COAL: As a mining company eyes untapped coal seams in eastern Illinois, farmers and other residents wonder if there will be enough water to go around, and We Energies will convert its downtown Milwaukee power plant to run on natural gas. (Midwest Energy News, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
CLIMATE: As a record hot summer raised water temperatures, power plants in Illinois are allowed to exceed temperature limits on the cooling water they release; and installers see increased interest in central air conditioning in Minnesota. (Chicago Tribune, Minneapolis Star Tribune)
NORTH DAKOTA: A Fargo Forum report finds members of the states Public Service Commission received thousands of dollars in campaign donations from industries with cases before the board.
FRACKING: A voluntary database shows diesel fuel is still widely used in fracking operations, despite industry assurances it has been phased out. (EnergyWire)
FRAC SAND: New mining operations are creating high-paying jobs in rural Wisconsin, and reviving long-dormant railway lines in Wisconsin and Minnesota. (Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, Minneapolis Star Tribune)
OIL: A Michigan township considers a resolution calling for stronger safety measures from Enbridge. (Detroit Free Press)
ETHANOL: A federal appeals court Friday upheld EPA approval of E15 for use in new cars. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader)
WIND: Demand for wind components – as well as equipment for other industries – is driving an increase in cargo moving out of Duluth’s port. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
TRANSMISSION: Developers of the Rock Island Clean Line are holding meetings across Iowa this month to recruit local vendors and contractors. (Quad City Business Journal)
COMMENTARY: How the wind production tax credit has impacted Ohio, why you shouldn’t get too excitedover U.S. emissions reductions, and why the Chicago Tribune finds it “unconscionable” to use corn for fuel during a drought. (Toledo Blade, Climate Central, Chicago Tribune)