Critics doubt private equity will save a polluting Ohio coal plant

COAL: Critics worry that a large Ohio coal plant will continue to be a major polluter and $40 million in toxic coal ash liabilities will go unaddressed as it changes ownership between private equity firms. (Ohio Capital Journal)

GRID:

• Ohio’s consumer advocate says a ​“landmark agreement” that’s up for regulatory approval protects ratepayers from footing the bill for data center expansions in central Ohio. (Utility Dive)
• Detroit-based utility DTE Energy is on pace to spend more than $4 billion this year on clean energy projects and grid infrastructure, which executives promise will improve the company’s sub-par reliability. (Utility Dive)

CLEAN TECH: An Iowa company that recycles rare earth metals from used wind turbines and other electronics receives a $500,000 federal prize and other funding support. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

NUCLEAR: NextEra Energy’s CEO says the company is still evaluating the potential to recommission Iowa’s only nuclear plant, but says small modular reactors are not yet economically practical. (Radio Iowa)

CLIMATE: St. Louis County, Missouri, will use more than $750,000 from a legal settlement stemming from the city’s former NFL team relocating to Los Angeles to fund climate programs. (FOX 2)

AIR POLLUTION: Northwest Indiana public health advocates say an environmental group’s new report detailing the local health and economic costs of coal-based steelmaking is ​“groundbreaking” for shining a light on the issue. (Post-Tribune, subscription)

OVERSIGHT: Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota each have competitive races this election for public utility commissions that experts say play vital roles in shaping ratepayer bills and energy investments. (Canary Media)

RENEWABLES:

• A recently formed national nonprofit plans to alert local groups and people about clean energy projects in their communities to foster more local participation from supporters and counter opponents. (Inside Climate News)
• A North Minneapolis clean energy job training site also serves as a demonstration center with onsite solar panels, electric heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations. (Yale Climate Connections)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Detroit-based startup making lightweight, cargo-hauling electric bicycles wins a $100,000 investment as part of a state-backed pitch competition. (Crain’s Detroit, subscription)

UTILITIES: Minnesota regulators approve a rate increase for a Duluth-based utility that executives say will help pay for workforce retention during the clean energy transition. (Star Tribune)