Data centers creating a climate dilemma for states

GRID: Data centers are creating a climate dilemma in states like Michigan, where a Democrat proposes incentives to lure the facilities while acknowledging their spiking electricity use could move the goalposts for the state’s renewable energy goals. (E&E News)

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SOLAR:

• A Wisconsin technical college expects to save up to $30,000 a year on utility costs after adding a solar project with battery storage to a series of energy efficiency investments. (WKOW)
• Rooftop solar generated the most support among clean energy options during a recent survey of local officials in Michigan on expanding clean energy infrastructure. (Route Fifty)

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CLEAN ENERGY: Illinois regulators approve the state’s first roadmap to reach 100% carbon-free power by 2050 as required under a 2021 law. (E&E News, subscription)

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PIPELINES:

• Eight hours of public hearings over Enbridge’s plan to reroute Line 5 in Wisconsin bring out supporters touting economic benefits and opponents with environmental and Indigenous rights concerns. (Journal Sentinel)
• North Dakota regulators complete a series of public hearings on the proposed Summit carbon pipeline, with the final session dominated by public safety concerns and landowner frustrations about dealing with the company. (North Dakota Monitor)
• At least 14 South Dakota state legislators lost their primary races on Tuesday as a controversial carbon pipeline project remains a top wedge issue. (South Dakota Searchlight)

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OVERSIGHT: Attorneys representing Ohio energy regulators continue to claim that there is no record of the names of staffers who recommended a protective order that hid key details about an audit into the state’s power plant bailout law. (Checks and Balances Project)

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TRANSPORTATION: Michigan House Democrats propose a 10-year, $6 billion economic development plan that would direct a portion of business incentives toward statewide transit. (Bridge)

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EFFICIENCY: The market monitor of grid operator PJM claims FirstEnergy and other utilities should be barred from collecting nearly $130 million in revenue for failing to show they are eligible for the energy efficiency capacity payments. (Utility Dive)

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BIOFUELS: Production of renewable diesel, which can be made from similar products as biofuels but doesn’t need to be added to traditional diesel, exceeded biodiesel production in the U.S. for the first time in 2022-2023. (Farm Progress)

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COMMENTARY: Michigan needs legislation to allow independently owned community solar projects that benefit the grid while taking advantage of new federal funding, a solar advocate writes. (Bridge)

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