Is removing local control an effective renewables strategy?

RENEWABLES: A new Illinois law stripping local governments’ ability to limit or ban wind or solar power may be a model for other Midwest states, though some experts worry about the long-term divide it could create between urban and rural areas. (Inside Climate News)

ALSO:
• Minnesota clean air advocates renew a push to shut down a Minneapolis waste-to-energy facility that is no longer considered renewable energy under the state’s new clean energy law. (Star Tribune)
• A Nebraska lawmaker proposes a study to scrutinize the economic and grid impacts from a shift to renewable power, as well as the benefits of maintaining the state’s fossil fuel plants. (Lincoln Journal Star)

OHIO: A former state regulator played a central role in writing the power plant bailout legislation at the center of an ongoing corruption trial, but it remains unclear whether they violated any rules. (Ohio Capital Journal)

COAL: An Indiana bill would require utilities to notify state regulators when retiring a coal plant earlier than previously planned, and allow regulators to alter the timeframe of paying down remaining costs of a plant. (WFYI)

CARBON CAPTURE:
• Illinois is well-positioned to support carbon capture pipeline and storage projects, researchers say, though landowners and environmental groups have concerns about safety and effectiveness. (Chicago Tribune, subscription)
• Roughly 150 landowners gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, last week to call for a ban on the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. (Globe Gazette)

GRID:
• Last week’s ice storm spotlighted Michigan’s aging electric grid as well as possible solutions to harden infrastructure and improve reliability; state lawmakers plan hearings to examine utilities’ storm response. (MLive; WDIV)
• As tens of thousands of Michigan residents still wait to have power restored, utility executives say burying lines is often cost-prohibitive. (Michigan Radio)

UTILITIES: American Electric Power will use the $1.2 billion in expected proceeds from the sale of its subsidiaries’ renewable energy fleet to bolster its core utility business. (Utility Dive)

EMISSIONS: University of Michigan researchers will use $1.2 million in funding for six projects examining emission-reduction methods across various sectors. (MLive)

OIL & GAS: Indiana regulators issue a report finding that CenterPoint Energy committed multiple violations that led to customers being exposed to dangerous components of the utility’s gas system. (WBOI)

SOLAR:
• Property owners and real estate agents oppose a Nebraska bill that would prevent restrictions on homeowners or tenants installing solar panels. (Lincoln Journal Star)
• Iowa State University researchers are launching an agrivoltaics study to determine how well solar and agriculture can coexist on properties. (Axios)
• A developer has to scale back a proposed solar project on a former Ohio landfill to avoid overloading local grid infrastructure. (Journal-News)
• The University of Michigan issues a request from developers to potentially install 25 MW of solar at three of its campuses. (PV Magazine)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Michigan university is developing a training program for electric vehicle battery manufacturing jobs as a company considers locating a $2.4 billion facility near the school. (Crain’s Detroit Business, subscription)

COMMENTARY: An Indiana editorial board criticizes a state lawmaker for stalling legislation that would have created a task force to develop a series of recommendations to tackle the climate crisis. (Herald Bulletin)