Ballot initiative to block Ohio pipeline is deemed unconstitutional

PIPELINES: Ohio’s secretary of state has nixed a ballot initiative from citizens seeking to stop a proposed pipeline across northern Ohio and southeast Michigan, saying it violates Ohio’s constitution. (Toledo Blade)

BUSINESS: A Minnesota nonprofit clean-energy incubator will have resources to expand after partnering with the University of St. Thomas. (Midwest Energy News)

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GRID: Officials in Midwest states say their regional grid operator is failing to look out for the interests of ratepayers. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

SOLAR:
• A moderate Republican lawmaker from Kansas thinks the state should be doing more to grow rooftop solar in the state. (Lawrence Journal-World)
• An Iowa utility’s shift on net metering should benefit public-sector solar projects. (The Gazette)
• A Michigan brewery lands a $35,000 federal grant to help pay for a solar installation at its production facility. (Associated Press)
• Western Michigan University moves forward with an agreement with Consumers Energy to build a 10-acre solar garden. (MLive)

MICHIGAN:
• Federal regulations are driving changes in West Michigan’s energy system. (MLive)
• Statewide, officials disagree on how to meet electric needs in the face of several coal-plant retirements. (News-Herald)

WIND: A major development in northwest Iowa is a boon to the local economy as temporary workers fill the area. (Sioux City Journal)

OIL AND GAS:
• A proposed North Dakota ethane pipeline would help the state’s market and feed Canadian demand. (Bismarck Tribune)
• The percentage of North Dakota oil shipped by rail has dipped below 50 percent for the first time in several years. (Associated Press)

LANDFILLS: The Obama administration has announced new rules for limiting methane emissions and other pollutants at landfills. (Associated Press)

AWARD: Consumers Energy recognizes Michigan International Speedway for its commitment to renewable energy and efficiency. (MLive)

CLEAN POWER PLAN:
• Wisconsin is among 10 states that would have to make the steepest cuts in emissions. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• States looking to halt the plan want their request before a federal circuit court that could be favorable to their goals. (Greenwire)
• While an extended timeframe for compliance could help utilities, meeting goals will still be a challenge for the power sector. (ClimateWire)

EFFICIENCY:
• Iowa’s largest utility is planning for a widespread shift to LEDs for its streetlights. (Radio Iowa)
• For new standards on household furnaces, costs for consumers are at the center of the debate. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

COAL: Ohio-based Murray Energy expands its coal business by purchasing a Colombia-based company. (Trib Total Media)

TRANSMISSION: A proposed transmission line between Iowa and Wisconsin has drawn opposition from some local officials while others are taking a wait-and-see approach. (Telegraph Herald)

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CLIMATE:
• Plans for developed nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 fall far short of recommendations made by a United Nations panel. (Reuters)
• Ohio is the epicenter of climate change policy and action. (Toledo Blade)

COMMENTARY:
• The health impacts of nuclear plants go far beyond radiation exposure, which include the mental impacts of living in fear. (MinnPost)
• The Clean Power Plan is a win for Ohio’s health issues — the onus is now on lawmakers to craft a meaningful compliance plan. (Cincinnati Enquirer)