CLIMATE: Minnesota’s second-largest power supplier calls for a regional carbon price to comply with EPA emission rules. (ClimateWire)

OIL: Enbridge proposes another pipeline expansion through northern Minnesota. (Duluth News Tribune)

***SPONSORED LINK: The 2014 Clean Energy Challenge business plan competition on April 3 awards over $500,000 in prizes to innovative Midwest clean tech startups! Hear keynote speakers David Crane and Tom Steyer. Use code “EARLY_BIRD” & register today! ***

WISCONSIN: If Warren Buffett tries to buy Wisconsin utilities, a state regulation could complicate the deal. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

PETCOKE: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sues a petcoke storage company, alleging illegal runoff into the Calumet River; and Detroit’s petcoke controversy moves to a new location. (Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press)

SOLAR: A proposed 120 MW Xcel Energy solar project in Colorado would be the largest east of the Rockies, and University of Michigan researchers develop colored solar cells. (Denver Post, Gizmodo)

RENEWABLES: An IEA report finds large amounts of wind and solar can be integrated into the grid at low cost, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz predicts 30-40 percent renewable energy in the U.S. by 2030, and signs of the “utility death spiral” are already emerging in Germany. (Greentech Media, WBUR)

KANSAS: Kansas legislators are likely to revive efforts to repeal the state’s renewable energy standard. (Lawrence Journal World)

FRAC SAND: Industry representatives and local residents are still divided over proposed Wisconsin frac sand regulations. (Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism)

***SPONSORED LINK: Attend “Solar PV Systems and the NEC Code” with John Wiles April 7 in Palatine, Illinois. Inspector & Installer continuing education credits available. FREE for ISEA members! Join and receive all the member benefits at illinoissolar.org.***

TRANSPORTATION: The New York Times explores the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

COMMENTARY: The “tipping point” from fossil fuels to renewable energy may already be here. (SmartPlanet)

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.

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