EPA: The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which will likely require emissions reductions in most Midwest states. (Greenwire)
PETCOKE: Chicago’s mayor pulls back on a plan to allow petroleum coke storage anywhere in the city; meanwhile, the city’s aldermen stop short of banning existing piles on the city’s Southeast Side. (Chicago Tribune)
***SPONSORED LINK: Learn what solar can do for you today! Join Jigar Shah, John Farrell, Frank Andorka and countless others at the Hilton Minneapolis on May 16 for a packed day of exciting networking, exhibits, training and drinks at the Midwest Solar Expo. Register today and help advance Midwest solar.***
OIL: The Bakken oil field produces its billionth barrel of oil. (Associated Press)
OHIO: A Toledo company says a bill to “freeze” the state’s renewable energy standard will “kill solar.” (Toledo Blade)
FRACKING: BP is ending drilling operations in northeast Ohio after poor results, three Ohio counties are home to the state’s top ten producing wells, and Michigan officials say new fracking rules will “improve transparency and give some assurance that there is adequate monitoring.” (Akron Beacon-Journal, Columbus Business First, Detroit Free Press)
INDIANA: A former state regulator will not face criminal prosecution despite committing ethics violations in a case involving a Duke Energy coal plant. (Indianapolis Star)
ETHANOL: Cellulosic biofuel producers say they plan to exceed EPA targets next year, and Michigan researchers say poplar trees can be modified to improve biofuel production. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Capital Gains)
COAL: A North Dakota power plant extends its coal purchase agreement through 2037. (Associated Press)
UTILITIES: Chicago-based Exelon plans to buy a struggling East Coast utility. (Washington Post)
BIOENERGY: Manure biodigesters are credited for improving water quality in Wisconsin. (Madison Capital Times)
***SPONSORED LINK: Register today ($15/individual) for the 15th Anniversary Conference of Wisconsin Interfaith Power & Light “Climate Stewardship: Sustainability, Eco-Justice and Well-Being” on May 18 in Milwaukee. Keynote, workshops, exhibits and more. Be a sponsor, $100-$1,000.***
SOLAR: Why the next phase of the Indianapolis airport solar array is behind schedule, and an Illinois college installs solar-powered picnic tables for charging electronic devices. (Indiana Public Media, Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)
COMMENTARY: The right way to develop shale gas. (New York Times)