ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Panasonic announces plans to build a $4 billion electric vehicle battery plant just west of Kansas City that would be the largest economic development project in state history. (E&E News)
ALSO:
• Electric vehicle startups are scrambling to cut costs and partner with large corporations as they compete with legacy automakers. (Reuters)
• High gasoline prices are nudging some Kansas and Missouri drivers to electric vehicles, though charging access remains a concern. (Flatland)
UTILITIES:
• A federal judge replaces attorneys for failing to “diligently prosecute” a case involving a shareholder lawsuit against FirstEnergy. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• American Electric Power officials say “physics” — not demographics — dictated where the utility shut off power during a recent heat wave. (WOSU)
• Ameren Missouri adds $1 million to a fund that helps moderate-income customers clear past-due balances on their utility bills. (Fulton Sun)
• Wisconsin utility Alliant Energy is rolling out new programs to incentivize customers to give up occasional control of their thermostats and water heaters to help manage its power load. (Wisconsin State Journal)
CLIMATE: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has future-proofed her climate plans for the state by cutting deals with Republican lawmakers and appointing clean energy supporters to key positions. (E&E News, subscription)
CLEAN ENERGY: A Wisconsin high school class participates in a range of community environmental projects focused on energy conservation and clean energy. (Energy News Network)
OIL & GAS:
• North Dakota energy officials tell a U.S. Senate committee that renewable energy is contributing to higher energy costs and that increased oil and gas production would help reduce costs. (Bismarck Tribune)
• North Dakota regulators approve plans for a 3-mile pipeline for an enhanced oil recovery project. (KFYR)
SOLAR:
• Iowa solar installers say interest is growing among customers to install panels as inflation and natural gas costs increase. (Quad-City Times)
• A southwestern Minnesota city considers annexing nearly 81 acres of land into the city for a solar project. (Marshall Independent)
• A township planning commission rejects plans for a 159-acre solar project in southeastern Michigan. (MLive)
• Local officials approve plans for a $165 million solar project in northern Indiana. (WNDU)
POLITICS: A GOP candidate for governor in Minnesota calls for lifting the state’s ban on building new nuclear plants as well as repealing Gov. Tim Walz’s clean car rules. (Star Tribune)
COMMENTARY: An editorial board welcomes a developer’s plan to increase the amount of power delivered through the Grain Belt Express transmission project to benefit Missouri residents. (News-Press Now)
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