Michigan approves tunnel for Line 5 pipeline

ALSO:

• The Bay Mills Indian Community condemns the decision, calling it ​“another notch in a long history of ignoring the rights of Tribal Nations.” (Native News Online)
• The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe continues to press for answers and accountability related to the Dakota Access Pipeline, including at a recent public forum where the only federal presence was a stenographer to write down concerns. (ICT)

UTILITIES:

• Peoples Gas files an emergency motion asking Illinois regulators to restore $265 million that was rejected last month from a proposed rate increase. (Fox 32)
• A new discount rate system approved by Illinois regulators as part of that decision is expected to reduce utility shut-offs in lower-income neighborhoods, consumer and environmental justice advocates say. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Michigan regulators approve a 6.4% rate increase for DTE Energy that the company says it needs to pay for grid improvements and clean energy. (Bridge)
• Wisconsin utilities say they need to charge customers more to pay for investments in clean energy, but experts and advocates say rate hikes are also increasing energy burdens on low-income residents. (Cap Times)

POLLUTION:

• Ethanol producer Poet agrees to pay a nearly $90,000 fine to the U.S. EPA for failure to control emissions at a western Iowa ethanol plant. (The Gazette)
• “What are you going to do to protect us?” A central Illinois community complains about odors and raises concerns about drinking water near a former manufactured gas plant owned by utility Ameren. (WAND-TV)

CLIMATE:

• Ohio’s Republican House speaker says a bill to limit teaching of ​“controversial beliefs” such as climate change in college classrooms doesn’t have enough support to pass. (Inside Climate News)
• Minnesota researchers say Lake Superior is one of the fastest-warming lakes in the world, raising concerns about algal blooms and other problems. (WCCO)