HYDROGEN:
• A Minnesota gas utility successfully blends “green” hydrogen into its natural gas pipeline system, though some experts say the concept is an inefficient and expensive climate solution. (Energy News Network)
• A plan to convert a North Dakota synthetic gas plant into one of the nation’s largest hydrogen production facilities has fallen through. (Bismarck Tribune)
POLICY:
• The Minnesota House passes a bill requiring electric utilities to get 100% of their power from carbon-free sources by 2040, sending the measure to the state Senate. (MPR News)
• Indiana lawmakers advance legislation that would require state regulators to consider aspects such as reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability in future energy decisions. (Indiana Environmental Reporter)
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SOLAR:
• Ohio regulators schedule an April public hearing for a proposed 800 MW solar project that would include a 300 MW energy storage system and a 3.5-mile transmission line. (Columbus Dispatch)
• Local officials advance plans for a 7.5 MW community solar project in southeastern Wisconsin. (Kenosha News)
• Indiana solar advocates say state lawmakers favor utilities by opposing measures to create community solar programs and boosting the compensation for individuals sending excess power to the grid. (WFYI)
OIL & GAS: Three Chicago-area oil refineries are among U.S. facilities dumping large amounts of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into waterways, according to a new report. (Chicago Tribune)
COAL:
• DTE Energy disputes a U.S. EPA decision that would prevent the utility from dumping toxic coal ash at two unlined storage ponds in southeastern Michigan. (MLive)
• Iowa lawmakers favor legislation that would loosen requirements for multi-year emission-control plans for utilities operating coal plants. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
MINING:
• The Biden administration issues an order closing off 350 square miles of the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota to future mining for 20 years. (Associated Press)
• South Dakota lawmakers want to add lithium, a key component in battery storage systems, to the list of energy minerals subject to the state’s 4.5% severance tax. (KELO)
WIND:
• Kansas lawmakers consider legislation that would require wind farm operators to limit the use of blinking red lights on top of turbines to quell local residents’ opposition to projects. (Kansas Reflector)
• A local citizens group sues a southwestern Iowa county over its handling of proposed wind energy siting regulations. (KMALand)
• A Nebraska county continues more than a year’s worth of work into crafting new wind energy siting regulations. (News Channel Nebraska)
OVERSIGHT: An Ohio panel sends Gov. Mike DeWine a list of four potential candidates to fill a seat on the Public Utilities Commission. (Cleveland.com, subscription)
ELECTRIFICATION: Detroit-based DTE Energy opposes a southeastern Michigan city’s proposal to ban gas connections at most new buildings, saying customers should get to choose their fuel source. (MLive)
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