North Dakota moves to protect transmission development

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GRID

• North Dakota lawmakers pass a bill that would give state regulators authority to override local regulations on transmission zoning, which supporters say is needed to meet the state’s energy goals. (North Dakota Monitor)

OIL & GAS

• An Ohio oil and gas commission has approved drilling leases beneath four state wildlife areas and Ohio’s biggest state park since it began approving bids two years ago, while opponents remain concerned over public safety. (Ohio Capital Journal)

COAL

• President Trump is expected to sign executive orders today supporting the coal industry, including using emergency powers to force some coal plants slated for closure to stay open. (E&E News)

NUCLEAR

• Federal regulators deny anti-nuclear groups’ request for a full hearing and a new safety assessment tied to the reopening of a southwestern Michigan nuclear plant. (Holland Sentinel)

• Indiana and Missouri are selected by the Department of Energy and National Governors Association to host summits aimed at growing public education and awareness around advanced nuclear energy development. (WANE, FOX 4)

CLIMATE

• A growing number of Wisconsin cities are planning climate action plans that include renewable energy targets and tracking greenhouse gas emissions, in hopes of laying groundwork for state and federal action. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

SOLAR

• Minnesota regulators expect to issue a permit decision later this year on a proposed 200 MW solar project west of Minneapolis. (West Central Tribune)

BATTERIES

• A Michigan battery startup will close a California office and consolidate research and development in metro Detroit in an effort toward financial stability. (Crain’s Detroit)

WIND

• Residents in a central Michigan township raise concerns that their opposition to a proposed utility-scale wind project may be overruled by a new state law giving final siting authority to state regulators. (WOOD-TV8)

UTILITIES

• Minnesota regulators are holding a series of public meetings this week on a private equity firm’s proposed acquisition of Minnesota Power’s parent company, which utility executives have promised will not affect rates. (Northern News Now)

COMMENTARY

• A loss of federal electric vehicle charging funding shouldn’t discourage Minnesota drivers from adopting an EV, as private investment, utility programs and state support will continue to grow public charging availability, clean transportation advocates write. (Minnesota Reformer)

NEW FROM CANARY MEDIA

• President Trump’s tariffs likely won’t harm the solar and wind industries as much as battery and EV makers, but the cleantech industry will still suffer and energy infrastructure will get harder to build, experts tell Jeff St. John.

• Southern California regulators consider new rules to clean the region’s smog-filled air, but stop short of mandating heat pumps and banning appliances that emit nitrogen oxides, Alison Takemura reports.