Editor’s note: This morning, we accidentally sent you our Western Energy News digest instead of the Midwest roundup. We’re sorry for the mix-up! Here’s the correct news for today.
SOLAR: Michigan Democrats call for the swift passage of a bill package that aims to improve residents’ access to solar, including through community solar projects and lifting caps on utility distributed generation programs. (Michigan Advance)
ALSO: A Minnesota pilot project explores how farmers and developers can partner to grow vegetable crops alongside solar projects. (KARE)
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PIPELINES:
• A developer asks South Dakota regulators to override local ordinances that aim to control carbon pipeline setback distances and other restrictions. (South Dakota Public Broadcasting)
• A trial starts today for a Minnesota pipeline protester who faces up to five years in prison for her role in blocking a pumping station while protesting the Line 3 expansion in 2021. (The Guardian)
BIOFUELS: A Gary, Indiana, advocacy group says the developer of a proposed biofuel plant is failing to provide data that the facility would be net-zero carbon. (Indianapolis Recorder)
WIND: An Iowa county considers local regulations to determine wind turbine tax assessments instead of defaulting to state rules that would generate less local revenue. (Southeast Iowa Union)
NUCLEAR: A local economic development agency plans to present findings today on the potential economic losses of permanently closing a Michigan nuclear plant that’s being considered for reopening. (Herald-Palladium)
OIL & GAS:
• Wisconsin’s only oil refinery reported two separate leaks last week of propane and fuel oil vapor that resulted in plant evacuations and equipment shutdowns. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
• U.S. gasoline prices are rising despite record domestic oil production, highlighting the nature of global energy markets despite Republican criticisms of the Biden administration’s energy policies. (Politico)
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GRID: A Minnesota electric cooperative receives a $10.5 million federal loan to upgrade 76 miles of transmission infrastructure and connect more than 150 new customers. (KIMT)
COMMENTARY:
• Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker appears to be sending mixed messages about his support for nuclear energy after vetoing a bill to lift the state’s moratorium on new construction, a columnist writes. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• In addition to recent vetoes involving nuclear plant construction and utility rights for transmission construction, Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers have more work to do to advance clean energy, an editorial board writes. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Clean energy experts say a proposed bill in Michigan to require 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 would put the state well on its way to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s climate goals. (RMI)
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