Ohio advocates want equity on the agenda as state, country cuts carbon

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Community advocates in Ohio work to make sure neither urban nor rural populations are left behind as the country transitions toward a carbon-free economy. (Energy News Network)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Lawmakers in Minnesota’s split legislature have found little common ground over the state’s approach to electric vehicles. (MinnPost)

POLICY: Wisconsin regulators will consider new policy frameworks on compensating utility customers who generate their own electricity and send excess amounts back to the grid. (Wisconsin State Journal)

TRANSMISSION:
• In his latest message to shareholders, Warren Buffett touts the benefits of a major transmission build-out to support clean energy. (Inside Climate News)
• FERC Chairman Richard Glick says large-scale transmission projects are needed to help meet renewable energy targets. (Reuters)

SOLAR: Developers of a planned 150 MW solar project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula hope the project will educate the community on the benefits of renewable energy. (The North Wind)

EFFICIENCY:
• The nonprofit responsible for developing model building energy codes used by cities and states nationwide finalizes a controversial plan to strip voting rights from thousands of public sector members — a move clean energy advocates fear will slow progress on energy efficiency. (Energy News Network)
• Iowa City will offer matching grants of up to $250,000 to businesses that want to make energy efficiency upgrades. (Daily Iowan)

BIOFUELS:
• Iowa lawmakers consider a bill proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds that would create in-state ethanol blending requirements. (N’West Iowa Review)
• Iowa’s ethanol industry has faced financial challenges during the pandemic while electric vehicles pose a long-term threat to the sector, experts say. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

PIPELINES:
• Experts say President Biden may have to get involved in the legal dispute over the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac as Canadian officials say a shutdown would be a threat to the country’s energy security. (CBC, Toronto Globe and Mail)
• A Dakota Access pipeline protester who refused to provide testimony to a federal grand jury is jailed again. (Bismarck Tribune)

WIND: Illinois county officials consider wind zoning regulations that would limit shadow flicker around livestock. (Journal-Republican)

COMMENTARY:
• Local units of government should maintain control over whether to approve large wind and solar projects in Indiana, an editorial board says. (Terre Haute Tribune-Star)
• A Minnesota county’s ambitious, local climate action plan ​“could lead the way for other local units of government,” an editorial board says. (Star Tribune)