COAL: As natural gas is now the top fuel source for U.S. power plants, the bond market foretells further decline for the coal industry. (Associated Press, Bloomberg)
ALSO:
• A bill to promote Illinois coal may not hold up legally. (Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)
• A Rapid City power plant, decommissioned in 2012, will be dismantled. (Rapid City Journal)
***SPONSORED LINK: Ready your nominations, the Midwest Energy News “40 under 40″ will open on July 15. We are looking for leaders and innovators from all sectors — industry, government, business, and advocacy. Download the sample nomination form now.***
EFFICIENCY:
• A new agency aims to break the logjam for PACE financing in Missouri. (Midwest Energy News)
• The Columbus, Ohio Habitat for Humanity chapter will continue using tough efficiency standards that had been required under federal funding. (Columbus Dispatch)
CLIMATE: A new report ranks a Minnesota cooperative as the second-most carbon intensive utility in the country. (Mother Jones)
PIPELINES: A state task force is expected to release a report on safety of the Straits of Mackinac pipelines later today. (MLive)
POLLUTION: State officials say air pollution contributes to 2,000 deaths annually in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
FRACKING: A former steel mill in Ohio is being used to process drilling waste. (WTRF)
***SPONSORED LINK: Energy and the Earth, a free online offering by University of Wisconsin, gives you a big picture perspective on energy issues. Participate for free and at your own pace: www.moocs.wisc.edu***
SOLAR: A Missouri co-op executive and a solar industry leader discuss the rural energy future. (Houston Herald)
POLITICS: The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters says Gov. Scott Walker has a record of “supporting polluters over people” and “would be a disaster for our nation” as president. (Wisconsin Gazette)