POLITICS:
• Jurors began deliberating in the trial of former ComEd executives and political players accused of bribery in exchange for jobs and favorable legislation. (Illinois Public Media)
• The Biden administration’s multi-pronged effort to slash greenhouse gas emissions heading into the 2024 election could produce major climate benefits but also come with steep political risks. (Politico)
GRID: Utilities have successfully pushed for laws in 12 states — including most in the Midwest — that give them first rights to build interstate transmission projects despite concerns from critics that it will stifle the market and increase costs for customers. (Inside Climate News)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Indianapolis ranks among the 10 worst U.S. cities for publicly available electric vehicle charging stations, according to a recent study. (Indianapolis Star)
• Amazon debuts electric delivery vans in western Michigan as the company aims to have 100,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030. (WOOD-TV8)
CARBON CAPTURE: Minnesota regulators will hold public hearings next week, offering residents a chance to question the developer of a multi-state carbon pipeline. (AgWeek)
SOLAR:
• Iowa county officials are gathering feedback on utility-scale solar regulations as a moratorium remains in place. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• A developer seeks to acquire more land adjacent to a proposed 200 MW solar project in Iowa. (Clinton Herald)
• Alliant Energy partners with a Wisconsin county on a pair of solar projects that includes a community solar model as well as a customer-hosted project. (WMTV)
• A new Wisconsin cooperative allows members to invest in solar projects that would gradually provide returns to investors. (Yale Climate Connections)
• Iowa regulators approve plans for a 100 MW solar project that would include 50 MW of battery storage capacity. (Daily Energy Insider)
• An Indiana school district moves forward with an onsite solar project that’s expected to generate more than $27,000 in savings per year. (Herald Bulletin)
NUCLEAR: Federal nuclear regulators launch a special inspection of an Ohio nuclear plant based on a fire protection piping failure discovered late last year. (WTVG)
OVERSIGHT: A Michigan utility regulator has resigned his post, creating a vacancy for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to make her fourth appointment to the board. (Crain’s Detroit Business, subscription)
BIOFUELS: Nebraska lawmakers advance a bill that would require gas stations in the state to sell gasoline with up to 15% ethanol blends. (Omaha World-Herald)
RENEWABLES: A local utility in Minnesota creates a voluntary program allowing customers to purchase renewable energy credits to offset their power usage. (The Journal)
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