Minnesota bill aims to plug ‘pre-weatherization’ gap

Midwest Energy News is one of five regional services published by the Energy News Network. Today’s edition was compiled by Andy Balaskovitz.

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EFFICIENCY:
• A Minnesota lawmaker proposes $60 million in weatherization funding over the next three years, which would nearly double current funding and help address crucial pre-weatherization work. (Energy News Network)
• Michigan is eligible for up to $183.2 million in federal weatherization funding under last year’s bipartisan infrastructure bill to make low-income households more energy efficient. (Detroit News)

PIPELINES: Supporters of a temporary ban on using eminent domain for carbon pipelines face an uphill climb in Iowa as key legislators remain opposed to the proposal. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

UTILITIES: Michigan utility Consumers Energy announces plans to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its natural gas production and delivery system, including customers and suppliers, by 2050. (Detroit News)

OIL AND GAS:
• Fossil fuel financing remains dominated by four U.S. banks that have led a surge in recent loans and other capital for the oil and gas industry, according to a new report from environmental nonprofits. (MarketWatch)
• Marquette University in Milwaukee will prohibit direct investment in fossil fuels through its $929 million endowment. (National Catholic Reporter)

RENEWABLES: Favorable wind conditions helped grid operator Southwest Power Pool set new records this week as it served more than 90% of its load with renewables, driving down wholesale power prices. (S&P Global)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Minnesota nickel mining proponents say in-state production to support the electric vehicle and battery industries is now a national security issue, though experts say it’s unlikely to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign countries. (Minnesota Reformer)
• Major U.S. automakers seek to become more vertically integrated for electric vehicle manufacturing, bringing the development of components in-house to avoid supply chain disruptions. (Reuters)
• The Wisconsin company selected to build a new fleet of gasoline- and electric-powered delivery vehicles for the U.S. Postal Service said the state lacks a suitable industrial site to perform the work there. (Journal Times)
• Wisconsin transportation experts say lawmakers need to clarify state law involving electric vehicle charging station site hosts’ ability to charge drivers for electricity. (WisPolitics.com)

BIOFUELS: The Biden administration is considering temporarily removing restrictions on summer sales of gasoline with higher ethanol blends to help combat high gasoline prices. (Reuters)

CLIMATE: The mayor of Duluth, Minnesota announces a citywide carbon neutrality goal by 2050. (Star Tribune)

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TRANSMISSION: North Dakota regulators fine a utility $40,000 after portions of a 1.5-mile transmission project were rerouted without a permit and encroached on properties. (Dickinson Press)

COMMENTARY: Wind and solar are poised for continued growth in Indiana after a strong development pipeline started in 2021, a clean energy advocate writes. (Tribune-Star)

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