FRACKING: An EPA study finds instances where fracking has contaminated drinking water, but the problem is not “widespread” or “systemic.” (Greenwire)
TRANSPORTATION: A recent Wisconsin ruling highlights what advocates say is a broader pattern of justifying highway expansions based on flawed traffic projections. (Midwest Energy News)
***SPONSORED LINK: The Illinois Renewable Energy Conference, July 16 in Normal, Illinois, will feature plenary sessions of interest to all areas of renewable energy, plus specific breakout sessions for wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and energy efficiency.***
PIPELINES: A couple that owns land in North Dakota loses a court challenge over eminent domain. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
COAL: Federal officials investigate whether Peabody Energy can still qualify for a government program that provides cheaper insurance rates for clean-up costs in the event of bankruptcy. (Reuters)
SOLAR:
• Net metering may be up for debate once again as Minnesota enters a special legislative session. (Utility Dive)
• A Wisconsin rural co-op seeks proposals for up to 25 MW of solar. (La Crosse Tribune)
• A Cleveland suburb votes to allow solar panels on single-family homes. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
EFFICIENCY: Current methodology may be providing an incomplete picture of the performance of energy efficiency programs. (Greentech Media)
NUCLEAR:
• A Minnesota utility will pay $36 million to a contractor in a dispute over work on a nuclear power plant. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• A pair of high school students solve an engineering problem at an Iowa nuclear plant. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
NATURAL GAS:
• Recent coal plant retirements mean that natural gas is now the dominant fuel in the PJM Interconnection. (Utility Dive)
• Developers of an Ohio power plant promise $1.45 billion in economic impact, and millions for local schools, in exchange for a 15-year tax abatement. (Youngstown Vindicator)
CLIMATE: An Illinois congressman says focusing on adapting to, rather than preventing, climate change would be a “better, more efficient use of government dollars.” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
COMMENTARY: “Coal is only cheap if you choose to ignore its staggering costs to human health and the environment.” (Governing Magazine)