SOLAR: A recent filing shows Berkshire Hathaway could be making a big move into solar in the Midwest. (RTO Insider)
OHIO: A “freeze” of Ohio’s clean-energy standards is lengthening the payback period for combined heat and power systems, according to business leaders. (Midwest Energy News)
***SPONSORED LINK: The Midwest Solar Expo is this week! Join the solar industry in advancing the Midwest solar market through networking, breakout sessions, training, plenaries, expo hall and more. Register today to join us downtown Minneapolis on May 13-14.***
CLIMATE:
• Iowa scientists push presidential candidates to address climate change as they visit the state. (Des Moines Register)
• Climate denial campaigns take a toll on scientists. (InsideClimate News)
PRAIRIE STATE: A Virginia city official blames a contract with the Prairie State coal plant in Illinois for the municipal utility’s financial problems. (Danville Register and Bee)
COAL:
• Murray Energy blames President Obama as it lays off 425 workers. (Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register)
• A jury awards a worker $320,000 for injuries from a fall in an Illinois coal mine. (Madison-St. Clair Record)
CARBON CAPTURE: The Energy Department will team up with the University of North Dakota to study carbon capture technology. (UPI)
PIPELINES: An Iowa landowner says he was offered a prostitute by pipeline developers seeking access to his property. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
FRACKING: A drilling CEO says he wasn’t trying to pressure Oklahoma’s state seismologist over earthquake findings, but just trying to learn why someone would “disparage” the industry. (EnergyWire)
NATURAL GAS: The Rock Island Arsenal announced it will replace its coal-fired steam plant with natural gas. (Quad-City Times)
TRANSMISSION:
• Grid operators MISO and SPP consider four new transmission projects that could mutually benefit both entities. (RTO Insider)
• Supporters of the Grain Belt Express project say the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks. (Hannibal Courier-Post)
• Ratepayers could see refunds from disputes over profits made by the parent companies of American Transmission Co. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
BIOFUELS: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says the EPA is creating uncertainty in the ethanol industry. (St. Louis Public Radio)
***SPONSORED LINK: Learn about the latest in renewable energy and sustainability in Central Wisconsin at The Energy Fair, June 19-21. Features include keynote speaker John Wellinghoff, workshops, exhibitors, entertainment, and more.***
TECHNOLOGY: Ohio State considers testing solar-powered pavers that can melt ice and snow. (Columbus Business First)
COMMENTARY:
• Are solar customers paying their fair share? It’s complicated. (Greentech Media)
• How clean energy can create jobs and help low-income ratepayers in Minnesota. (Duluth News Tribune)