GOP-backed community solar bill stalls in Wisconsin

SOLAR: A Wisconsin bill to enable third-party-owned community solar development is backed by Republicans, retailers, and farmers but appears stalled again this year as utilities, labor unions and Democrats withhold support. (Energy News Network, Wisconsin State Farmer)

ALSO: A central Ohio water utility will soon start construction on the state’s first floating solar project, which is expected to offset half of the facility’s electricity use. (Solar Power World)

CLEAN ENERGY:

• A Michigan bill would invalidate provisions in homeowners association agreements that prohibit homeowners from making clean energy upgrades to their home. (Michigan Advance)
• Farming interests, clean energy advocates and renewable energy supporters weigh in with Kansas lawmakers on the use of eminent domain for wind, solar and transmission projects. (Kansas Reflector)
• The Sierra Club gives Evergy a failing grade in a recent climate report for the utility’s plans to prolong the operation of two coal plants and grow its natural gas portfolio. (KCUR)

GRID: A landowners group urges federal regulators to require the Grain Belt Express developer to reapply for permission to offer capacity on the transmission line at negotiated rates, which could delay financing and construction. (Utility Dive)

WIND:

• After years of debate, an Illinois county approves a 50-turbine wind project that opponents say was forced upon them by a recent state law overruling local opposition if projects meet certain requirements. (Journal-Republican)
• A Kansas planning commission delays a vote on proposed commercial wind zoning regulations as dozens of residents express mixed opinions on the proposals. (Lawrence Times)

PIPELINES: Carbon pipeline developer Wolf Carbon Solutions wants Illinois regulators to reject opponents’ requests to dismiss the company’s permit application. (WCBU)

RENEWABLES: Some local officials in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula oppose legislation that would transfer permitting authority for commercial wind and solar projects from local governments to state regulators. (Daily Mining Gazette)

OIL & GAS: Kansas crude oil production stays consistent with the last several years, which have been the lowest in state history. (Hays Post)

UTILITIES: Federal regulators approve an Indiana utility’s plan to sell a 20% stake in its NIPSCO subsidiary for $2.15 billion to an investment fund, which executives say would provide capital to limit rate increases. (Times of Northwest Indiana)

COMMENTARY: A Chicago climate activist says Illinois lawmakers should override Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s veto of a bill to lift the state’s moratorium on new nuclear power construction. (Chicago Sun-Times)