OIL & GAS: North Dakota officials expect an oil industry downturn in the state “for a protracted period of time.” (Star Tribune)
GRID:
• Grid operator PJM overestimates the amount of energy it needs, resulting in up to $4.4 billion in excess costs for consumers, according to an economic analysis done on behalf of environmental groups. (Utility Dive)
• Proposals in Illinois to opt out of PJM’s capacity auction could be a model for other states seeking to boost renewable energy portfolios. (Greentech Media)
COAL: Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb says workers affected by coal mine closures should have access to state job-training resources and that he remains “more concerned” about grid reliability and costs to ratepayers. (WEVV)
CLEAN ENERGY:
• The coronavirus outbreak will trigger an economic slowdown that’s likely to affect the broader clean energy transition, including renewables, storage and electric vehicles, according to a recent report. (Utility Dive)
• A 35% reduction in campus emissions helps the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee gain national recognition for its sustainability efforts. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• A redevelopment project in Duluth, Minnesota, is using federal Opportunity Zone tax credits for renewable energy and affordable housing. (Duluth News Tribune)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Analysts say electric vehicles are “particularly exposed” to business impacts from the coronavirus as consumers seek less riskier options during the pandemic. (E&E News, subscription)
WIND:
• Xcel Energy officials give details on a planned 72-turbine wind project in northeastern South Dakota expected to start construction this year. (Watertown Public Opinion)
• South Dakota regulators approved permits for a planned 300 MW wind project. (KELO)
POLITICS: Green New Deal supporter Marie Newman upsets incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski in an Illinois congressional primary. (E&E News, subscription)
COMMENTARY: North Dakota’s Legacy Fund will likely be needed amid volatile swings in state revenue from the oil and gas industry, say two of the fund’s founders. (Bismarck Tribune)