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Drought conditions renew concerns about fracking’s water use

By Andy Balaskovitz

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OIL & GAS: Drought conditions in Ohio this summer prompted a local watershed district to take the unprecedented step of limiting water use for fracking, and should cause state and local officials to be more proactive, environmental groups say. (Energy News Network)

GRID: Michigan lawmakers pass legislation creating new tax breaks for large data centers, which opponents say lacks assurances that the energy-hungry projects wouldn’t jeopardize the state’s clean energy goals. (Bridge)

CLEAN ENERGY:

  • While environmental groups say Minnesota’s carbon-free energy targets should focus on wind and solar, a state agency endorses a broader view that could include fossil fuels with carbon capture. (MPR News)
  • A new Iowa green bank will help municipalities and nonprofits finance renewable energy projects and access federal funding. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
  • Residents in a small Ohio town that recently set a goal to cut carbon emissions 50% by 2030 say individual action plays a key role in hitting climate targets. (WOSU)

PIPELINES: Former GOP Iowa Congress member Steve King campaigns against a South Dakota ballot initiative that opponents say would be unfavorable to landowners amid carbon pipeline development. (Dakota Scout, subscription)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

  • A Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan claims the transition to electric vehicles will decimate jobs, despite research suggesting that’s inaccurate. (Planet Detroit)
  • Michigan school transportation coordinators express optimism about being among the first to transition to electric school buses, despite some initial logistical challenges. (Capital News Service)

HYDROGEN: General Motors plans to partner with a large supplier to build a hydrogen fuel cell plant in Detroit, which could take a few years until production starts. (Crain’s Detroit, subscription)

COMMENTARY:

  • Reinstating solar net metering and a statewide energy efficiency program would save Indiana ratepayers money and improve grid stability, an Indiana editorial board writes. (Journal Gazette)
  • The Michigan Legislature needs to pass community solar bills to bring energy affordability and clean energy access to low-income ratepayers, a Democratic state lawmaker writes. (Bridge)

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