Ohio lawmakers to extend clean-energy freeze indefinitely

OHIO: Citing uncertainty with the Clean Power Plan, a Republican-led panel of lawmakers is expected to announce today an indefinite freeze of the state’s clean-energy standards. (Columbus Dispatch)

KEYSTONE XL: TransCanada withdraws its lawsuits in Nebraska seeking to use eminent domain to access residents’ property for the pipeline, opting instead to go through the state regulatory commission. (Associated Press)

***SPONSORED LINK: Midwest Energy News is highlighting 40 Under 40 Midwest-based leaders who are helping accelerate America’s transition to a clean energy economy. The first 2015 40 Under 40 cohort has been revealed, more names will be announced this week. ***

CLIMATE CHANGE: A retired Navy admiral was in Michigan this week meeting with lawmakers on the importance of energy independence and climate adaptation for national security. (Midwest Energy News)

OIL AND GAS:
• Six years ago, Ohio officials planned a renewable energy facility at a former coal plant site where an ethane cracker plant now is being planned. (Columbus Business First)
• The Obama administration announces new rules for monitoring toxic air emissions at oil refineries. (Associated Press)
• The retreat of oil rigs in the Bakken oil patch is sending ripples through the industry. (Bismarck Tribune)

SOLAR:
• A Madison, Wisconsin-based utility plans to pilot a 500-kilowatt community solar project. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Researchers in West Michigan are awarded a patent for a battery storage system tailored to individual panels rather than a full installation. (MLive)
• Nationwide, community solar projects are launching outside of state mandates. (Greentech Media)
• Officials unveil a new 1-megawatt array in Indiana. (WTHI-TV)

PIPELINES: Federal judges reject environmental groups’ challenge that an oil pipeline from Illinois to Oklahoma needed a full review under the National Environmental Policy Act. (Greenwire)

GRID: The Department of Energy’s national laboratories plan a coordinated effort to address changes and cyber threats to the electric grid. (EnergyWire)

COAL: A train hauling coal collides with another train, blocking a two-mile stretch of road through a Wisconsin town. (WISN-TV)

EFFICIENCY: A Nebraska utility is forced to delay a study on interrupting service to customers during times of peak demand. (Lincoln Journal Star)

***SPONSORED LINK: Hear top executives from the area’s RTOs, utilities, transmission developers, and state regulatory agencies discuss and debate critical issues at EUCI’s Transmission Expansion in the Midwest conference November 9-10 in Indianapolis.***

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: After nearly two years of delay, Tesla unveils its first electric SUV. (Chicago Tribune)

COMMENTARY:
• After speaking in support of the Sandpiper pipeline, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton ​“does not understand climate change” or the potential environmental risks to Minnesota. (Brainerd Dispatch)
• Contrary to the actions of Ohio Republicans, thousands of residents are demanding the state lead on clean energy. (NRDC Switchboard)
• Indiana should embrace the opportunity for a clean-energy future. (South Bend Tribune)