OHIO: An FBI agent details how former House Speaker Larry Householder personally netted more than $500,000 from an alleged bribery scheme involving utility FirstEnergy. (Cleveland.com)
STORAGE: Minnesota utilities pursue iron-air battery storage systems that rely on abundant materials and can store power for long durations. (MPR News)
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UTILITIES: Indiana consumer advocates say a series of proposed bills would incentivize and promote utility business models over customers’ interests. (Indianapolis Star)
PIPELINES:
• The Keystone pipeline’s operator says faulty welding caused a major spill in Kansas late last year and estimates that cleanup costs will exceed $475 million. (Nebraska Public Media)
• A coalition of environmental groups raises concerns to federal officials about ongoing Line 5 maintenance work in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which advocates fear could have been an emergency response. (Michigan Advance)
• South Dakota House lawmakers pass a bill prohibiting developers from using eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader)
FINANCE: GOP Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb raises concerns about the potential multi-billion-dollar consequences of a bill seeking to punish banks that consider environmental, social and governance factors in investment decisions. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
NUCLEAR:
• After passing a landmark 100% carbon-free electricity law, Minnesota Democrats may extend an olive branch to Republicans by passing legislation that studies the potential for small-scale nuclear reactors. (MinnPost)
• Universities in Indiana and Illinois are among those where researchers are exploring the potential for small, modular nuclear reactors. (Associated Press)
GRID:
• Clean energy advocates say Midwest grid operator MISO’s rules prevent the region from reaping the full economic benefits of renewables and storage. (Michigan Radio)
• A transmission operator is rebuilding a 20-mile stretch of line near the Illinois-Indiana border that it says will improve reliability and lower costs. (Times of Northwest Indiana)
CLEAN ENERGY:
• Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest budget proposal includes $1.65 billion for various climate change and clean energy investments. (MLive)
• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joins Democratic governors from across the country to call for federal funding support for clean energy infrastructure and other initiatives. (Minnesota Reformer)
• Michigan could be the next Midwest state to pass a 100% clean energy law on the heels of Minnesota’s recent action, observers say. (Inside Climate News)
SOLAR: A renewable energy developer plans a 5 MW solar project at a closed municipal landfill in southern Illinois. (UPI)
ELECTRIFICATION: Evanston, Illinois, is among the latest cities to consider a ban on gas connections in new building construction. (Daily Northwestern)
POLLUTION: The U.S. EPA says an Ameren substation leaking chemicals is the source of groundwater contamination near St. Louis, the latest finding in a drawn-out dispute between city and utility officials. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
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WIND:
• The Indiana House passes a bill that aims to bring more clarity to the property tax treatment of wind projects when they change ownership. (Journal Review)
• Nebraska county planners advance wind energy siting regulations that include 1-mile setbacks from schools, churches, towns, and state recreation areas. (News Channel Nebraska)
COMMENTARY: An editorial board says Minnesota’s new 100% carbon-free electricity law “stands as one of the most consequential efforts ever to preserve and protect Minnesota’s pristine air, lakes and woods.” (Star Tribune)
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