Carbon pipeline opponents consider legal options

PIPELINES: After failed efforts to change state law, Iowa lawmakers suggest that blocking the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines may require intervention by the U.S. Supreme Court. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

ALSO: Seven Iowa counties submit a brief to Iowa regulators opposing Summit Carbon Solutions’ plan to use eminent domain on hundreds of parcels for a carbon pipeline, calling it a ​“boondoggle.” (Belmond Independent)

UTILITIES: Nearly 200,000 customers participating in Columbus, Ohio’s clean energy aggregation program will see rate increases despite an initial contract locking in costs long term. (Columbus Dispatch)

BATTERIES: Ford Motor Co.’s plan for a large electric vehicle battery plant in southern Michigan remains on track after a judge dismisses a lawsuit from opponents attempting to stop the project. (Detroit Free Press)

UTILITIES: Ohio’s consumer advocate and large utility customers ask state regulators to lift a protective order on redacted parts of an audit into the effects of HB 6 on ratepayers. (Checks & Balances Project)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• The Biden administration announces $623 million in infrastructure funding to fill electric vehicle charging gaps in Ohio and other regions of the country. (E&E News)
• Three Michigan school districts will each receive nearly $6 million in federal funding to buy 15 electric buses. (Detroit News)

SOLAR: A developer and partner Enbridge start operating a 150 MW solar project in Ohio, the first phase of a larger 577 MW project. (Renewables Now)

WIND:

• Eastern Iowa county officials expect to pass a moratorium on wind development as a recent proposal calls for turbine heights up to 650 feet. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
• A utility is working to determine the cause of a recent wind turbine collapse in southwestern Missouri. (KOAM)

EFFICIENCY: Electrification and energy efficiency can reduce buildings’ energy intensity by nearly 40% relative to current levels and generate $2 trillion in annual savings, according to a recent report. (Facilities Dive)

COMMENTARY: An Iowa landowner says counties must pass local carbon pipeline restrictions and are ​“duty-bound to protect their communities and keep citizens safe.” (Bleeding Heartland)