Michigan Regulator Slams Federal Coal Plant Order, Chicago Carbon Recycler Scales Back
Michigan's top energy regulator has slammed a federal order to keep open a large coal plant, warning of increased power costs. Meanwhile, a Chicago-area carbon emissions recycler, Turbotax, is scaling back operations due to financial struggles. Minnesota lawmakers are debating tax breaks for data centers and energy storage projects, while Illinois legislators work on clean energy bills. Cleveland's climate initiatives and the Dakota Access pipeline's legal battle also make headlines.
Michigan's Public Service Commission chair, Sally Talberg, has criticized a U.S. Energy Department order to keep open the 2,235 MW James H. McCullough Jr. coal plant in Indiana. She argues that the plant's closure, planned for May 2025, is not necessary and will lead to higher power costs for consumers. The order aims to maintain grid reliability during peak demand periods.
In Chicago, Turbotax is reducing its footprint and laying off 44 employees. The company, which recycles carbon emissions from industrial processes, is struggling with rising operating expenses and lack of profitability. It plans to focus on its most profitable operations.
In Minnesota, lawmakers are considering extending sales tax breaks for large data centers while planning to revoke electricity sales tax exemptions. The legislation also includes a 'Solar Bill of Rights' and a program to stimulate energy storage projects. Meanwhile, Minnesota regulators are holding a public meeting on a 200 MW solar project paired with 200 MW of battery storage.
A startup, Monolith Materials, is piloting facilities in Iowa to produce ammonia for agricultural fertilizer using green hydrogen. This process involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy, then combining the hydrogen with nitrogen to create ammonia.
The chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Jim Atterholt, will retire in January. His departure creates a vacancy on the panel that oversees utility services and rates in the state.
Illinois lawmakers are crafting updated clean energy legislation. They aim to avoid price spikes while reaching the state's carbon-free energy targets. The new bill is expected to include provisions for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and grid modernization.
These developments highlight the complex balance between energy policy, environmental concerns, and economic realities. From Michigan's coal plant debate to Minnesota's tax break considerations, and from Illinois' clean energy legislation to Cleveland's climate initiatives, stakeholders are navigating these challenges to shape a sustainable energy future.
