North Dakota prepares to challenge mercury emissions rule

COAL: North Dakota officials prepare to launch a court challenge against a forthcoming final federal rule that aims to cut mercury emissions from lignite coal-burning power plants. (North Dakota Monitor)

UTILITIES:

• Michigan’s attorney general says DTE Energy’s latest request for a $456.4 million rate increase for infrastructure investments is ​“absurd” given the amount and timing soon after another increase. (Bridge)
• State and local prosecutors in Ohio claim former Public Utilities Commission Chairperson Sam Randazzo negotiated covert deals between utilities and large power users prior to his involvement in a scheme to help FirstEnergy. (Cleveland.com, subscription)

SOLAR:

• A central Kansas county board approves new commercial solar zoning regulations as a developer plans a 300 MW project near wetlands that has sparked intense community debate. (Kansas Reflector)
• North Dakota and South Dakota are among the five states with the lowest percentage of electricity generation from solar, according to an analysis of federal data. (PV Magazine)
• One of the oldest African American neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio, is set to receive an influx of solar panels and energy efficiency investments. (NBC 4)

PIPELINES: In an unusual move, Iowa House Democrats provided no comments before unanimously approving a carbon pipeline siting bill, allowing Republican backers to champion the legislation as a win for property rights. (Bleeding Heartland)

CLEAN ENERGY:

• Local officials in Columbia, Missouri, plan to amend the city’s clean energy targets as a 100% goal by 2030 appears unattainable. (Columbia Missourian)
• The Biden administration announces $4 billion to help spur clean energy manufacturing in communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. (Axios)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Social justice advocates raise concerns about Indiana’s selection of gas stations, truck stops and hotel chains for the first round of federally funded electric vehicle charging stations. (Indianapolis Public Radio)
• Electric vehicle chargers are often inaccessible for people with disabilities, a growing problem as officials forecast millions more electric vehicles on roads in the coming years. (Mother Jones)
• Major U.S. automakers have cut billions in planned electric vehicle investments as demand falls short of overly optimistic volume forecasts. (Detroit News, subscription)