Minnesota transmission costs balloon

CLIMATE:

• Wisconsin Democrats propose a sweeping, 20-bill climate package that they hope gains at least some bipartisan support with measures involving energy efficiency and agriculture. (Wisconsin Examiner)
• More stress on infrastructure, public health risks and disrupted growing seasons are among anticipated long-term climate impacts in the Midwest, according to the latest national climate assessment. (Minnesota Reformer)

SOLAR:

• Detroit neighborhood activists are divided over the city’s plan to build ground-mounted solar projects across vacant and blighted properties. (Planet Detroit/​Energy News Network)
• The developer of a $1.5 billion, 1.6 GW solar project in northwestern Indiana wants to incorporate crops and livestock on the sprawling site. (Inside Indiana Business)
• Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeks options from potential developers of an up to 16 MW, two-phase solar project on a former landfill and remediated U.S. EPA superfund site. (Crain’s Grand Rapids Business)
• County officials in Wichita, Kansas, hold a town hall on potential commercial solar regulations as a moratorium on development remains in place. (Wichita Eagle)
• Black Hills Energy is no longer pursuing a plan to lower the rates it reimburses rooftop solar customers for the excess power they send back to the grid. (South Dakota Public Broadcasting) 

WIND:

• Renewable energy developers say a southwestern Iowa county’s proposal to increase setback distances for wind turbines would be a ​“project killer.” (Daily Nonpareil)
• A developer is negotiating with eastern Illinois property owners to build a 50- to 75-turbine wind project as local officials debate zoning options. (News-Gazette)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Ann Arbor becomes the first Michigan city to mount electric vehicle chargers on utility poles to increase public access. (WDIV)
• Indiana transportation officials say their department faces a fiscal cliff on road funding as driving habits change and vehicles become more efficient and electrified. (WTHR)