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Jobs, not climate, help drive Wisconsin’s clean energy boom

By Andy Balaskovitz

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CLEAN ENERGY: Wisconsin has experienced a ​“monumental jump” in clean energy development under Gov. Tony Evers as Democrats have focused on its economic benefits rather than climate change. (Inside Climate News)

EMISSIONS: Federal regulators announce a record settlement with Marathon Oil, which will pay $241.5 million in penalties for various Clean Air Act violations in North Dakota. (Inforum)

NUCLEAR: Federal regulators begin the environmental review process as part of a company’s request to reopen a shuttered nuclear plant in southwestern Michigan. (Detroit News)

PIPELINES:

  • A coalition of Iowa landowners, environmental groups and lawmakers has mobilized to stop a carbon pipeline after state regulators signed off on the project. (Globe Gazette)
  • The opposition includes seven counties that will ask Iowa regulators to reconsider their decision approving a permit for the Summit carbon pipeline. (KCHA)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

  • A portion of $1.7 billion in newly announced federal electric vehicle manufacturing funding includes $334 million to reopen a Stellantis plant in Illinois to produce EVs and parts. (CBS Chicago)
  • U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says a key driver behind the $1.7 billion is to reshore auto manufacturing jobs and help the U.S. better compete with China. (Grist)

SOLAR:

  • Consumers Energy breaks ground on a 250 MW solar project in western Michigan that’s being built in partnership with the local county. (WOOD-TV)
  • A developer begins installing solar panels at a 150 MW project in northwestern Ohio. (Solar Industry)

TRANSPORTATION: An Illinois county transit agency receives a $17.8 million federal grant to replace diesel buses with hybrid and compressed natural gas models. (Journal-Register)

CLIMATE: The Iowa Board of Regents approves a new climate change major at Iowa State University after a discussion about how the syllabus would not stifle students’ ​“free speech.” (Globe Gazette)

COMMENTARY:

  • Electrification supporters call on Michigan lawmakers to create incentives to electrify medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets, saying ongoing reliance on oil creates economic and national security risks. (Bridge)
  • An Ohio editorial board calls on state Senate lawmakers to pass a bill restoring utility energy efficiency programs that has already passed the House. (Cleveland.com)
  • An Indiana renewable energy site selection specialist dispels myths that solar projects harm biodiversity, reduce property values and are more expensive than fossil fuels. (South Bend Tribune)

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