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Explosion heightens concerns about drilling under Ohio state parks

By Andy Balaskovitz

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OIL & GAS: A well pad explosion about five miles from an Ohio state park highlights advocates’ safety concerns about recent efforts to open more state-owned lands for drilling. (Ohio Capital Journal)

COAL: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he would support repealing ratepayer subsidies for coal plants that were included in House Bill 6 as the General Assembly starts energy policy debates in a new session. (Toledo Blade) 

GRID:

  • At least 10 large data centers planned in Minnesota could significantly grow the state’s power demand, though state and local officials welcome the projects’ potential to boost carbon-free power infrastructure and lower electricity bills for all ratepayers. (Star Tribune)
  • Google commits an initial $1 million to an Ohio fund that would incentivize energy efficiency and grid reliability technology as the tech giant increases its presence in the state. (Columbus Dispatch)
  • PJM’s proposal to fast-track shovel-ready generation projects in the interconnection queue draws mixed reactions in filings with federal regulators, with states supporting the move and opposition from renewable energy companies and advocates. (Utility Dive)
  • A Dubai business tycoon’s plan to invest $20 billion to build data centers across the Midwest and Sunbelt ignores the likely investments needed to boost generation and grid capacity, experts say. (E&E News)

SOLAR:

  • A large solar project planned at Kansas City International Airport is about two years behind schedule, though city officials are optimistic the project will still happen. (Kansas City Star)
  • The company behind a 2,300-acre, 300 MW solar project in Ohio suspends development plans amid strong opposition from local Republicans. (Cleveland.com, subscription)
  • Michigan commits $30 million in grants to local communities to incentivize permitting for wind and solar projects, a program that one Democratic lawmaker calls a ​“waste of money.” (Detroit News, subscription) 

CARBON CAPTURE: North Dakota landowners appeal the state’s approval of an underground carbon storage area tied to a planned carbon pipeline, claiming regulators withheld information and violated state law in the process. (North Dakota Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

  • Michigan natural resources officials have acted in the best interest of the public as they consider leasing state forest land for solar possible development, a Sierra Club forest specialist writes. (Bridge)
  • Clean fuel standards can make states more independent from the federal government and generate revenue to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the head of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council writes. (Utility Dive)

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