Ohio lawmaker: Bill to scrap energy laws ​‘direct response’ to AEP wind, solar plan

OHIO: A new study by Ohio State University says most of the electricity cost increases in the state since 2008 are due to a lack of competition in the market. (Midwest Energy News)

ALSO: State Sen. Bill Seitz says his latest effort to scrap Ohio’s clean energy standards is ​“a fairly direct response” to AEP’s plan to build out 900 megawatts of wind and solar; hearings on the legislation begin today. (Columbus Business First, Cleveland Plain Dealer)

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PIPELINES:
• In a public meeting with state officials, Enbridge defends the safety of its Line 5 pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac after a recent report called into question areas of protective coating. (Detroit News)
• Two tribes seek to head off the imminent flow of oil from the Dakota Access pipeline by appealing a judge’s decision allowing construction to be completed. (Associated Press)
• The Army Corps of Engineers finishes cleaning up three remaining Dakota Access pipeline protest camps that were on federal land. (Associated Press)

COAL: The owners of a coal ash landfill in Ohio say residents should not be able to sue for damages under West Virginia law due to exposure to the sites. (Clarksburg State Journal)

SOLAR:
• An Indiana bill to eliminate net metering is among the topics addressed during a public forum with state lawmakers. (Lebanon Reporter)
• A Minnesota community will explore more options to expand locally generated solar. (St. Peter Herald)

EMISSIONS:
• Officials at the University of Michigan are voting on an $80 million project to reduce air emissions from an on-campus natural gas cogeneration plant. (MLive)
• President Trump is expected to undertake a review this week of vehicle fuel efficiency rules locked in at the end of the Obama administration. (Reuters)

WIND:
• Michigan utility DTE Energy eyes a rural township for future wind development. (Midland Daily News)
• The developer of a controversial wind project in Ohio will likely be sold, but it won’t affect its projects under development. (Springfield News-Sun)

CLIMATE: Major investment firm BlackRock will begin studying the financial disclosures of climate change risk, a move that ​“could send shock waves throughout the private sector.” (E&E News)

COMMENTARY:
• A consumer advocacy group says Minnesota should continue offering incentives to expand solar generation in the state. (Midwest Energy News)
• Minnesota advocates say high-performance, energy-efficient buildings can help the entire state save energy. (MinnPost)