Iowa regulators approve $3.8B Bakken pipeline, landowners vow to keep fighting

PIPELINES: Iowa regulators unanimously approve a permit for the $3.8 billion Bakken pipeline to pass through the state and for the company to use eminent domain. Opponents vow to continue fighting the project. (Cedar Rapids Gazette, KCCI-TV)

CLEAN POWER PLAN: Missouri lawmakers look to postpone state work on a compliance strategy. (Midwest Energy News)

*** SPONSORED LINK: Solar Powering Iowa, March 23-24 in Cedar Rapids will be packed with an energizing mix of pre-conference trainings, keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking. Register today!***

CLEAN ENERGY: A partnership between the city of Minneapolis and two utilities is receiving national attention for reducing emissions through efficiency and renewables. (Midwest Energy News)

FRACKING: A federal jury rules that an oil and gas company in Pennsylvania must pay two families $4.2 million in damages over water contamination from fracking. (Reuters)

OIL AND GAS: Even though crude oil prices are on the rise, underlying market factors may continue to push some U.S. companies out of the industry. (EnergyWire)

SOLAR: Led by utility-scale projects, new research predicts the U.S. solar market will grow 119 percent this year. (Greentech Media)

WIND: Some Nebraska legislators are seeking alternative means to advance a bill that would loosen regulations on wind development. (McCook Gazette)

UTILITIES: The largest utility in Kansas is said to be in the early stages of exploring options that could lead to its sale. (Bloomberg News)

CLIMATE:
• A climate pact between the U.S. and Canada addresses some of the lesser-known issues contributing to climate change, such as methane and aviation. (Climate Central)
• Scientists see an unprecedented growth rate of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in 2015. (Climate Central)

CLEAN TECH: The U.S. government is investing nearly $7 million in 33 small businesses across the nation to speed up clean energy technology. (Associated Press)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Advancing Renewables in the Midwest Conference, April 11-12 in Columbia, Missouri focuses on programs, policies, and projects that enhance the use of renewable energy resources in the Midwest for the economic benefit of the region. Register today!***

VOLKSWAGEN SCANDAL: The automaker’s top U.S. executive is ousted after clashing with company officials in Germany over the handling of last year’s emissions scandal. (Associated Press)

COMMENTARY:
• Williston, North Dakota ​“did the right thing” by seeking to close down ​“man camps” following the area’s oil and gas boom. (Bismarck Tribune)
• President Obama’s plan to cut methane emissions as part of a climate pact with Canada comes ​“better late than never.” (New York Times)

CORRECTION: A lawsuit over coal layoffs is being led by a miner from Illinois, not Indiana. An item in yesterday’s digest listed the wrong state.