Ohio indictment not the end of utility bribery scandal

OHIO: The indictment of Ohio’s former top utility regulator sparks renewed calls for a wider investigation into state officials’ dealings with utility companies, along with reforms to guard against future public corruption. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:

• Text messages between FirstEnergy executives revealed as part of Sam Randazzo’s indictment show in March 2020 they were worried Randazzo’s favors for the company were making people suspicious. (Ohio Capital Journal)
• The U.S. attorney’s office sues a dark money group founded by a former top aide to Gov. Mike DeWine, seeking $6.4 million and alleging it received funds connected to a wire fraud conspiracy. (Fox19)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs an executive order to convert 100% of the state’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2040. (Michigan Advance)
• A Michigan township board rescinds its support for a proposed electric vehicle battery factory three weeks after a recall election unseated five members amid criticism of the company’s Chinese ownership. (Bridge)

PIPELINES:

• A recent federal safety order against an older, leaking pipeline owned by the company behind the Dakota Access pipeline could add fuel to a legal challenge by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. (E&E News)
• A federal judge permanently bars two Iowa counties from enforcing ordinances that restrict the placement of carbon dioxide pipelines. (Nebraska Examiner)

CITIES:

• Iowa environmentalists praise Des Moines’ new climate action plan and urge city officials to fully implement it rather than letting it get ​“dusty on a shelf.” (Des Moines Register)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin, adopts a clean energy plan that hopes to help the city become carbon neutral by 2050, with efforts funded by fuel savings and state and federal incentives. (WBAY)

BIOGAS: Michigan has emerged as the largest center of manure biodigesters outside of California, but as farmers and utilities embrace the technology, some are unsure what it means for the state’s water quality. (Circle of Blue)

UTILITIES:

• As Evergy rolls out time-based rate plans in Missouri, customers can compare and switch plans to match the habits and maximize savings. (Kansas City Star)
• The parent company of Minnesota Power is reportedly exploring the sale of the company, which also operates several renewable energy projects. (Reuters)

GRID: Several utilities urge federal regulators to reject a proposed cap on interconnection applications per cycle by grid operator MISO. (Utility Dive)

SOLAR:

• Heliene announces an expansion of its northern Minnesota solar panel factory that will double production on a production line and add 130 jobs. (Star Tribune)
• A group of Illinois solar organizations announce a new coalition to promote the industry and build on recent policy momentum. (Solar Power World)
• The Illinois Power Agency’s income-eligible solar program receives a grand prize from a U.S. Energy Department community solar award program. (WAND)
• Iowa City was recently recognized by a national solar group for its efforts to streamline permitting and encourage installations. (Corridor Business Journal)

COMMENTARY: Clean energy advocates write that widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Illinois will benefit drivers and utility customers. (NRDC)