COAL: We Energies may delay Wisconsin coal plant retirements slated over the next two years to meet new capacity requirements and forecasted demand from a Microsoft data center. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
BUILDINGS: A small but growing number of builders in Michigan are experimenting with hempcrete, a safer and more sustainable alternative to foam or fiberglass insulation. (Energy News Network/Planet Detroit)
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OIL & GAS: Natural gas drilling in Appalachian states failed to produce promised increases in jobs and income over the past 15 years, and the industry’s output has likely peaked, according to a nonprofit research firm’s report. (Inside Climate News)
GRID:
• Grid operator MISO notifies utilities in its 15-state region to prepare all power generation sources to meet demand during this week’s heatwave. (Reuters)
• ComEd activates its emergency preparedness center and will increase staffing during the heatwave gripping much of the central United States. (CBS Chicago)
• Southwest Power Pool officials say the regional grid operator experienced record-high demand on Monday because of the excessive heat. (KSNW)
TRANSMISSION: An Illinois appeals court halts further work on the proposed Grain Belt Express transmission line through the state as it weighs the project’s constitutionality. (FarmWeek)
CLIMATE:
• Illinois environmental groups praise Gov. J.B. Pritzker for vetoing three recent bills that would have opened new nuclear development, given a utility first rights to build transmission lines and advanced a highway expansion project. (Inside Climate News)
• A Minnesota climate justice nonprofit has fired a prominent Native American organizer and reprimanded a pipeline resistance organizer, exposing tensions between leadership and a staff that’s attempting to unionize. (Sahan Journal)
CARBON CAPTURE:
• Iowa regulators’ hearings on a proposed carbon pipeline could last for at least six weeks as they consider the developer’s requests to use eminent domain. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
• During a debate in South Dakota, a carbon pipeline executive says using eminent domain is a “tool of absolute last resort.” (South Dakota Searchlight)
EMISSIONS: Illinois environmental groups seek to reduce methane emissions from landfills, which account for more than half of the state’s industrial methane emissions. (Daily Herald)
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SOLAR: A developer sues a southwestern Michigan township to proceed with a 650-acre solar project under a previous ordinance that was later rejected by voters. (WOOD)
COMMENTARY:
• Illinois labor leaders say carbon pipelines present an opportunity to further grow the state’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• A Minnesota solar advocate says a federal grant and loan program can help farmers and rural small businesses access affordable renewable energy and efficiency projects. (Minnesota Reformer)
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