PIPELINES:
• Iowa landowners call on state regulators to deny developers’ use of eminent domain for proposed carbon capture pipelines, while some local officials call the regulatory process a “sham.” (Ames Tribune, Iowa Capital Dispatch)
• A South Dakota county expects to consider a resolution next week calling for a one-year moratorium on construction of a carbon capture pipeline. (Aberdeen News)
UTILITIES:
• Ohio regulators today will review American Electric Power’s decision to cut off power to 230,000 customers during a June heat wave to avoid a larger-scale blackout. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• ComEd says 681 Illinois residents completed its clean energy job training programs last year with an 83% job placement rate. (Daily Energy Insider)
OIL & GAS: A new 1,085 MW, $1.1 billion natural gas plant is now fully operational in southwestern Michigan. (South Bend Tribune)
SOLAR:
• The Iowa Attorney General’s Office is investigating 15 solar companies following an increase in consumer complaints involving misleading advertisements about state tax credits. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
• Alliant Energy expects to complete construction next summer on a 4.5 MW community solar project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• Minnesota’s value of solar rate is expected to incentivize new community solar projects as a price hedge against natural gas. (PV Magazine)
• Residents in a central Missouri county discuss the pros and cons of commercial solar development as companies seek to build projects there. (KOMU)
• A solar group-buying cooperative launches in Columbus, Ohio, to lower costs for residents and businesses interested in installing solar projects. (WOSU)
EFFICIENCY: A central Missouri city approves plans to create a local energy efficiency standard for rental housing that supporters say will help cut utility costs for renters while reducing emissions. (KOMU)
WIND: Large Michigan companies are pursuing wind energy power purchase agreements in other states as major utilities in Michigan run out of space in their voluntary programs. (Checks and Balances Project)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Ohio electric vehicle startup Lordstown Motors names a former Ford and General Motors executive as its next CEO. (Reuters)
BIOFUELS: Illinois biofuel industry jobs grew by nearly 5% last year, reflecting a similar job growth trend nationwide. (Alton Telegraph)
COMMENTARY:
• Minnesota climate activists say a judge’s ruling that blocks enforcement of Minneapolis’ 2040 Plan was a blow to local climate action. (Minnesota Reformer)
• To make its statewide climate plan effective, Michigan should now complete a comprehensive emissions inventory and adopt emission-reduction policies, according to environmental advocates. (Environmental Defense Fund)
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