Midwest

ENN

'Falsified' public comments loom over Ohio state parks drilling decisions

The state’s public land leasing commission is still on track to approve drilling under parks and wildlife before year’s end, despite claims that more than 150 people’s identities were fraudulently attached to pro-fracking public comments.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 September 2023
ENN

Does nuclear power stand a chance in Minnesota amid a moratorium and carbon-free mandate?

Minnesota aims to decarbonize its energy supply by 2040, and utilities say nuclear could provide a consistent, clean power source — if a state moratorium was repealed.

By R.C. Drews . 15 September 2023
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Commentary: A just transition to clean transportation mustn't leave autoworkers behind

The shift to EVs presents an opportunity to lift up workers and build a fairer economy, write guest commentators Marcelina Pedraza and Gina Ramirez.

By Marcie Pedraza . 13 September 2023
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Ohio disconnection data still lacks detail on racial disparities

Zip code information could help show disparities and spotlight ongoing inequities.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 8 September 2023
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Utility’s ‘arbitrary’ cap is squeezing solar in southwest Michigan

Lawmakers and advocates call on state legislators to reconsider a 2016 law that replaced net metering with more restrictive options.

By Kari Lydersen . 31 August 2023
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Federal funds can help Ohio electric co-ops cut costs and carbon emissions

Buckeye Power could save big bucks for customers of Ohio’s rural electric cooperatives if it gets federal funding to replace some or all of its coal plant capacity, advocates say.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 30 August 2023
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A developer chose a rural carbon sequestration site to avoid controversy. It didn’t go well.

A proposed fertilizer plant in Indiana, backed by millions in federal incentives, would pump CO2 under farmland miles away.

By Kari Lydersen . 29 August 2023
ENN

New settlement agreement aims to put spotlight on DTE-linked dark money

Advocates say it’s a great first step, but more needs to be done.

By Tom Perkins . 28 August 2023
ENN

How a climate-fueled disaster led a native Detroiter to a career helping her neighbors

Eastside Community Network helped Meghan Richards find assistance after historic rainfall flooded her basement. Now she’s helping ECN organize resilience hubs to support her community as climate change intensifies weather in the region.

By Angela Lugo-Thomas . 25 August 2023
ENN

Hempcrete shows promise for healthy housing rehabilitation

The material is still hard to find and expensive — but proponents see a bright future for the insulation alternative.

By Angela Lugo-Thomas . 23 August 2023