Clean energy journalism for a cooler tomorrow

Midwest Energy News — a daily newsletter

New lawsuit targets Wisconsin transmission line

By Andy Balaskovitz

  • Link copied to clipboard

GRID: Conservation groups file a new lawsuit seeking to halt construction on a nearly completed $650 million transmission line that would cross a national wildlife refuge across the Mississippi River. (WPR)

ALSO:

TRANSPORTATION: The founder of an electric bike-sharing company is determined to make the operation successful in Youngstown, Ohio, by scaling appropriately and focusing on community needs. (Energy News Network)

PIPELINES:

  • A North Dakota county will file a lawsuit challenging state regulators’ ruling that state law trumps local ordinances on pipeline routes. (North Dakota Monitor)
  • A law enforcement consultant testifies during a trial in North Dakota that it was unusual for federal authorities to not provide support to local agencies during Dakota Access pipeline protests. (KFYR)

CLEAN ENERGY:

  • Minnesota regulators approve a cooperative power wholesaler’s plan for 90% of its electricity sales to be carbon-free by 2035 by replacing a major coal contract with renewables and storage. (Star Tribune)
  • Stakeholders seek guidance from Michigan regulators on how local governments can craft clean energy siting regulations ahead of a new law taking effect this year that gives the state more siting authority. (Bridge)

SOLAR: A Detroit neighborhood is removed from consideration for a series of city-backed solar projects amid local opposition. (Planet Detroit)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: EV startup Rivian pauses construction on a $5 billion manufacturing plant in Georgia to instead produce a new model at an existing plant in Illinois. (Associated Press)

COAL: Republican lawmakers in four Midwest states are part of a movement to pass legislation that props up retiring coal plants, even though ratepayers may foot the bill as coal fails to compete on price with clean energy. (E&E News)

EFFICIENCY: Seven years after buying a dilapidated Detroit duplex for $1,700, a homeowner completes a $275,000 renovation into a net-zero home for low-income renters. (Planet Detroit)

COMMENTARY: Michigan State University researchers say Detroit residents are more likely to support solar projects in the city if they can benefit financially. (The Conversation)