Renewables targeted in Iowa’s carbon pipeline fight

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RENEWABLES

• The rise of Iowa ordinances restricting wind, solar and battery storage development in recent years may be due in part to carbon pipeline opposition that has generated a strong push for landowner rights. (Heatmap)

GRID

• A sweeping energy bill backed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds that includes giving utilities first rights to build transmission projects has stalled in recent weeks as some Republicans raise concerns. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

• Detroit-based utility DTE Energy proposes a $574 million rate increase to pay for grid reliability improvements as well as converting a coal plant to gas and building a large energy storage project. (Detroit News)

WIND

• Repowering aging onshore wind turbines is creating new business opportunities for major industry players as President Trump issues executive orders to slow the industry’s growth. (CNBC)

COAL

• Anticipated demand growth to support data centers is generating new interest in keeping online coal plants that have easy access to grid infrastructure. (Associated Press)

CLEAN ENERGY

• In addition to phasing out Minnesota’s community solar program, a proposed bill would modify the state’s clean energy standard to include peaker plants that only burn biodiesel and new hydroelectric plants and define burning wood chips as carbon-free. (E&E News)

SOLAR

• A Catholic ministry in Ohio plans a $5 million solar project that would save $63,000 a year in electricity costs. (WTVG)

• A small Ohio liberal arts college announces plans for an on-campus 6 MW solar project with a 2 MW battery storage facility. (news release)

• Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula receives $100,000 in state matching funds to build a campus solar project. (Mining Journal)

OIL & GAS

• The federal Bureau of Land Management opens up leasing and applications for oil and gas development on 40,000 acres of national forest land in Ohio. (WTAP)

• The Keystone pipeline has recovered 3,110 barrels of crude oil from a recent spill and has injected more than 2,400 barrels back into the pipeline. (KFYR)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• EV manufacturing and repair training programs that arose to supply the growing industry with works could peter out as the Trump administration continues to attack EVs. (Hechinger Report)

• A Jeff Bezos-backed startup unveils its low-cost electric truck starting at $20,000 after federal EV incentives. (NBC News)

POLITICS

• Federal prosecutors will no longer seek a $3.1 million forfeiture from former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan ​“as a matter of discretion” after he was convicted of conspiring to accept bribes from ComEd while the company had legislation pending. (Chicago Sun-Times)

BIODIESEL

• Michigan agriculture groups lobby in support of a proposed biodiesel tax credit for producers that they say would stabilize soybean prices and promote energy security. (Brownfield Ag News)