Greenfields vs. developed land for solar is a false choice, Michigan expert says

This roundup of energy news headlines comes from our Midwest Energy News newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each morning.

SOLAR

• A Michigan State University researcher says arguments to build solar projects on already developed land such as parking lots instead of greenfields is a false dichotomy: ​“We should be doing all of the above.” (Bridge)

• Missouri Republicans introduce legislation to create a three-year community solar pilot program that could help reduce the state’s reliance on energy imports. (Solar Power World)

CLEAN ENERGY

While global investments in the clean energy transition reached a record $2.1 trillion in 2024, investments to decarbonize heavy industry dropped by more than half compared to 2023. (Canary Media)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Dozens of electric vehicle charging stations planned along Iowa highways have been halted as the Trump administration reviews guidance for a nationwide program. (Des Moines Register)

• However, legal and electric vehicle experts say Trump does not have the authority to permanently cancel the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program after he moved to pause disbursals of its funding. (Inside Climate News)

• The public school district in Michigan’s second-largest city aims to have 15 electric buses operating in the coming months. (WOOD-TV)

COAL

In addition to various measures meant to spur new generation to meet demand growth, Ohio GOP-backed legislation would end $1.1 billion in coal subsidies included under House Bill 6. (Cleveland.com, subscription)

CLIMATE

An Indiana University climate change researcher has seen several grants and millions of dollars in federal funding frozen in recent weeks, signifying broad uncertainty for U.S. climate researchers under the Trump administration. (Grist)

CARBON CAPTURE

• Iowa House lawmakers advance bills that would strengthen eminent domain protections, limit permit lengths and include more involvement of a consumer advocacy office in an effort to clamp down on carbon pipelines. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

• A pipeline operator is in the process of converting a gas pipeline to transport carbon dioxide produced from a Nebraska ethanol plant to an underground storage site in Wyoming. (Midwest Messenger)

UTILITIES

Minnesota regulators unanimously approve an 8.17% rate increase for Xcel Energy’s gas customers, which the utility says is needed to pay for infrastructure and safety improvements as well as keeping up with inflation. (Star Tribune)

BIOFUELS

The head of the most powerful biofuels trade group in the U.S. says the Trump administration has stalled efforts to boost sustainable aviation fuel. (Heatmap, subscription)

GRID

• Chicago-based utility Exelon’s pipeline of data center capacity and other large loads more than doubles to 17 gigawatts compared to a year ago as executives call for more involvement from states to ensure adequate supplies. (Utility Dive)

• American Electric Power is evaluating $10 billion in potential investments to meet demand from data centers and other large loads. (RTO Insider, subscription)