Hydrogen-powered Minnesota iron project hopes to survive funding freeze

HYDROGEN: Backers of a planned hydrogen-powered iron production facility in Minnesota say they are confident that $1.3 million in federal funding just announced for the project will survive the Trump administration’s spending freeze. (Star Tribune)

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‍CLIMATE: The Trump administration’s freeze on federal grants and loans could jeopardize funding for several climate and pollution-reduction projects for northeastern Ohio organizations. (Cleveland.com, subscription)

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‍EFFICIENCY: Twenty-four states lack energy efficiency standards meant to curb energy use, which advocates say come with economic as well as climate advantages, according to a new industry report. (Grist)

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‍OIL & GAS: A state-backed report in North Dakota says higher federal tax incentives for using carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery could unlock up to 8 billion more barrels of oil and generate $9 billion in more oil tax revenue over the next decade. (North Dakota Monitor)

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‍EMISSIONS: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signs an order seeking to roll back fuel economy standards enacted by President Biden, arguing that ​“artificially high” fuel efficiency rules raise costs for consumers. (New York Times)

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‍CLEAN ENERGY: Food and beverage production facilities across the U.S. begin to deploy low-carbon heating technologies as an alternative to gas-powered systems, though high costs remain a barrier. (Canary Media)

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‍NUCLEAR: An Indiana utility will seek a $50 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to begin exploring the potential for a small modular reactor at a retiring coal plant. (Inside Indiana Business)

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‍COAL: Springfield, Illinois, reaches an agreement with the U.S. EPA over two coal ash disposal sites that will require improved groundwater monitoring and addressing potential releases of heavy metals. (Environmental Protection)

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‍BIOFUELS: Kansas agriculture and energy companies ask state lawmakers to approve a $5 million annual state tax credit to entice reluctant gas station owners to distribute more ethanol made with crops grown in-state. (Kansas Reflector)

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‍SOLAR:

• A developer starts construction on a 117 MW solar project in central Ohio, marking the company’s fifth solar project in the state. (Solar Power World)
• More than 30 Wendy’s and McDonald’s franchises in northern Illinois expect to save at least $20,000 a year in electricity costs by subscribing to community solar projects. (PV Magazine)

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BIOMASS: Michigan biomass energy advocates say a new state law eliminating biomass as a clean energy source eliminated a market for burning old tires. (MLive, subscription)

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‍COMMENTARY: A former Iowa lawmaker says restrictive local ordinances hinder the state’s ability to remain a renewable energy leader, particularly as new demand comes online from data centers. (Des Moines Register)

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