Midwest EV funding in Trump’s crosshairs

Correction: Illinois environmental and consumer advocates launched a $1 million ad buy opposing rate increases for a Peoples Gas pipeline replacement program. An earlier version of this newsletter misstated the size of the ad buy.

CLEAN ENERGY: President Trump’s early executive orders could eliminate federal funding for electric vehicle chargers, rural clean energy projects and environmental justice initiatives in Wisconsin, advocates say. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

ALSO: At least $30 million for electric vehicle chargers could be at stake in Michigan as the Trump administration attempts to pull back federal clean energy funding. (Bridge)

UTILITIES:

• Illinois environmental and consumer advocates launch a $1 million ad buy calling on state regulators to stop increasing rates for Peoples Gas’ chronically delayed and over-budget gas pipeline replacement program. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Ohio utility ratepayers could see hundreds of millions of dollars in savings in the coming years after a federal appeals court ruled that multiple utilities received an excessive return on equity as an incentive to join a regional transmission organization. (Utility Dive)
• State utility regulators will play a key role in keeping ratepayer bills from rising as utilities transition to more clean energy, a panel of clean energy experts says. (WDET)

NUCLEAR: Indiana lawmakers consider legislation to incentivize small modular nuclear plant development to meet power needs, though consumer advocates worry ratepayers would be on the hook for increased costs. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

CLIMATE: Midwest climate advocates say state-level progress will be key as Trump takes office and begins targeting clean energy programs. (Inside Climate News)

GRID:

• Indiana clean energy advocates worry that power demand from an influx of data centers will prolong the use of fossil fuels unless operators work with utilities to curb demand. (Indiana Public Broadcasting)
• PJM expects near record energy demand today as cold temperatures sweep the eastern U.S. and strain available generation resources. (Kansas City Star)

BIOFUELS: University of Minnesota researchers work to develop winter crops that can be used to make biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel. (MPR News)

OIL & GAS: Extreme cold temperatures are disrupting oil and gas production in North Dakota, and it could take producers weeks or months to recover lost revenue. (KFYR)

RENEWABLES: A Chicago-based entrepreneur who sold a wind power development firm six years ago for $500 million launches a new firm to develop wind and solar projects. (Crain’s Chicago, subscription)

COMMENTARY: Rolling back Inflation Reduction Act funding would cost jobs and raise utility bills, particularly in rural Minnesota where communities have already benefited from the law, according to an independent research firm. (Star Tribune)