 billion in federal funding to create a series of hydrogen hubs. (S&P Global)
COMMENTARY:
• Community solar development can help to democratize the energy system by battling both inequities and bottlenecks in the currently over-centralized power grid, the head of a community solar advocacy group writes. (Energy News Network)
• North Dakota’s top House Democrat says carbon capture projects are helping the state lead on climate change solutions. (The Center Square)
More from the Energy News Network: Midwest | Southeast | Northeast | West