Michigan commercial EV manufacturer to file for bankruptcy

UTILITIES: Utility executives, including at Xcel Energy and CMS Energy, maintain that their long-term net-zero emissions targets are achievable with the help of emerging technologies and policy support. (S&P Global)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Michigan-based electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Electric Last Mile Solutions plans to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidate its assets. (Reuters)
• Several U.S. startup companies aim to make battery recycling more efficient, clean and profitable to help facilitate the electric vehicle transition. (Canary Media)

WIND: Major tech companies and renewable energy buyers push back on a nearly $4 billion MidAmerican Energy wind project planned in Iowa, saying it’s not in the best interest of customers. (Bloomberg)

PIPELINES:
• Iowa regulators will discuss plans today for a proposed carbon capture pipeline that would span most of the state. (Gate City Daily)
• The potential use of eminent domain to build carbon capture pipelines has created an ​“unlikely alliance” of opposing tribes, environmental groups, farmers and ranchers. (Grist)
• North Dakota regulators approve plans for an 81-mile crude oil pipeline to help move supplies farther west and throughout the country. (Prairie Public Broadcasting)

CLIMATE: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joins 21 other governors in urging Congress to take immediate action on climate and clean energy. (Star Tribune)

COAL: A large DTE Energy coal plant in southeastern Michigan stands as a major obstacle for the utility to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission reductions. (Detroit Free Press)

SOLAR:
• Kansas City officials complete a feasibility study for a large-scale solar project at the city’s airport and will next seek proposals from developers to build the project. (Missouri Independent)
• A developer releases more details about its second large solar project planned in central Wisconsin. (Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune)
• Township planning officials reject plans for a $100 million, 100 MW solar project in eastern Michigan. (County Press)
• A nearly 1 MW solar installation at a Michigan water filtration plant will help Grand Rapids move closer to its goal of powering municipal buildings with 100% renewable energy. (MLive)

OIL & GAS: A new $90 million, natural gas-powered peaker plant comes online in South Dakota. (KELO)

BIOFUELS:
• Kansas ethanol producers receive more than $36 million in federal pandemic relief funding that is targeted to help boost the biofuel industry. (WIBW)
• Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine asks the U.S. EPA to permanently remove restrictions on the year-round sale of 15% ethanol fuel. (WHIO)

COMMENTARY: Investing in energy efficiency would help deliver bill savings to Evergy customers facing rising electric bills, a clean energy advocate writes. (Kansas Reflector)