Chicago union contract includes clean energy gains

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

CLEAN ENERGY

• The Chicago Teachers Union’s new contract would result in new programs that prepare students for clean energy jobs, require the district to work with the unions to secure clean energy investments, and update a climate action plan by 2026. (Canary Media)

• A Wisconsin electric cooperative says the Trump administration has affirmed a $595 million Biden-era grant to fund various clean energy and transmission projects. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

NUCLEAR

• Detroit-based utility DTE Energy is studying the potential expansion of its southeastern Michigan nuclear plant to meet growing demand from data centers. (Crain’s Detroit)

• Illinois legislation would remove restrictions on nuclear plants larger than 300 MW from adding small modular reactors. (WIFR)

STORAGE

• U.S. grid-scale battery storage is on track to nearly double this year compared to 2024 as it plays an increasingly important role amid rising demand. (Vox)

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

• Minnesota cities, tribes and community organizations prepare to do more with less as the Trump administration cancels $1.5 billion in environmental justice grants nationwide. (Sahan Journal)

OIL & GAS

• Approximately 50 barrels of crude oil and brine spilled in a wetland in a Michigan state forest from a leaking flowline, though state officials say it has not migrated and does not pose a threat to public health. (MLive)

BIOFUELS

• About half of Iowa’s biodiesel plants remain offline because of uncertainty with federal fuel blending standards. (Brownfield Ag News)

DATA CENTERS

• Illinois lawmakers debate legislation that would require data centers to power operations with renewable energy. (WAND)

BIOGAS

• A large wastewater treatment plant in Duluth, Minnesota, installs an anaerobic digester to produce electricity that powers about 60% of the plant’s operations. (MPR News)

COMMENTARY

• An Iowa clean energy advocate and farmer says a proposed energy omnibus bill would be a blank check for the state’s two large utilities and cause energy inflation for ratepayers. (Des Moines Register)