Happy Friday! Thanks for sticking with us through a week of major changes to this newsletter. Please continue to reply to this email with any feedback so we can make this the most useful newsletter we can.
Now, on to today's roundup from Andy Balaskovitz.
TODAY'S TOP NEWS
UTILITIES
Minneapolis approves new franchise fees for the state’s largest electric and gas utilities that for the first time includes emission-reduction targets, though city officials say the deals don’t entirely align with local climate goals. (Sahan Journal)
GRID
Ohio’s top energy regulator says the state should pursue new “baseload” generation, particularly gas plants, as coal plants come offline, demand rises and Republican lawmakers aim to pass supporting legislation. (Ohio Capital Journal)
A new U.S. Department of Energy order lays out similar priorities attacking net-zero policies and adding new baseload generation while providing support for transmission upgrades. (Utility Dive)
CLEAN ENERGY
Northern Indiana county officials give initial approvals to several ordinances that would place a moratorium on solar, battery storage, data centers and carbon storage projects. (County Post)
SOLAR
An onsite solar project has helped a northern Minnesota resort slash energy costs and allow it to stay open year-round. (MinnPost)
OIL & GAS
Congressional Republicans introduce legislation to roll back a rule setting first-of-its-kind fees on methane leaks from oil and gas sites, which critics argue discourages producers from wasting valuable product. (Inside Climate News)
North Dakota regulators are monitoring a spill that leaked 300 barrels of oil from a storage tank. (KFGO)
PIPELINES
Iowa lawmakers introduce six bills to place further restrictions on eminent domain for carbon pipelines and limit options for regulators considering carbon pipeline projects. (Des Moines Register)
CLIMATE
While Illinois is currently behind on its renewable energy target, clean energy advocates say the state still has time to meet 2030 climate targets. (WBEZ)
Experts say data centers present economic opportunity for Indiana, but their power demand could extend the life of fossil fuel plants and disrupt utilities’ emission-reduction targets. (Indiana Public Radio)
