CLEAN ENERGY: Advocates say Illinois is going through “growing pains” as it slowly develops workforce training programs under a 2021 law meant to bring clean energy jobs to historically disadvantaged communities. (Chicago Sun-Times/Inside Climate News)
ALSO: Michigan Democrats hope to pass new climate and clean energy targets yet this year to help secure billions of dollars in federal clean energy funding. (Interlochen Public Radio)
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SOLAR:
• Minnesota regulators approve Xcel Energy’s acquisition of land rights for what will be the third phase of a more than $1 billion, 710 MW solar project at a soon-retiring coal plant. (Star Tribune)
• An Ohio bill to carve out a statewide 1,750 MW community solar program would generate $5.6 billion in gross economic output and nearly $410 million in local taxes, according to an Ohio University analysis. (PV Magazine)
• An Iowa economic development leader says the state missed out on attracting a solar energy manufacturing plant because it lacks public tax incentives. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
UTILITIES:
• Lawyers representing investors in a class action lawsuit against FirstEnergy say thousands more documents should be released involving the utility’s role in the bribery scandal. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• The Illinois Supreme Court suspends the law licenses of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and a former ComEd lobbyist following their convictions in May on federal bribery charges. (Reuters)
PIPELINES: Experts say prominent Republicans are avoiding disputes surrounding Midwest carbon pipeline projects, which are splitting groups typically aligned as landowners resist the use of eminent domain. (E&E News)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE:
• Environmental justice advocates and county officials seek more urgency to shut down a Minneapolis waste incinerator following a report saying the closure should wait until 2040. (Star Tribune)
• Michigan labor groups testify in support of a bill that aims to ensure a just transition and worker protections during the state’s shift to renewable energy and electric vehicles. (Michigan Advance)
OIL & GAS: The Ohio Senate begins considering legislation that would raise training standards for workers at three of the state’s four oil refineries, in response to a 2022 explosion that killed two people at a facility in Toledo. (Cleveland.com)
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BATTERIES: Republicans call on the Treasury Department to investigate a Chinese-linked manufacturing company planning to build electric vehicle battery plants in Michigan and Illinois. (E&E News, subscription)
COMMENTARY: A GOP lawmaker in Michigan criticizes attempts to pass a statewide 100% carbon-free electricity mandate, misleadingly claiming renewable energy has led to soaring bills in California and Texas. (Bridge)
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