UTILITIES:
• Midwest utility executives tell investors that tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce the cost of clean energy projects, hold down rates and lead to even greater investments. (E&E News)
• Xcel Energy, in particular, expects to save about $500 million over the next five years based on tax subsidies in the new federal law. (Star Tribune)
OHIO: American Electric Power has received a second subpoena from federal financial regulators related to the utility’s role in the HB 6 corruption scandal. (Columbus Dispatch)
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• U.S. automakers and advanced manufacturers are developing electric vehicle battery plants at a breakneck pace with a seven-fold increase in lithium-ion battery capacity planned by 2030. (Inside Climate News)
• Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s administration says charging infrastructure is still lacking to commit to purchasing electric vehicles for the state’s fleet of cars and trucks. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• A tribal leader in Minnesota says plans for a nickel and copper mine that would supply materials for electric vehicle batteries would “devastate the land.” (CBS News)
SOLAR:
• First Solar plans a $270 million research and development center outside of Toledo, Ohio, that would create 200 jobs near its existing manufacturing plant. (Toledo Blade)
• A vertical solar installation on the side of a seven-story office building in Milwaukee could help lower tenants’ electric bills. (Solar Builder)
• Community solar gains steam in Illinois and other states as utility customers who can’t otherwise install their own projects reap the benefits of lower bills. (Chicago Tribune)
• Local officials hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Nebraska Public Power District’s latest community solar project. (York News-Times)
• A Canadian solar manufacturer officials opens a new panel assembly plant next to an existing facility in northern Minnesota. (Solar Power World)
• A local planning commission advances plans for a pair of community solar projects in southwestern Illinois. (Alton Telegraph)
OIL & GAS: A public health advocacy group says PFAS “forever chemicals” in Ohio oil and gas wells threaten drinking water supplies as industry groups downplay a recent study. (Columbus Dispatch)
RENEWABLES: Evanston, Illinois, officials say the city has already pursued low-hanging fruit to achieve emissions reductions and will soon need local renewable energy projects to meet future goals. (Evanston Roundtable)
OVERSIGHT: A southeastern Iowa county begins examining local regulations for wind and solar development as well as carbon capture pipelines. (Southeast Iowa Union)
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GRID: Illinois regulators approve a $50 million rate increase for ComEd to pay for electric delivery charges as the utility invests in grid upgrades. (WTVO)
BIOGAS: Multiple northwestern Iowa dairies are developing plans to produce renewable natural gas from methane digesters that would connect to the local natural gas distribution system. (KIWA)
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