Michigan climate plan calls for carbon neutrality by 2050

CLIMATE: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer releases a statewide climate action plan that includes calls for a carbon-neutral target by 2050, electric vehicle incentives and clean energy job training. (Bridge Michigan)

ALSO:
• Kansas City utilities Spire and Evergy are pushing back against measures in the city’s climate action plan that would accelerate the transition toward building electrification and renewable energy. (Kansas City Star)
• A coalition of Kansas City metro area elected officials and community groups issue a ​“climate action playbook” listing dozens of potential local clean energy measures. (KCUR)
• Minnesota officials will collect public comment for another week on a sweeping state climate action plan released in February. (Star Tribune)

NUCLEAR: U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says she is unsure whether the operator of a Michigan nuclear plant will seek part of $6 billion in new subsidies aimed at keeping nuclear plants open. (Reuters)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• General Motors signs a long-term agreement with a rare earth mining and manufacturer that will supply materials for the automaker’s forthcoming electric vehicles. (Detroit Free Press)
• A southeastern Missouri utility prepares to launch a five-year pilot program offering various charging incentives to residents and businesses. (Joplin Globe)

OIL & GAS:
• Chicago utility Peoples Gas reported recently that nearly one-third of its customers incurred late fees on their last bill, far more than other local utilities’ customers. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• A Democratic member of Congress from Iowa discusses her support for a one-time windfall tax on excess profits for major oil companies amid high gasoline prices. (KMALand)

UTILITIES: Maryland’s consumer advocate is determining how Ohio’s power plant bailout corruption scandal could affect customers of a FirstEnergy subsidiary there. (Ohio Capital Journal)

POLLUTION: Chicago ranks among the worst cities in the U.S. for smog and particle pollution that’s produced by fossil fuels, according to an analysis by the American Lung Association. (Chicago Sun-Times)

SOLAR:
• Wisconsin regulators award a nearly $230,000 grant to help a library offset about 70% of its energy usage with rooftop solar panels. (WXPR)
• A southeastern Michigan mixed-income housing development opens registrations for homes that would be all-electric with rooftop solar and battery storage. (MLive)
• Developers propose plans for a 3 MW solar project in eastern Michigan. (Huron Daily Tribune)

COMMENTARY: Illinois regulators should analyze ComEd’s $199 million rate increase proposal with a ​“fine-toothed comb and make trims wherever they are needed,” an editorial board writes. (Chicago Sun-Times)