Utility corruption on the rise

UTILITIES: The FirstEnergy scandal unfolding in Ohio is part of a resurgence of fraud and corruption in the U.S. utility sector that come as those companies aim to spend billions of dollars in clean energy initiatives. (Floodlight/Mother Jones)

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ALSO:

• Michigan recently joined roughly a dozen states where proposed legislation seeks to rein in utilities’ use of ratepayer money for lobbying, charitable giving, trade group memberships and other political spending. (States Newsroom)
• A federal judge agrees to postpone the sentencings of two former ComEd officials and two others convicted of conspiracy to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. (Sun-Times)

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PIPELINES:

• South Dakota carbon pipeline opponents raise doubts about the future of a proposed $1 billion sustainable aviation fuel facility that depends on a multi-state carbon pipeline. (South Dakota Searchlight)
• Illinois regulatory staffers recommend denying plans for a proposed carbon pipeline, saying the project is not in the public interest. (WGLT)
• South Dakota senators reject a carbon pipeline bill approved by the state House, sending the bill to a committee for further negotiations. (KELO)

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SOLAR: A pollinator scorecard developed at Michigan State University helps solar developers mitigate the effects of utility-scale projects when applying for permits. (Interlochen Public Radio)

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POLLUTION: Newly proposed legislation in Minnesota would require stronger testing at polluting facilities, and increase penalties for violations, in environmental justice areas. (Sahan Journal)

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GRID: Minnesota is among states across the country considering legislation on grid-enhancing technologies that maximize current transmission and increases renewable energy capacity. (E&E News)

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RENEWABLES: A northeastern Ohio county plans to take action soon on requests from multiple townships to ban utility-scale wind and solar development. (WKBN)

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BIOGAS:

• Local residents organize against a Wisconsin dairy farm’s proposed  anaerobic digester, raising concerns about potential impacts on water quality, truck traffic and the character of the small town. (Wisconsin Examiner)
• An Italian waste-to-energy company plans to open a new office in western Michigan, which is home to several large food producers and agriculture operations. (WOOD-TV8)

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COMMENTARY: Minnesota clean energy and environmental advocates say state lawmakers can help cut emissions from two major sectors — agriculture and transportation — with a proposed clean transportation standard. (MinnPost)

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