Midwest

ENN

Ohio corruption investigation might be heating up — again

After the sentencing of two major players in Ohio's HB6 scandal, filings suggest federal investigators are probing former FirstEnergy executives and an ex-regulator.

By Marty Schladen . 14 August 2023
ENN

Illinois governor vetoes effort to lift moratorium on new nuclear reactors

Unless the governor vetoes a bill by Tuesday, the state’s 1987 ban on new nuclear power plants will be lifted, providing a new but expensive option for achieving its emission goals.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 August 2023
ENN

In northern Minnesota, early adopters make the case for cold-climate heat pumps

Heat pump installers and early adopters in and around Duluth, Minnesota, are demonstrating how the technology can work even in a notoriously cold climate such as northern Minnesota.

By Stephanie Hemphill . 11 August 2023
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Commentary: The economic and health benefits of Michigan's clean energy goals

Clean energy is an increasingly important part of Michigan's economy, writes guest commentator Laura Sherman.

By Laura Sherman . 11 August 2023
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Illinois wants to keep old solar panels from piling up in landfills

A new state law calls on a task force to consider banning the dumping of solar panels in landfills while studying recycling options, less than two decades before the state’s solar waste stream is expected to surge.

By Kari Lydersen . 10 August 2023
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Minnesota electric co-ops seek $970M in federal clean energy funds

A consortium of rural electric cooperatives organized by Great River Energy is preparing a massive joint application for funding under the Empowering Rural America program.

By Frank Jossi . 9 August 2023
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Northland transmission line to boost reliability as renewables replace power plants

The 180-mile-long project is slated to connect central and northern Minnesota by the end of the decade as utility phase out coal power and look for more flexibility to move renewable energy.

By Frank Jossi . 31 July 2023
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Minnesota utilities work to ease path for Northland transmission line

Minnesota Power and Great River Energy are focused on community engagement along the proposed route in order to gather and incorporate feedback from landowners before it boils over into legal challenges.

By Frank Jossi . 31 July 2023
ENN

Twin Cities taps federal IRA dollars to analyze metro-area climate plan

The Metropolitan Council is preparing to use a federal grant under the Inflation Reduction Act to hire organizers and better assess the potential impact of the region’s year-old climate action work plan.

By Frank Jossi . 28 July 2023
ENN

Declaring natural gas ‘green energy’ in chicken bill violated Ohio constitution, groups argue

The environmental groups also object to drilling for gas from state parks. State lawyers say that objection is moot because oil and gas leasing is moving ahead anyway.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 19 July 2023