Could ethanol cut trucking emissions faster than electrification?

TRANSPORTATION: A Chicago-area startup develops technology to retrofit diesel engines to run on ethanol, betting that it’s a faster path to decarbonize heavy-duty trucking than waiting for electric replacements. (Energy News Network)

ALSO: Michigan’s new chief mobility officer leads a collaborative effort to work across state government, academia and private industry to advance clean transportation options in the state. (Newsweek)

HYDROGEN:

• A proposal to produce hydrogen at Ohio’s Davis-Besse nuclear plant was not among those selected last week to receive federal funding. (WTVG)
• A tri-state hydrogen hub proposal from partners in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska was also passed over for federal funding. (Nebraska Examiner)

ECONOMY:

• Illinois launches a clean energy contractor incubator program with $21 million in funding for 13 community-based hubs across the state designed to help contractors grow their businesses. (WREX)
• A Southeastern Ohio port authority director talks about the challenge and opportunity in redeveloping former coal power plant sites. (Times Leader)

SOLAR:

• Iowa solar developers are adapting projects and offering ​“good neighbor” incentives to improve relationships with landowners but still encounter insurmountable opposition in some counties. (Gazette)
• Illinois residents seeking subsidies under a state solar incentive program could end up paying more out of pocket due to higher than expected demand . (WICS)

CLIMATE:

• Five Eastern Iowa counties will use $2 million in federal funds to develop a regional climate action plan after the state declined to participate in the program. (Gazette)
• Parts of the Midwest would be vulnerable to deadly ​“moist heat stress” beyond what human bodies can tolerate if global warming exceeds 2 degrees Celsius, according to a new Purdue University study. (CNN)

CLEAN ENERGY:

• A Michigan proposal to shift zoning decisions for wind and solar projects to state regulators rather than local officials faces backlash from Republicans. (WEMU)
• An Ohio township asks its county commissioners to prohibit construction of large wind or solar projects within its boundaries. (Vindicator)
• An annual Nebraska wind and solar conference will take place Oct. 24-25 in Lincoln. (Journal Star)

PIPELINES: Sioux City, Iowa’s city council today is expected to consider a resolution opposing construction of CO2 pipelines in or near the city. (Sioux City Journal)

COAL ASH: The Illinois attorney general files a lawsuit against Springfield’s municipal utility for allegedly releasing more than 700 tons of coal ash. (WAND)

UTILITIES: A ruling by Ohio utility regulators leaves renters exposed to electricity suppliers that have been accused of price gouging captive customers, advocates say. (Cleveland.com)

POLICY: Michigan Democrats are aiming for a sweeping climate deal that could include Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed clean energy standard. (Politico, subscription)

COMMENTARY:

• A public policy analyst says Ohio lawmakers could bolster job growth by strengthening the state’s renewable portfolio standard and enacting other carbon emission reduction strategies. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• Will your electric boat electrocute you if it sinks? Obsessively insulated batteries and several fail-safes mean the answer is not likely, a reporter finds. (Heatmap)