Midwest

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Why Ohio’s top oil and gas producing counties continue to lag in jobs

A decade into Ohio’s shale gas boom, seven Appalachian counties still have unemployment rates that exceed the state average. Experts and local sources suggested four reasons why fracking hasn’t closed the gap.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 28 November 2022
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Michigan regulators reject most of DTE’s rate increase following public pushback

Following an unprecedented public hearing, regulators largely agreed with critics’ assessment that the utility could be doing more with the money it has.

By Nina Ignaczak . 22 November 2022
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State, federal solar incentives help Illinois feed mill slash energy costs

At a central Illinois feed mill, electricity from its rural electric co-op was exceeding grain costs as its biggest operating expense. With a new 3-megawatt solar array, the facility expects to reduce energy costs by about 50%.

By Kari Lydersen . 21 November 2022
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Will Michigan seize historic chance to act on climate?

Now that Democrats have won control of state government, activists want to see action on environmental justice and climate issues.

By Brian Allnutt . 17 November 2022
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Biogas expansion may compound worker risks

Government incentives are driving larger, more crowded concentrated animal feeding operations while protections lag for the workers inside.

By Kari Lydersen . 16 November 2022
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Minnesota solar installers say it still takes too long to connect to Xcel’s grid

The process for connecting solar arrays to Xcel Energy's grid continues to frustrate installers in Minnesota despite recent changes meant to reduce delays.

By Frank Jossi . 11 November 2022
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‘We are scarred’: Nuclear communities sidelined in just transition debate, even as industry subsidies flow

The town of Zion, Illinois, went into an economic spiral after the sudden closure of a nuclear power plant 25 years ago. Today, it’s still trying to recover and offers a cautionary tale for the country’s energy transition.

By Kari Lydersen . 8 November 2022
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North Dakota’s ‘cleanest crypto’ claim ignores state’s fossil fuel-powered grid

State officials are touting North Dakota as a destination for the “cleanest crypto on the planet.” But despite its wind energy resources, its electric grid emits more carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour than the national average.

By Frank Jossi . 7 November 2022
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Wind is now South Dakota’s No. 1 producer of electricity, but not every day

More than half of South Dakota's electricity came from wind last year, but it doesn't produce the majority of power every day, making storage necessary to keep the lights on.

By Joshua Haiar . 3 November 2022
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Wisc. rate case raises questions of who pays and profits from energy transition

Critics say a proposed rate hike by We Energies to pay for new solar and natural gas generation pits low-income residents against clean energy advocates while taking too much profit for shareholders.

By Kari Lydersen . 2 November 2022