KEYSTONE XL: In Nebraska, hundreds of people, mostly opponents testify at the State Department’s final hearing on Keystone XL; and Ohio lawmakers pass a resolution supporting the pipeline as an industry group claims it will add nearly $10 billion to the state’s GDP. (New York Times, Dayton Business Journal)
SOLAR: A proposed 50 MW Ohio solar project, even after a setback from state regulators, is “too good to fail,” and “we are too dumb to quit,” according to David Wilhem, who continues to spearhead the project’s development; and a new study links 119,000 jobs nationwide to the solar industry. (Midwest Energy News, EarthTechling)
POLITICS: The Senate energy committee approves the nomination of Ernest Moniz to lead the Department of Energy, making it highly likely he will be confirmed by the full Senate. (Greenwire)
COAL: Environmental groups sue Ameren, alleging the company is “dragging its feet” in installing pollution upgrades to an Illinois coal plant; meanwhile, Ameren releases a plan to gradually close 16 coal ash ponds across the state. (Associated Press, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
WIND: A new report predicts a global decline in new wind installations for 2013, with the industry rebounding in 2014; and an Illinois county struggles to develop a wind ordinance. (Reuters, Danville Commercial-News)
TRANSMISSION: A proposed transmission line to move Kansas wind power eastward runs into opposition from landowners, who say they aren’t being fairly compensated. (Associated Press)
EFFICIENCY: A pair of U.S. Senators scale back a proposed efficiency measure, in hopes of “getting something done” in a Congress that remains deeply divided on energy. (The Hill)
TRANSPORTATION: Wisconsin hires a firm to help develop regulations for the expansion of natural gas vehicles in the state. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
MEDIA: New York Times blogger Andrew Revkin speaks with the staff of InsideClimate News about their pipeline coverage and their Pulitzer win.
COMMENTARY: Why expanded oil production won’t necessarily mean lower gasoline prices. (Bloomberg)