Midwest

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Ohio utilities FirstEnergy and AEP still spending big on lobbying

Although FirstEnergy dialed back reported campaign spending in the wake of House Bill 6, the company spent $500,000 on congressional lobbying from July through September. AEP spent even more.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 9 November 2021
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Power shutoffs deepened pandemic toll while utilities collected millions in relief

A nationwide ban on utility disconnections could have reduced COVID-related deaths by nearly 15% in 2020, an analysis found. Utility companies lobbied against such ratepayer protections; meanwhile, some paid out billions in CEO compensation and shareholder dividends.

By Audrey Henderson . 8 November 2021
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Commentary: To sustain Michigan’s advanced energy economy, invest in clean mobility

Michigan is well on its way toward a future with a strong advanced energy economy, but infrastructure needs to grow along with that economy to sustain it, writes guest commentator Laura Sherman.

By Laura Sherman . 4 November 2021
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Environmental groups intend to sue over Illinois mine PFA contamination

The citizen lawsuit is meant to trigger government action at the sprawling, long-troubled Sugar Camp underground mine.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 November 2021
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Illinois solar industry optimistic again as new state law revives incentives

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act will create new blocks of funding to support community, commercial, and residential solar. The first round of new funding will become available in December.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 November 2021
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Kansas City hopes its vision for airport solar will be ready for takeoff soon

After a consultant last year advised the city against allowing solar on an airport parking ramp because of the potential for glare problems, city leaders are pitching a new approach that would put panels along runways.

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 2 November 2021
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Detroit says its new climate strategy will empower residents. Activists have questions

“The reality is that we already have the solutions; the solution should be coming from the community,” one local leader said of Detroit's new climate planning effort.

By Rukiya Colvin . 2 November 2021
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Ohio’s solar project queue on pace to surpass coal capacity this decade

Energy Harbor’s announced closing of the Sammis plant means solar projects in Ohio’s regulatory pipeline already exceed the coal power that will remain after 2028.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 2 November 2021
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Wisconsin bill would clarify third-party solar’s legal status, once and for all

Wisconsin is vague on whether solar companies can own panels and sell power to customers; a Republican-backed measure aims to create certainty.

By Kari Lydersen . 28 October 2021
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Why a Koch-owned refinery is joining Minnesota’s solar industry trade group

The latest dues-paying member of Minnesota’s solar energy industry trade group is also one of the state’s largest greenhouse gas polluters.

By Frank Jossi . 25 October 2021