CLIMATE: Climate scientists and public health advocates are “cautiously optimistic” as U.S. carbon emissions hit a 20-year low, driven primarily by a shift away from coal to natural gas. (Assocated Press)
EPA: A report by the Government Accountability Office finds four major EPA rules will pose “challenges” to the grid but “should not affect reliability given existing tools.” (The Hill)
COAL: Doctors and scientists say giving Ameren an extension to clean up Illinois power plants will pose a significant cost in terms of human health. (Midwest Energy News)
FRACKING: A coalition of environmental groups says Ohio laws governing wastewater injection are far too weak. (Columbus Dispatch)
NUCLEAR: The Omaha Public Power District plans to turn over operation of its troubled Ft. Calhoun nuclear plant to Exelon, a private company; and the Prairie Island Indian community in Minnesota says the shutdown of a nearby nuclear plant is an “ominous reminder” that the plant “relies on aging technology.” (Omaha World-Herald, Rochester Post-Bulletin)
ETHANOL: Ethanol producers continue cutting back production and idling plants as corn prices hit record highs. (Des Moines Register)
OHIO: An audit finds FirstEnergy has spent millions more than it should have on renewable energy credits, and passed the costs along to customers. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
S.S. BADGER: Michigan Sen. Carl Levin says he wants to see the S.S. Badger ferry continue operating, but dumping coal ash into Lake Michigan is “not a permanent solution.” (Muskegon Chronicle)
TRANSPORTATION: Gas station operators see a broader range of fueling options in the future, and installing electric car charging stations on military bases isn’t as easy as one might think. (ClimateWire, Stars and Stripes)
COMMENTARY: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch says a recent NRC moratorium on permitting will put the issue of waste “where it belongs, front and center in the debate over the future of nuclear power”; and the Washington Post says the Obama and Romney campaigns are “pandering” to energy interests.