CLEAN ENERGY:
• Wisconsin lawmakers leave several clean energy bills on the table before a break in session, though advocates see growing acceptance of the industry among Republicans who control the state House and Senate. (Wisconsin State Journal)
• Kalamazoo, Michigan officials will soon release a citywide sustainability plan that seeks to reduce emissions, build more dense housing and promote solar projects. (MLive)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Minnesota electric cooperative officials advocate for a more widespread electric vehicle charging network across the state. (Star Tribune)
OIL & GAS:
• The rapid proliferation of Ohio’s fracking industry over the past decade has brought thousands of jobs, though critics say they are short lived and their numbers are often exaggerated. (Cleveland.com)
• Federal energy regulators’ recent move to consider emissions and environmental justice in natural gas pipeline decisions could significantly change how projects are approved. (Inside Climate News)
• The North Dakota Supreme Court will hear a case this week involving landowners’ use of pore space in underground rock cavities that play a key role in the state’s oil and gas industry. (Bismarck Tribune)
SOLAR:
• A growing number of community solar projects causes tension among Minnesota residents as some say the “industrial devices” jeopardize scenic rural properties. (Star Tribune)
• Southern Indiana county officials prepare to develop solar siting regulations as at least three developers express interest in the area. (The Republic)
• A Minnesota program will award grants for up to 80 schools to cover a majority of costs to install solar panels. (Mankato Free Press)
• An Indianapolis solar company forms a new off-grid division following the state’s elimination of net metering that company officials say has limited customers’ self-generation options. (Inside Indiana Business)
• $2 million in federal funding will help support the construction of a solar project in a low-income neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio. (WTOL)
WIND: The Ohio Supreme Court is expected to decide soon on whether an offshore wind pilot project in Lake Erie can move forward. (Ideastream)
PIPELINES:
• The Line 3 pipeline dispute moves to the courtroom as activists face trespassing and other charges stemming from protests in northern Minnesota. (Grand Forks Herald)
• Iowa regulators struggle to determine where to hold a public hearing for a proposed carbon pipeline because it would span such a wide portion of the state. (Des Moines Register)
HYDROPOWER: Advocates see room for industry growth as the federal infrastructure law directs $2.5 billion toward hydropower projects including upgrades at existing projects. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY:
• A Minnesota homeowners association board president said state lawmakers shouldn’t force associations to allow rooftop solar panels as each organization has unique circumstances and building types. (Star Tribune)
• Market forces prevent North Dakota oil producers from simply ramping up production to combat high gasoline prices, an editorial board says. (Bismarck Tribune)