High stakes for Midwest clean energy laws

ELECTION: Minnesota and Michigan are among states where recent climate and clean energy progress could be at risk if Republicans regain legislative majorities in next month’s election. (Grist)

SOLAR: With support from a community solar installer, a Chicago organization provides job training as well as financial and social support to help formerly incarcerated people find jobs in the solar industry. (Energy News Network)

RENEWABLES:

• Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies announce plans to build 500 MW of solar, 180 MW of wind and 100 MW battery storage across Wisconsin. (WLUK)
• Michigan distributes $20.8 million to 19 grant recipients for renewable energy installations and electrification projects, including $1.3 million for 24 electric vehicle charging stations at a nature center. (Interlochen Public Radio; WOOD-TV8)

OIL & GAS: Michigan officials say new federally funded efforts to plug orphaned oil and gas wells have slowed this year because of requirements under federal conservation laws. (Bridge)

NUCLEAR: The U.S. Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office has just under $65 billion in applications seeking support for financing advanced nuclear projects, as a Michigan plant restart marks renewed interest in nuclear power. (Canary Media)

PIPELINES: Critics say a referred law up for a vote in South Dakota this election is a ​“sellout” to a carbon pipeline developer, while supporters say the law would protect the state’s agriculture industry. (South Dakota Public Broadcasting)

GRID:

• The multi-state Grain Belt Express transmission project, under development since 2010, still needs easement agreements in Kansas and a favorable court ruling in Illinois before moving forward. (Capital-Journal)
• Michigan utility Consumers Energy launches new projects to bury overhead power lines in the Lower Peninsula to help improve reliability. (WOOD-TV8)
• Grid operator PJM’s failure to consistently consider supplies from certain ​“must-run” power plants in capacity auctions could drive up ratepayer costs by $15 billion, according to a complaint filed with federal regulators. (Utility Dive)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Convenience store Kwik Trip announces plans for electric vehicle fast-charging stations at strategic locations across the Midwest. (CBS Minnesota)