Another setback for energy efficiency in Ohio

This roundup of energy news headlines comes from our Midwest Energy News newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each morning.

EFFICIENCY

• Duke Energy Ohio quietly drops plans for a broad portfolio of energy efficiency programs that would have saved customers nearly $126 million over three years, the latest chapter in a struggle to restore utility-run efficiency programs after the House Bill 6 scandal. (Canary Media)

• Tens of millions of dollars earmarked for Michigan’s green bank are on hold as the Trump administration targets the $20 billion federal green bank program, delaying state plans to fund energy efficiency measures with the money. (Bridge)

DECARBONIZATION

• Evanston, Illinois, is the latest small U.S. city to adopt strong building performance standards, a move that advocates say is one of the best avenues cities can take on climate action. (Canary Media)

WIND

• A 118 MW Wisconsin wind project that participating landowners say would generate steady and reliable revenue compared to farming faces pushback from others who are concerned about aesthetics and perceived health effects. (Capital Times)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Elon Musk and political groups he supports have spent millions of dollars on the race for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat as Tesla sues to overturn a state law blocking it from opening dealerships there. (Associated Press)

• Illinois electric vehicle sales surged in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period last year as consumer and corporate purchasers took advantage of incentives. (Crain’s Chicago)

FOSSIL FUELS

• An Indiana bill that would define natural gas and propane as clean energy sources awaits Gov. Mike Braun’s signature. (Indiana Public Radio)

PIPELINES

• Iowa House lawmakers pass a series of carbon pipeline-related measures, including a bill to block the use of eminent domain for projects. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

• The developer of a multi-state carbon pipeline asks North Dakota judges to dismiss landowner appeals seeking to overturn the proposed pipeline route and plans for an underground storage site. (North Dakota Monitor)

COAL

• The Ohio House passes sweeping energy reforms that incentivize construction of new power plants, change the ratemaking process, and repeal subsidies for two unprofitable coal plants. (Ohio Capital Journal)

STORAGE

• Iowa regulators hold a public meeting on Alliant Energy’s plan to install a 280 MW battery storage project at a former coal plant. (Waukon Standard)

SOLAR

• Minnesota announces 17 grants totaling $1.23 million for local governments to install solar panels on municipal buildings. (Finance & Commerce)