SOLAR: As Ohio’s energy law freeze takes effect, the state’s solar market has already stalled. (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO: The White House announces plans to train 50,000 veterans to become solar installers, SolarCity says a new approach to commercial installations could increase output 20 to 50 percent, and Minnesota regulators kick off the state’s solar garden program. (Associated Press, EnergyWire, Renewable+Law)
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COAL: Ohio’s Supreme Court rules that parts of a state wildlife area can be strip-mined for coal. (Columbus Dispatch)
CLIMATE: At an event in Minneapolis, Chevron’s CEO speaks broadly about energy policy, and says “I understand the risks of climate change.” (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
FRACKING: An Illinois legislative panel says it needs more time to review proposed fracking rules, a study released earlier this week links earthquakes to wastewater injection wells, and advocates say a recent study supports tougher regulation to prevent water contamination. (Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg)
FRAC SAND: An environmental group is circulating a petition calling for Wisconsin officials to study the state’s frac sand industry. (Madison Capital Times)
UTILITIES: Clean-energy advocates gather in Madison to oppose Wisconsin utilities’ proposed rate structure changes. (The Isthmus)
TRANSPORTATION: A study finds electric cars are cheaper to insure than gasoline ones, and high-speed trains once intended for Wisconsin find a home in Michigan. (Los Angeles Times, Madison Capital Times)
TRANSMISSION: Federal officials sign off on a new transmission line to serve load in North Dakota’s oil patch. (Transmission & Distribution World)
OIL: Enbridge conducts an oil spill emergency drill in Michigan. (MLive)
COMMENTARY: Why we shouldn’t place too much hope in technological breakthroughs. (Grist)