Wisconsin regulators approve $370M gas storage project

OIL & GAS: State regulators approve plans for a $370 million natural gas storage project in southeastern Wisconsin designed to provide fuel when demand spikes. (Wisconsin State Journal)

ALSO:
• North Dakota regulators grant temporary approval for a 2.6-mile gas pipeline that has operated without a permit since 2014 and connects a gas processing plant with a major export pipeline. (Bismarck Tribune)
• The executive board chairman at Energy Transfer, which built the Dakota Access pipeline, says it is ​“insanity” to suggest net zero emission targets will eliminate the use of oil and gas. (E&E News)

POLITICS: The Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio promises to replace all members of the Public Utilities Commission in response to the state’s power plant bailout law scandal: ​“We have to clean house.” (Ohio Capital Journal)

UTILITIES:
• Ameren executives see opportunity in building out transmission to accommodate renewables in MISO’s grid territory, as well as developing clean energy projects under Illinois’ new clean energy law. (S&P Global)
• Minnesota expands its energy assistance program to more customers ahead of an anticipated spike in home heating costs. (Mankato Free Press)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Canadian official says the country would respond ​“appropriately” to proposed U.S. tax credits for electric vehicles built in America, which he says would violate trade agreements and harm workers. (Reuters)

GRID:
• DTE Energy is approved to spend an additional $70 million on tree-trimming in southeast Michigan as part of the utility’s broader $7 billion grid modernization plan. (Detroit News)
• Work continues on Ohio Edison’s three-year, $219 million grid infrastructure plan that includes automated equipment and substation upgrades. (WKBN)

CLIMATE: Purdue University researchers release animations about climate change’s potential impacts on Indiana’s agriculture production as government officials meet in Scotland for the U.N. global climate conference. (Journal & Courier)

SOLAR:
• Dozens of residents turn out for a public hearing on a proposed 300 MW solar project in northwestern Ohio, drawing support for landowners’ rights and opposition over perceived environmental and aesthetic concerns. (LimaOhio.com)
• County officials in central Illinois are close to granting final approval for a 35 MW solar project. (Peoria Journal Star)
• Developers plan a 20 MW solar project on county-owned land near Madison, Wisconsin. (Herald-Independent)

BIOFUELS: Eight Midwestern governors ask the Biden administration to let gasoline with a 15% ethanol blend be sold in their states year-round. (Radio Iowa)