SOLAR: Officials break ground on a 200 MW solar project in southwestern Ohio, the state’s largest and one of six solar projects eligible for state financial assistance under a bill passed last year. (Highland County Press)
ALSO:
• Developers of a 300 MW solar project in Wisconsin say the project is back on track after supply chain disruptions related to COVID-19. (Star Tribune)
• Developers announce plans for a 20 MW solar project on 200 acres in South Bend, Indiana. (Inside Indiana Business)
• Local officials in northeastern Nebraska hear plans for an 8.5 MW solar project that developers say won’t disrupt the surrounding area. (Norfolk Daily News)
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PIPELINES: Contractors hired by Enbridge to build a Line 5 pipeline tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac have faced legal action related to infrastructure projects; Attorney General Dana Nessel calls for an investigation. (Michigan Advance)
TRANSPORTATION:
• An auto analyst says General Motors’ commitment to new EV models and cheaper batteries suggest the company is serious about leading in the EV market after previous attempts. (InsideClimate News)
• A school bus driver in northwestern Indiana sees “a whole bunch of benefits” as the district replaces old diesel buses with propane models. (Times of Northwest Indiana)
OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Senate confirms a third Republican to join one Democrat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, breaking with bipartisan norms as the board faces criticism for aiding fossil fuels in key decisions. (Greentech Media)
COAL: An expert discusses potential changes if the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources takes over coal ash regulation from the U.S. EPA. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
UTILITIES:
• The Nebraska Public Power District names a new CEO who has been with the company for 30 years. (North Platte Telegraph)
• Some analysts say a merger is likely for utility Evergy as a hedge fund looks to increase shareholder value. (S&P Global)
COMMENTARY:
• Without action to build on Illinois’ 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act, the state will fall short of clean energy goals, electric bills will increase, and communities won’t see planned renewable development, advocates say. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Minnesota advocates say the state Senate’s version of a clean energy bill prolongs the use of fossil fuels and isn’t a real climate solution. (Rochester Post Bulletin)