Federal climate bill boosts clean energy in rural Wisconsin

CLEAN ENERGY: The federal Inflation Reduction Act allocates $2 billion for rural clean energy projects, which advocates say could benefit Wisconsin landowners. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

OIL & GAS: Ohio energy economists disagree on whether oil companies should pay windfall taxes on recent record profits that would be rebated back to households. (Ohio Capital Journal)

POLITICS:
• Minnesota Democrats facing competitive races this fall hope the Inflation Reduction Act’s passage will help their political chances with voters. (Star Tribune)
• A lawsuit involving fossil fuel companies’ alleged role in fueling climate change misinformation brought by Minnesota’s attorney general has become a campaign issue as he seeks reelection. (Star Tribune)

COAL: The Omaha Public Power District board unanimously voted last week to extend operations at a 645 MW coal plant until 2026, joining at least five other U.S. coal plants with similar extensions this year. (Reuters)

SOLAR: Iowa county officials will vote tonight on rezoning for a planned $259 million solar project near a former nuclear plant. (KCRG)

CLIMATE:
• The central United States will become especially vulnerable to rising heat indexes due to climate change, according to a recent study. (Omaha World-Herald)
• Nebraska’s state treasurer defends his role as chairman of a national group that has been outspoken against environmental, social and governance (ESG) and climate change investing. (Nebraska Examiner)

OHIO: Competing Ohio energy bills aim to maximize natural gas use across the state as well as restore renewable energy targets. (WCMH)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: North Dakota’s plan for spending federal electric vehicle infrastructure dollars calls for installing 18 charging stations about 50 miles apart along two main interstate highways. (Inforum)

UTILITIES: Michigan regulators will hold a public hearing tonight on DTE Energy’s request to increase rates as well as fees for rooftop solar customers. (Michigan Radio)

BIOENERGY: A northern Michigan brewery leads a push to develop a ​“community cooperative” biodigester that would produce energy from local agriculture waste. (The Ticker)

COMMENTARY:
• Minnesota should seize the opportunity to pass statewide climate legislation after Congress recently acted on a national level, say The Nature Conservancy representatives. (Star Tribune)
• Advancing battery technology in electric school buses, as well as their potential to save districts costs, make the transition from diesel buses increasingly appealing, a northern Michigan editorial board writes. (Traverse City Record-Eagle)
• An Indiana pastor says the state’s plan for spending federal electric vehicle infrastructure funding lacks components that would ensure equity among drivers. (Indianapolis Star)