SOLAR: While Michigan’s big utilities take it slow on solar, the municipal utility in Lansing is planning the largest solar project in the state. (Midwest Energy News)
RENEWABLES: The IRS makes it easier for renewable energy projects to qualify for tax credits. (Wall Street Journal)
***SPONSORED LINK: Support Solar in Illinois – Purchase a raffle ticket to win a Tesla Model S and Bosch Home Charger from the Illinois Solar Energy Association! Only 2,000 tickets will be sold.***
POLITICS: North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp says “my job is a sales job for coal,” but “with many of my [Democratic] colleagues, that is a big lift.” (Greenwire)
OIL & GAS:
• After two years, a $1.5 million fine for pollution in North Dakota is still unpaid. (Associated Press)
• Minnesota officials meet to discuss oil train safety. (Forum News Service)
• A GAO report says the feds aren’t doing enough to protect groundwater near fracking sites. (Columbus Dispatch)
• A Nebraska Supreme Court decision on Keystone XL likely won’t be released until 2015. (Reuters)
• An Ohio State University Extension program helps shale boom communities avoid going bust. (Farm and Dairy)
WIND: More than 14,000 MW of new wind projects were under construction at midyear. (Transmission & Distribution World)
UTILITIES: Wisconsin Energy and Integrys begin filing applications for their proposed merger. (SNL)
FRAC SAND: Rail traffic is causing Amtrak delays in Wisconsin. (Madison Capital Times)
COAL ASH: Environmental groups call for increased water testing around an Indiana coal ash site. (Indiana Public Media)
CLIMATE: Scientists say algae blooms like the one that contaminated Toledo’s water supply will become more common as the climate warms. (Columbus Dispatch)
***SPONSORED LINK: The Illinois Renewable Energy Association will host the 13th annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair on August 23 and 24 at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, Oregon, Illinois.***
MEDIA: A study finds climate contrarians are overrepresented in media coverage. (InsideClimate News)
COMMENTARY: Why the time is right for a cleantech revolution in the Midwest. (Energy Foundry)