Resiliency hubs boost cities’ climate programs

CLIMATE: A new solar-powered community center in Detroit also serves as a climate resiliency hub where residents can go for resources and basic needs during weather emergencies. (Energy News Network/​Planet Detroit)

ALSO: A similar facility has opened in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for residents during future natural disasters and those still struggling to access resources after a 2020 derecho. (CBS 2) 

EMISSIONS: Coal and fuel oil power plants in Missouri, Michigan and Ohio rank among the country’s largest climate polluters, according to a new analysis of federal data. (Inside Climate News)

UTILITIES:

• Political action groups tied to Michigan’s two largest utilities contributed nearly $500,000 this year to lawmakers as major clean energy bills work through the legislature. (Energy and Policy Institute)
• Minneapolis’ city council approves higher gas and electric utility franchise fees starting in January that should raise $10 million annually to help fund implementation of the city’s climate equity plan. (MinnPost)

EFFICIENCY:

• A new Minnesota coalition of energy experts, consumer advocates and community groups aims to help residents transition to energy-efficient electric appliances and reduce buildings’ emissions. (Sahan Journal)
• Missouri county officials apply for energy efficiency incentives through Ameren Missouri that could generate nearly $38,000 in electricity savings over five years. (Missourian)

SOLAR: A Nebraska utility holds an initial public listening session over plans to build a 310 MW solar project. (News-Times)

WORKFORCE: Hundreds of Wisconsin high school students apply for a We Energies training program that prepares participants for a career in electrical infrastructure. (Journal Sentinel)

NUCLEAR: Nebraska lawmakers hold hearings on the potential for small modular nuclear reactors to meet the state’s future power needs. (Omaha World-Herald)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Wisconsin company plans to sell fire suppression blankets designed specifically to combat electric vehicle fires. (WISN)

PIPELINES:

• An author’s new book covers her experience of living in pipeline resistance camps while protesting the Dakota Access and Line 3 pipelines. (Grand Forks Herald)
• Despite recent denials from state regulators, plans to build carbon pipelines by using eminent domain continues to draw strong opposition from South Dakota landowners. (Watertown Public Opinion)

OIL & GAS: Chevron’s deal to buy Hess, one of the largest operators in the Bakken shale play in North Dakota, may marginally increase oil output there though experts don’t expect a return to the pre-pandemic boom. (Reuters)

COMMENTARY:

• An editorial board urges Illinois lawmakers to avoid rushing into lifting the state’s moratorium on new nuclear power construction without more permanent storage options. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Michigan advanced energy advocates note a mutually beneficial relationship between clean energy and agriculture as the state aims to make wind and solar siting easier. (Bridge)