South Dakota regulators question Xcel’s coal phase out

POWER PLANTS: South Dakota regulators ask Xcel Energy to reconsider closing two large Minnesota coal plants in the coming years based on concerns over whether there will be adequate power on the grid. (Utility Dive)

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ALSO: Dozens of residents, local officials and business leaders are divided over Minnesota Power’s plans for a 550 MW natural gas plant in northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior. (Northern News Now)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Analysts say waning federal subsidies, global competition and uncertainty with this year’s presidential election could slow Michigan-based automakers’ electric vehicle sales. (Bridge)
• The Wisconsin Senate passes a pair of bills that would make it easier for private businesses to host charging stations and allow the state to access nearly $80 million in federal construction aid. (Associated Press)
• Amid reports of electric vehicle drivers struggling to charge in frigid temperatures, experts say a little planning can ensure typical travel. (Associated Press)
• Detroit Public Schools will use nearly $6 million in federal funding to replace 15 diesel-powered buses with models powered by electricity, compressed natural gas or propane. (Model D Media)

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BIOGAS: Michigan environmental groups raise concerns over legislation that would define biogas from animal waste at industrial farms as clean energy. (Metro Times)

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NUCLEAR: Despite growing public and governmental support for nuclear power, industry experts say it’s unclear when the next U.S. reactor may come online. (Canary Media)

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EFFICIENCY: An Illinois school district saved $4.3 million in energy costs by investing in energy efficiency measures at multiple schools. (WGLT)

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SOLAR:

• Alliant Energy completes a 50 MW solar project that’s part of the utility’s broader plan to complete 12 projects across Wisconsin. (Daily Reporter)
• A southern Illinois city selects a developer’s plan to build a solar project on a former landfill that will provide $5.5 million in lease payments over 25 years. (WJBD)
• A construction company that built solar farms across the U.S. will pay $2.3 million to settle claims that it violated federal and state water regulations in Illinois and two other states. (Associated Press)

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CLIMATE: Indiana youth climate activists call on state lawmakers to pass bills supporting community solar, creating incentives for wetland protections and requiring permits for large water withdrawals. (Indiana Public Radio)

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RENEWABLES: A western Nebraska county board approves a six-month moratorium on utility-scale wind and solar projects as it considers local regulations. (Nebraska Rural Radio)

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COMMENTARY:

• An Ohio environmental advocate says state officials’ decision to allow hydraulic fracturing under state parks and public land is shortsighted and ignores global climate goals. (Columbus Dispatch)
• A Kansas-based writer backs plans for what would be the state’s largest solar project because it conforms to nearby land uses and would be located near existing power infrastructure. (Kansas Reflector)

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