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Gov. DeWine defends top adviser amid FirstEnergy scandal

By Andy Balaskovitz

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OHIO: Gov. Mike DeWine defends a top adviser after a criminal indictment alleges she knew about millions of dollars FirstEnergy paid Sam Randazzo before DeWine appointed him as the state’s top utility regulator. (Ohio Capital Journal)

BIOFUELS: The U.S. EPA issues a final rule to allow year-round sales of higher blends of corn-based ethanol in eight Midwestern states despite concerns that it could worsen smog during warm weather. (Associated Press)

SOLAR: An economics professor says an Ohio county will benefit more from direct payments for a solar project instead of property taxes, countering claims by a conservative group that the arrangement will ​“shortchange taxpayers.”. (Energy News Network)

GEOTHERMAL: A Chicago environmental justice organization is helping to build out a geothermal heating and cooling network on the city’s South Side. (Grist)

GRID: Wisconsin utility executives discuss how they’re preparing for a spike in power demand from artificial intelligence and data centers as renewable energy displaces fossil fuels. (WPR)

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Minneapolis environmental justice advocates call for the permanent closure of a waste-to-energy facility they say is disproportionately harming communities of color. (MinnPost)

OIL & GAS: Northwest Indiana residents call on state regulators to take action against a BP oil refinery along Lake Michigan after multiple incidents at the plant disrupted nearby residents. (NBC 5)

CLIMATE: Youth climate advocates rally in downtown Detroit to demand solutions to the climate crisis. (Planet Detroit)

PIPELINES:

  • A North Dakota sheriff testifies that the Dakota Access pipeline protests in late 2016 and early 2017 would not have ballooned in size if local law enforcement had more support from the federal government. (North Dakota Monitor)
  • Environmental and community advocates seek assurances that a Peoria, Illinois, development proposal would not direct public financing to a carbon pipeline. (Journal Star)
  • A North Dakota county will ask state regulators to reconsider a finding that state authority overrides local pipeline siting regulations. (Bismarck Tribune)

POLITICS: Michigan Democrats introduce legislation to ban the state’s two largest utilities from making political contributions, though the plan could face opposition from both sides of the aisle. (Detroit News)

CLEAN ENERGY: Michigan sets aside $125 million for matching grants to advanced manufacturing companies also seeking federal funds for clean energy and infrastructure projects. (Bridge)

HYDROGEN: The CEO of North America’s largest flat-rolled steel company is betting on hydrogen to decarbonize its operations while also driving profits: ​“We are doing this to get paid, not to brag about it.” (E&E News)

COMMENTARY: A Michigan state representative says the state’s new clean energy laws will drive a spike in rooftop solar installations, reduce energy costs and create job opportunities. (Crain’s Grand Rapids Business)

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