Dozens of Iowa Republicans seek to overturn carbon pipeline approval

PIPELINES: A group of nearly 40 Iowa Republican lawmakers plans to file a lawsuit claiming state regulators’ approval of the $8 billion Summit carbon pipeline was illegal and unconstitutional. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

ALSO: The developer of the multi-state carbon pipeline faces pushback from residents in northwestern Iowa during a public meeting on the company’s plan to expand the project. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

GRID: A partnership between consultants, a solar nonprofit and industry partners crafts model utility rules and legislation to help states facilitate virtual power plants that combine distributed energy technologies and save billions of dollars in the clean energy transition. (Canary Media)

WIND: Whirlpool’s plan to install three large wind turbines on northern Ohio farmland to power a nearby factory draws concerns from residents over property values and aesthetics. (Toledo Blade)

COAL:

• A federal rule requiring coal plants to cut carbon emissions by 90% within a decade poses an existential threat to a large polluting coal plant in southern Ohio whose previous owner uprooted the entire town 20 years ago to avoid pollution controls. (The Guardian)
• The owner of the country’s last coal-powered steamship, which operates in Lake Michigan, is using a $600,000 federal grant to study emissions-free fuel options. (Interlochen Public Radio)

SOLAR:

• Iowa State University researchers leading an agrivoltaics demonstration project are ​“trying to convince folks that solar isn’t taking away from farmland.” (Iowa Public Radio)
• The Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is installing a $17.3 million solar project that will offset all of the tribe’s power use. (UpWord)
• A northwestern Minnesota nonprofit led by members of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa is producing thermal solar panels to promote energy sovereignty in impoverished communities. (MPR News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Michigan driver is among buyers of used electric vehicles over the past year to report challenges with securing federal rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act. (Interlochen Public Radio)

WASTE-TO-ENERGY: Leaders in Minnesota’s most populous county say Minneapolis needs a plan to dispose of its trash before the county can commit to closing a waste-to-energy facility that’s been targeted by environmental justice advocates. (Sahan Journal)

BIOFUELS: A converted ethanol plant and a new blending facility in Minnesota will deliver sustainable aviation fuel to Delta Airlines’ hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. (Pioneer Press)

EFFICIENCY: A Wisconsin technical college is developing a program for students to consult with participating companies on their energy usage and efficiency opportunities. (Telegraph Herald)