MICHIGAN

Michigan awards $500,000 in grants to advance green lending programs.

• Four organizations received funding through the MI Healthy Climate Challenge competitive grant program to develop green lending initiatives

• The grants represent the latest round in Michigan's ongoing climate challenge program administered by the Office of Climate and Energy

• Michigan expanded subscription options for climate and energy updates across natural working lands, commercial/industrial sectors, and buildings categories

📰 At Michigan climate conference, Inslee says states still hold power on clean energy (Michigan Advance)

MINNESOTA

Minnesota fines sugar beet facility $1.15 million for hydrogen sulfide violations.

• Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative exceeded permitted hydrogen sulfide emission levels at its Renville facility

• Renville County Public Health Department receives $460,000 of the fine under 2023 legislation directing 40% of large fines to affected communities

• New research shows volunteer lake monitors accurately assess water quality across 3,337 Minnesota lakes over 35 years

• Climate data indicates Minnesota's lake ice season continues shrinking as winters warm, affecting recreation and ecosystems

📰 Interior's Burgum accused of 'kneecapping' wind and solar power in favor of oil, gas (Minnesota Reformer)

MISSOURI

Missouri expands subscription services for climate and energy policy updates.

• Department of Natural Resources added subscription options for Energy Bulletins and Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program

• New topics include greenhouse gas standards for power plants and stakeholder group communications

NEBRASKA

Nebraska processes multiple permit applications for gas infrastructure and power facilities.

• Northern Natural Gas seeks permit renewal for Palmyra Compressor Station wastewater discharge

• Nebraska Public Power District filed operating permit applications for McCook and Hebron peaking units

• G&P Development Landfill submitted Class I operating permit application for municipal waste operations

• Black Hills Energy customers have until April 22 to select natural gas suppliers under Choice Gas Program

• Public Service Commission approved $4.7 million refund plan for Black Hills Energy customers, reflecting difference between interim and final approved rates

WISCONSIN

Governor Evers criticizes Trump administration for forcing coal plants to remain operational.

• Evers sent letter to Energy Secretary Wright during Earth Week condemning federal decision to keep aging coal plants online

• Governor argues the policy raises energy costs for Wisconsin residents by preventing retirement of uneconomical facilities

• Wisconsin officials frame the federal intervention as undermining state energy planning and forcing unnecessary expenses onto ratepayers

📰 U.S. Supreme Court unanimously backs Michigan AG Nessel, keeps Line 5 case in state court (Wisconsin Examiner)