Wisconsin utility seeks $2 billion for gas projects

NATURAL GAS: A Wisconsin utility is asking state regulators for permission to bill ratepayers more than $2 billion to build two new gas power plants, a fuel storage facility, and a pipeline, drawing pushback from groups that say the investments are likely to be obsolete before mid-century. (Energy News Network)

TRANSMISSION: A federal appeals court rules that contested plans for a transmission line between Wisconsin and Iowa can cross a Mississippi River wildlife refuge. (Associated Press)

TRANSPORTATION: A state budget plan in Michigan calls for $5 million for a pilot program to determine the potential of replacing traditional fuel taxes with a mileage-based road user fee. (Bridge)

EFFICIENCY: Minnesota clean energy advocates say the state can make significant strides in reducing carbon emissions and saving energy costs by adopting updated building codes. (MPR News)

AIR POLLUTION: Lawmakers, community organizers and environmental justice advocates tour several metro Detroit locations that are bearing the brunt of air pollution from heavy industry. (Michigan Advance)

CLIMATE: Minnesota advocates say more can be done to integrate climate change education in school curriculums and from lawmakers to update guidelines that require climate teaching in schools. (MinnPost)

UTILITIES: A proposed Xcel Energy pilot program in Minnesota would provide automatic bill credits for residents in low-income areas who pay a large percentage of their income toward electricity costs. (Sahan Journal)