OHIO: Three years after Ohio’s House Bill 6 power plant bailout legislation was introduced, the law remains on the books despite triggering the largest corruption case in state history. (Energy News Network)
WIND: Two North Dakota coal counties that previously restricted wind development are crafting new ordinances that could open the areas for wind projects. (Inforum)
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PIPELINES:
• A White Earth Nation attorney helped draft a tribal law recognizing the rights of wild rice, which is being tested in hopes of stopping the Line 3 pipeline expansion in northern Minnesota. (Grist)
• A new report from a pipeline safety nonprofit warns that state regulators aren’t prepared to oversee the public safety implications of carbon dioxide pipelines. (Grist)
• The head of North Dakota’s Pipeline Authority says plans for a new oil pipeline to Montana shows confidence in the Bakken’s region’s production. (Prairie Public Broadcasting)
NUCLEAR:
• As a southwestern Michigan nuclear plant prepares to close, the state’s top utility regulator raises concerns that existing nuclear production isn’t adequately valued for its carbon-free power. (Holland Sentinel)
• Local officials also are concerned about the short-term economic impacts of losing hundreds of jobs tied to the plant. (Herald Palladium)
COAL ASH: Some Indiana residents remain doubtful that NIPSCO’s $12 million coal ash cleanup near Lake Michigan will produce long-term public health benefits. (Indiana Environmental Reporter)
GRID:
• A recent spike in clearing prices in grid operator MISO’s capacity auction highlights key challenges ahead as demand rebounds and fossil fuel-powered plants retire. (E&E News)
• ComEd seeks a $199 million rate increase — its largest request in eight years — to fund grid infrastructure improvements. (Chicago Tribune)
STORAGE: Pumped-storage hydro power can be an alternative to typical forms of battery storage and smooth out spikes in electricity demand, though it is costly and difficult to site. (The New Yorker)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: North Dakota regulators seek utilities’ input on electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs and ways to encourage residents to charge during off-peak times. (Bismarck Tribune)
SOLAR:
• Utility officials in Bowling Green, Ohio propose delivering excess revenue from a voluntary renewable energy program to customers with rooftop solar installations. (BG Independent)
• A solar project is now operating on 17 acres of a former landfill in southeastern Nebraska. (York News-Times)
CLIMATE: Lacking a statewide climate action plan, Iowa municipalities are taking a patchwork approach to setting carbon-reduction targets. (KMALand)
COMMENTARY:
• Minnesota will “continually struggle to increase any biofuel blending” unless year-round sales of gasoline with higher blends of ethanol are permanently allowed, a state House Republican writes. (Star Tribune)
• Additional energy conservation incentives are among several ways that Illinois’ Clean Energy Jobs Act will help promote equity, a clean energy advocate says. (Daily Herald)
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