Critics say Kansas bill would halt wind energy investments

WIND: Critics say Kansas legislation to increase setback requirements for wind projects would jeopardize future investment in the state. (KSNT, Kansas Reflector)

CLEAN ENERGY: A state House committee advances legislation seeking to build clean energy projects in downstate Illinois and provide electric vehicle incentives. (Alton Telegraph)

EFFICIENCY: The repeal of Ohio’s energy efficiency standards could cost ratepayers billions of dollars, according to an analysis by environmental groups. (Energy News Network)

PIPELINES: Ohio and Louisiana seek to intervene in a federal court case over the future of the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan. (Detroit News)

CLIMATE: Indiana’s attorney general files a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court to stop what he says is California’s attempt to set national climate policy. (Indianapolis Star)

UTILITIES: FirstEnergy hires a new ethics and compliance officer as the utility remains under investigation over its alleged role in the state’s power plant bailout law. (Associated Press)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Michigan regulators approve the second phase of DTE Energy’s electric vehicle pilot program that will be in place through 2025. (dBusiness)

SOLAR: The U.S. solar market had its largest installation year to date in 2020 while strong growth is expected to continue in 2021. (PV Magazine)

STORAGE: Clean energy advocates and some utilities object to grid operator MISO’s request to delay plans for eliminating barriers to energy storage participating in wholesale markets. (S&P Global)

OIL & GAS:
• Kansas City International Airport’s natural gas bill in February spiked to $2.4 million — 30 times higher than what it typically pays — due to demand from its Texas supplier. (Fox 4 KC)
• North Dakota budget officials expect higher oil and gas revenues over the next two years based on stable prices and production. (Associated Press)

NUCLEAR: A Michigan state senator is named to a national nuclear power working group to advise on power and waste management policies. (Daily Telegram)

COAL: Iowa legislators seek to remove an outdated state law that required local governments to buy coal produced in the state when mining was active there. (Radio Iowa)

EMISSIONS: Low natural gas prices, waning renewable subsidies and nuclear plant retirements may cause electric utility emission reductions to flatline in the coming years, analysts say. (E&E News, subscription)

COMMENTARY:
• Declining technology costs and an increasingly clean electric grid are making building decarbonization more feasible in the Midwest, advocates say. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
• A Detroit-based co-founder of the Sunrise Movement says lifting the statewide cap on rooftop solar program participation would deliver energy justice to more residents. (Crain’s Detroit Business)