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The mining rush is back in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

By Andy Balaskovitz

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MINING: Mining companies are combing Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula in search of copper and nickel to support the clean energy transition, though local advocates say the industry threatens local wildlife and water. (Bridge)

OIL & GAS:

  • Illinois consumer advocates say Peoples Gas’ major Chicago gas pipeline replacement program will cost $12.8 billion to complete, more than $5 billion higher than recent projections. (Chicago Tribune)
  • Advocates say northern Illinois frac sand mining operations have received little attention and regulation as operations scale up to support fracking in other states. (Chicago Tribune)

SOLAR:

  • U.S. manufacturers say federal tax incentives given to an Ohio solar panel manufacturing plant whose minority owner is a China-based company undermines efforts to create a domestic supply chain. (Bloomberg)
  • Detroit-based utility DTE Energy brings online a 150 MW solar project in eastern Michigan. (Renewables Now)
  • A large solar components manufacturer in Michigan plans to leverage new federal tax credits to build what would be the third U.S. factory that makes solar wafers, which act as a foundation for panels. (Solar Power World) 

NUCLEAR: Federal nuclear regulators find equipment that has rapidly degraded at a Michigan nuclear plant that was shut down in 2020 but is being eyed for reopening. (Center Square)

COAL: Ameren says it has no plans to sell a Missouri coal plant that closed earlier this month after a years-long dispute over air pollution from the plant. (Spectrum News)

PIPELINES: A cooperative that owns four ethanol plants makes a $400,000 campaign contribution in support of a South Dakota ballot question that would support a carbon pipeline. (South Dakota Public Broadcasting)

UTILITIES: ComEd’s former general counsel testifies in the racketeering trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan that the former lawmaker played a key role in the utility securing financially favorable legislation. (ABC 7)

STORAGE: A Nebraska utility signs a deal to support the development and operation of a long-duration battery storage project near an existing electric substation. (PV Magazine)

COMMENTARY: A documentary filmmaker says the presidential election will be consequential for stemming the effects of climate change in Kansas and elsewhere. (Kansas Reflector)

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