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Illinois group details the difficulties of agricultural Right to Repair fight When it comes to the 'Right to Repair' battle, there are three primary fronts: automotive, consumer electronics (i.e. smartphones and tablets), and agriculture. It's impossible to say which of these is a more passionate fight, but the voices of farmers are scarcely heard, making recent statements from an Illinois PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) worth highlighting. A new Illinois PIRG Education Fund report, “Deere in the Headlights II,” demonstrates the extent of the dealership consolidation problem, looks at the specific impacts on Illinois farmers, and shows how Right to Repair reforms could dramatically increase farmers' repair choices. Released February 24, the research covers farm equipment manufacturers' efforts to prevent farmers from accessing the software tools they need to fix their modern tractors. Forced to turn to corporate-authorized dealers, this oftentimes leaves farmers with high repair bills and delays that can put their crops—and their livelihoods—at risk. The research found that John Deere, which controls 53% of the country’s large tractor market, has more consolidated and larger chains than competitors Case IH, AGCO and Kubota. Eighty-two percent of Deere’s 1,357 agricultural equipment dealership locations are a part of a large chain with seven or more sites. In Illinois, there is one John Deere chain for every 5,925 farms and every 2,250,000 acres of farmland. “Between repair restrictions and dealership consolidation, farmers are feeling hog-tied,” said Illinois PIRG associate, David Lee, “Farmers deserve to be able to choose between fixing their own tractors, hiring an independent mechanic or turning to competing dealerships nearby. Instead, many have only one dealership chain within a hundred miles that services their brand of equipment. Finding repair options shouldn’t be like searching for a needle in a haystack.” “A lot of small- and medium-sized farm operations rely on being able to repair stuff themselves. It’s expensive to take things in, and people in rural areas might be two hours away from a dealership,” said Minnesota farmer Wyatt Parks. “I don’t like the idea that we just can’t do anything for ourselves—that we have to rely on mom and dad and big corporate America to make it all better and tuck us in at night. Just let us fix our stuff.” Many farmers including Parks are calling for Right to Repair reforms, which would provide farmers and independent mechanics with the software and other materials required to repair modern tractors. Representative Michelle Mussman has introduced the “Digital Fair Repair Act” (HB3061), which would grant state’s farmers the Right to Repair their equipment. “Farm equipment repair options are dwindling, and it’s a cause for concern,” said Representative Mussman. “Giving farmers a Right to Repair means the choice to take their equipment to a wide variety of local businesses. Manufacturers shouldn’t decide for farmers where they can and can't fix their equipment. It’s common sense.” Senator Jon Tester (D-Montana) also introduced the Agricultural Right to Repair Act in the U.S. Senate earlier this month, while state legislators from both sides of the aisle have authored similar bills in 18 other states so far this year.

Natural gas prices under scrutiny by APPA The American Public Power Association—in a February letter to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Rostin Behnam—has called for a CFTC investigation into trading activity that led to a dramatic natural gas futures contract price increase on January 27, 2022. In the letter, APPA President and CEO Joy Ditto specifically asks the CFTC to closely examine activity “to determine whether any market participants engaged in manipulation or other unlawful conduct.” The late-January price spike for the February 2022 natural gas futures contract on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) led to sharp increases in commodity prices—and as a result—impacts to public power utilities that could have to pay either higher fuel prices for gas-fired electric generation or higher costs for gas-fired wholesale electricity. “This is the second time in a year that not-for-profit, public power utilities have been squeezed by extraordinary natural gas price spikes,” said APPA President & CEO Joy Ditto. “And—unfortunately—it’s our bill-paying customers who are ultimately on the hook for these costs.”

Commutator experts honored by home state The Knoxville Chamber is honoring ICC International as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Woman-Owned Business Excellence category. ICC, located in Maryville, manufactures commutators and slip rings for industrial applications around the world which include mining, metals, paper, propulsion, and power generation. The Woman-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by LBMC, is presented to an outstanding East Tennessee woman-owned business. “I did not think I could be more honored than to have been nominated for this award, but to have won is truly special,” said Laura Lyke, ICC International president and CEO. “The people who have grown this company into a global player in the motor industry are dedicated, visionary, skilled, and have become my family. Being based in this supportive East Tennessee community has been key to our ability to thrive, and we are thankful to be able to be an active participant in the area’s growth.” ICC originally started in 1983 as a small manufacturer of commutators and slip rings. Commutators are integral components of direct current motors which are used in applications which require torque and variable speed. Never overly successful, the company fell on especially hard times in 2002. In 2003, Laura took over operations, asking for and obtaining the support of the 25 other people working at ICC. That team began the process of improving relationships, products, service offerings, and the work environment. ICC was recently named to the inc5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies in America, has added positions during the pandemic, and recently completed a facility expansion. “Winners of the Pinnacle Awards exemplify our business community’s strength and sustainability,” said Mike Odom, Knoxville Chamber president and CEO. “I am thankful for the contributions being made by companies like ICC International that continue to drive regional economic prosperity.” The annual Pinnacle Business Awards, presented by UScellular, celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy. Winners are selected by the Knoxville Chamber Board of Directors. Over 100 companies were nominated for 2022 recognition. “UScellular congratulates this year’s winners and is honored to be part of this vibrant business community. We are proud to directly help local businesses thrive by providing wireless and smart technology, high-speed internet, fleet management and data security to enable their goals. As we reflect on winners of the Pinnacle Business Awards, remember that we are all invested in each other’s success. Stay involved, reach out and collaborate, and make the most of Knoxville’s amazing environment,” said Jenn Simmons, business account manager. “Together, we can continue to drive growth in our region.” For in-depth video interviews and more information on the 2022 Pinnacle Business Award recipients, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.

Advanced Energy executive gets top job after 20 years with company Brian Coble recently celebrated 20 years at Advanced Energy and has been named chief operating officer of the company. He had been senior vice president since 2013. Brian’s interest in sustainability and renewable energy began taking shape at a young age, mainly thanks to his father. In the 1980s, his father completed a solar remodel of their home, and the two built solar-powered window boxes, ovens and other contraptions. This sparked an early desire in Brian to pursue a career related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Brian’s initial role at Advanced Energy was as a tester for SystemVision, a program Advanced Energy administers for low- to moderate-income developers. At that point, SystemVision was less than a year old, and Brian was one of the first Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Raters in all of North Carolina, meaning he had to drive across the state to perform testing. Not too long after, though, Brian got to see the rater community blossom as local home performance businesses opened. In addition to journeying throughout North Carolina, Brian traversed the country with Advanced Energy residential expert John Tooley — one of many influential mentors Brian has had in his career. The two provided trainings and technical support for Environments for Living, a guarantee program for large homebuilders.

Marathon, Valero units in Gulf Coast halted unexpectedly After seeing one of its major units shut down weeks ago, Marathon Petroleum is juggling the difficult responsibilities of restarting operations at that same Galveston Bay (TX) site. What comes with that has snowballed into something more: a zoomed-in debate between Marathon workers and representatives of the USW (United Steel Workers) Union. Additionally (as is today's custom) the entire argument hang under the cloud of emissions regulations. Due to harsh winter storms affecting the Gulf Coast and Texas—a repeat of last year's weather patterns—a number of major oil refineries were shut down over the past two to three weeks. Marathon's Galveston Bay refinery in Texas City, Tx., which also dealt with a troublesome leak in the past year, was the first. The failure of equipment at an electrical substation owned by Texas-New Mexico Power on February 4 knocked out power to 20,000 homes and businesses, including Marathon’s 593,000 barrel-a-day GBR and Valero’s Texas City Oil Refinery, which produces 260,000 barrels a day. Production was halted recently, causing concern for investors and consumers alike. As of this week, Galveston Bay is back to "up-and-running", according to some sources, but it also depends on what you consider that term to mean. One report from Reuters last week said the plant is "restarting the diesel-producing hydrocracker" according to "people familiar with its operations"; as well as "restarting the 60,000-bpd hydrocracker, called the Ultracracker, the two 225,000-bpd crude distillation units (CDUs), 140,000-bpd gasoline-producing fluidic catalytic cracker and 13,500-bpd cokers are on warm circulation." However, some Marathon workers are uncertain about the status and aiming to strike due to working conditions and being forced to adhere to poorly-planned maintenance schedules, according to a WSWS report from last week. That article said some workers "are incensed that the United Steelworkers (USW) union has refused to call a strike and is forcing them remain on the job and help Marathon restore production at its most critical facility, the Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, Texas." Meanwhile, Oil & Gas companies were already seeing an uptick in profits due to recent market volatility/uncertainty. Take British Petrol's 8-year record high, reported by the company February 8. The trouble is, those numbers for the industry's corporate interests often butt heads with the tireless efforts of its own workforce, who are called upon to maintain and operate its facilities. In a statement to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Marathon said the restart process would not be finished until February 19, adding that it aims to “slowly bring units back online to minimize emissions.”

The Robbins Reef lighthouse in Upper New York Bay In an effort to educate as well as preserve relics of public works, the Noble Maritime Collection recently received a $2,500 grant from Investors Foundation to help further the museum’s mission of celebrating maritime history and culture. The NMC also plays a major role in the preservation of electrical marvels: spark plug lighthouses. One of these is the Robbins Reef lighthouse, which has survived traffic and weather in the planet's busiest harbor for almost 200 years. Also known as "Caisson" lighthouses, spark plug lighthouses are cast iron structures built at offshore locations. The keeper's quarters are generally a round building, usually three stories in height. A round lantern room sits atop the keeper's quarters, and the whole structure rests on a solid foundation, usually a concrete or stone caisson. The Noble Maritime Collection is the proud steward of Robbins Reef Lighthouse. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Robbins Reef is of historical significance to Staten Island and New York Harbor because of its location, history, and architecture. The lighthouse is located between Staten Island's North Shore and the Statue of Liberty. Originally constructed of granite in 1839, the station was rebuilt of cast iron in 1883. The tower is 48 feet tall. The lighthouse has six levels: the cellar, equipped with a cistern; the first and largest floor, was used as a kitchen; the second floor was the sitting room and office; the third and fourth floors, used as bedrooms; and the fifth floor, which opens on to a balcony overlooking the Harbor and leads up to the lantern gallery. Because of their shape, these lighthouses have come to be called "sparkplugs." Before the day of gasoline engines, they were sometimes called "coffee pots." In many places they were called "bug lights," because at a distance they appeared short and broad, rather like a beetle on the surface of the water. Sparkplugs were prefabricated, brought to the site by barge, and put in place by floating cranes. They were a low-cost solution to the problem of providing offshore lighthouses in the sounds and bays of the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states, where all but three of the surviving examples are located.

Energy honorees announced for approaching CERAWeek Senior executives and founders of eight companies selected as 2022 "Energy Innovation Pioneers" will present at CERAWeek by IHS Markit—an energy conference set to take place March 7-11 in Houston. The Energy Innovation Pioneers program, held annually at CERAWeek, "identifies the most innovative new technologies and business models across the energy spectrum based on judging criteria that includes creativity, feasibility of plan, scalability of technology and leadership," according to a February 24 e-mail sent to Electrical Apparatus. The program is now in its 17th year. This year’s honorees represent the diverse supply of innovation enabling the transition towards a lower-emissions future, ranging from those that are working to enable zero-carbon energy systems (such as enhanced geothermal, electrical grid modernization, fusion energy and hydrogen production) as well those working to decarbonize the existing system (carbon capture, energy recovery, flare gas recovery and residential cooling). The 2022 class of Energy Innovation Pioneers includes: Anax Power – Michael Longo, co-founder and head of business development Carbon America – Brent Lewis, CFO and co-founder Commonwealth Fusion Systems – Bob Mumgaard, co-founder and CEO Emvolon – Emmanuel Kasseris, CEO Fervo Energy – Tim Latimer, CEO Transaera – Sorin Grama, co-founder and CEO TS Conductor – Jason Huang, CEO SAFCell – Dr. Calum Chisholm, CEO During CERAWeek 2022, the Energy Innovation Pioneers will participate in Agora Studios sessions exploring the role startups and their innovations are playing to advance decarbonization of the global energy system: Wednesday, March 9 – 9:30‒10:10 am CST: Scaling the Mountain: Accelerating development of zero-carbon energy systems for deep decarbonization Thursday, March 10 – 8:30‒9:10 am CST: Play the Hand You’re Dealt: Accelerating decarbonization in existing energy systems CERAWeek and Innovation Agora delegates are also invited to attend Agora Pod sessions where each Pioneer will provide an interactive presentation about their company and technology. These presentations are concurrent with the main conference agenda. “Transitioning the global economy to a lower emissions energy system will require innovations not just in technology, but also in how they are brought to market and scaled,” said Carolyn Seto, director, technology and innovation practice, IHS Markit and Energy Innovation Pioneer chair. “Through their vision and perseverance, the solutions developed by this year’s class of Pioneers are setting the pace and the path towards a low carbon future.” “We are pleased to honor the 17th class of Energy Innovation Pioneers at CERAWeek by IHS Markit,” said Daniel Yergin, vice chairman, IHS Markit and CERAWeek conference chair. “The theme of this year’s CERAWeek, ‘Pace of Change’ speaks to overcoming the challenges and seizing the opportunities of reducing emissions while supplying the needs of a growing global economy. These eight companies and entrepreneurs embody the next wave of innovation that will set the pace in shaping that energy future.” “The Energy Innovation Pioneers program is an essential part of CERAWeek, just as innovation and technology are at the center of energy industry,” said James Rosenfield, senior vice president, IHS Markit and co-chairman of CERAWeek. “We are pleased to honor this year’s class of pioneers that are blazing new trails of innovation across the global energy landscape.” CERAWeek 2022: Pace of Change: Energy, Climate and Innovation will examine the challenges and opportunities of reducing emissions while supplying the needs of a growing global economy in the era of energy transition. The conference is returning to Houston for its 40th annual gathering after being hosted as an all-virtual event in 2021.

Coordinated airstrikes hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa; U.S. demands NordStream shutdown European tensions came to a grimly anticipated climax last night and early this morning. In a frightening development that much of the world was waiting for, Russian military forces invaded Ukraine on three fronts, launching coordinated airstrikes on many of the country's major cities and airports. The capital city of Kyiv, along with Kharkiv in the east, Odessa to the south on the Black Sea, and spots as far west as Lviv near the Polish border, were all affected. Numbers and statistics will continue to develop, but it is clear from reports and videos that swathes of Ukrainians are attempting to evacuate Kyiv and the country altogether, while others attempt to stand and fight in what is probably the most serious global military situation since the Second World War. The entire conflict, while driven primarily by political and ethnic motivations, also has important ties to the energy sector. Specifically, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a finished but yet-to-be-operational project that stretches from Russia to Germany by way of the North Sea, is a point of major contention with the United States. Announcements from the White House and U.S. Department of Defense said almost immediately following the attacks that the Nord Stream will be shut down by its German and American interests. Diplomatically, almost every nation worldwide has condemned the attacks, and NATO countries are planning to convene this week to discuss response strategies. Sanctions are already being pressed upon Russia's elite.

Electric vehicles dominated the coveted commercial spots again this year Last year, the Super Bowl served as a coming-out party for the electric vehicle platforms of the world's major automakers. In this year's biggest game—the third "pandemic Super Bowl", might we add—the trend only continued. It's become clear that car companies can't afford to scramble away from the EV blitz. Toyota aired a "Keeping up with the Joneses" ad featuring Tommy Lee, Rashida, and Leslie of that surname (and Nick Jonas, for effect). They were all racing in electric pickup trucks: Chevrolet aimed for the 2000s/aughts crowd, with Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler (Meadow and A.J. Soprano, respectively) recreating the famous HBO show's intro while driving a Chevy EV: There were plenty of others, interwoven between an avalanche of cryptocurrency noise, reminders from game sponsor TurboTax, and of course, the playing of actual football. The Rams took Super Bowl LVI over the Bengals in a 23-20 victory that came down to the final minutes.

Submit your case now for an All-American award For those of us who appreciate working with our hands, incentive for this award is twofold. You can enter to win something that supports both manual labor and reshoring businesses to America. SEAMS, the Wake Forest, N.C., organization that champions a Made-in-USA approach to the U.S. fashion, sewn products and textile industries, and The Reshoring Initiative participated in the “Made in USA/Reshoring” panel earlier this week at the Sourcing at MAGIC event in Las Vegas (pictured below): The panel discussion was focused on steps companies can take to increase their efforts with reshoring production for Made in the USA. Harry Moser, President of The Reshoring Initiative and Will Duncan, Executive Director from SEAMS participated in the panel. During the session, Moser and Duncan announced the open nominations for the third Annual Sewn Products Reshoring Award; open to all companies that have successfully reshored the sewing of any product to the U.S., accelerating the Made in America movement. “This was the perfect forum to announce this annual award with the participation in a panel aligned to our collaboration in moving production to the USA and the audience attending Sourcing at MAGIC in Las Vegas”, stated Duncan. Moser also commented “that this panel confirms our movement is top of mind for our industry as a whole and we were thrilled to be asked to participate on this panel.” Eligibility for this award must include production reshoring from offshore back to the U.S. or represent new production that has taken market share from imports between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2022. There will be awards for three industry categories: cut and sew manufacturers; brands/OEMS/vertical retailers; and textile providers (products produced in the United States). Relevant companies for any sewn products are encouraged to apply. Request for applications must be received by July 31, 2022. Final applications must be submitted by Aug 15, 2022.

Electric landscaping products equipped with Michelin tires Electric landscaping products and vehicles manufacturer Mean Green, of Hamilton, OH, is adding a brand name to its affiliates. Mean Green, which specializes in energy efficient riding lawnmowers, announced that one of its most popular models can now be equipped with Michelin's "Tweel" airless radial drive tires. The Mean Green EVO ZTR-74 model (shown above) will have the option of being fitted with Michelin X Tweel Turf 26-inch tires as an Original Equipment (OE) rear-wheel option or as a replacement fitment on an existing EVO ZTR-74 mower, replacing its standard 26x12x12 tire, the company said. “We are proud to partner with Mean Green Mowers to offer Tweels on their innovative all-electric mowers,” said Tony Marconi, business director, Michelin Tweel Technologies, in a February 17 press release from the company's Greenville, S.C., U.S. headquarters. “We were challenged to develop a unique ‘hubless’ design that mounts directly to the motor hub drive unit." Mean Green Mowers are said to be "maintenance free, energy efficient, and more environmentally friendly than traditional mowers which is consistent with our ambition to deliver sustainable solutions that reduce operating costs and downtime.” The development of this specific size and hub was a true collaboration between Michelin, Mean Green and the field testing partner, Parsons Landscape Services, Inc. “When we received our custom-made 26” Tweels by Michelin for the Impulse Drive series mowers, we were delighted,” said Matt Parsons, president of Parsons Landscape Services Inc. “We have had MICHELIN X Tweels on our Mean Green CXR mowers and could not wait to get them for our Mean Green EVO series mowers with the Impulse Drive System. Now that we have them installed on our EVO mower, it truly is a maintenance free mower – eliminating the need to worry about any tire issues when we start our day.” The 26x12N12 XL size has a 1030-pound load capacity and can be used with or without a bagger system. The new design incorporates a hub-less design and utilizes either a 5-bolt configuration to attach the unit as a retrofit replacement for existing mowers, or a 10-bolt standard OE configuration for new production mowers. “Since 2018, we have been collaborating with Michelin on our environmental journey,” said Joe Conrad, president of Mean Green Mowers. “Our team knows that the MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF tire and caster provide an airless radial tire that has a consistent hub height, which produces an even cut and excellent lateral stability for outstanding side hill performance while reducing downtime to provide a maintenance-free solution for our customers.”

Longtime friend of the industry, one of EIS original eleven sales engineers Robert R. Kennedy, a very good friend of the industry who supported Electrical Apparatus and EASA for decades, has passed away. He was 84. Bob Kennedy with his wife, Ann. Mr. Kennedy, an electrical engineer, was widely known and highly respected within EASA and among OEM electrical manufacturers, utility companies, and by his peers and clients. “Bob was one of the original eleven or so EIS sales engineers working for the Schoens, who owned EIS,” said Kevin M. Sheehy, a former colleague, referring to Lloyd, Charles, and Brooks Schoen. Sheehy added that Kennedy was “widely known” to many repair shops, utilities companies, and OEMs in the Southeastern U.S., as that was his sales territory at EIS for many years. Bob then left EIS to develop his own company “covering the USA for selling equipment to the electrical industry,” said Sheehy. He remained connected to EIS in a consultory manner. Upon closing his business, he was hired by Sheehy (the CEO of Von Roll at the time) as an executive for Von Roll, and was responsible for its North American client base, marketing and selling composite materials that Von Roll manufactures. Bob eventually finished his career as a marketing/sales individual for EHV Weidmann, covering the U.S.A. for machined and fabricated parts business before retiring from that company.