UTILITIES: On the heels of successful rate cases in Wisconsin, two utilities in Missouri are also seeking to increased fixed charges for ratepayers. (Midwest Energy News)
FRAC SAND: Why Minnesota continues to take its time on frac sand regulation. (InsideClimate News)
***SPONSORED LINK: The Midwest Energy Solutions Conference is the largest event of its kind in the region. This event attracts a diverse assemblage of thought leaders from around the nation who share a passion for energy efficiency.***
WIND: Officials in a Michigan county that leads the state in wind energy consider a moratorium on new turbines. (Michigan Capitol Confidential)
PIPELINES: Opponents and supporters square off in a Minnesota pipeline hearing, and South Dakota tribes plan protests against Keystone XL today as state regulators take up a permitting issue. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, Indian Country Today, Sioux Falls Argus Leader)
FRACKING: An Ohio study links fracking and earthquakes, as Oklahoma had more quakes than any state in the lower 48 in 2014. (Pittsburgh Tribune Review, EnergyWire)
OIL: Production continues to slow in North Dakota as lawmakers expect a contentious fight over how to distribute oil tax revenue. (Bismarck Tribune, Reuters)
COAL: 2014 saw 14 fatalities in U.S. coal mines, a record low. (Associated Press)
NUCLEAR: Exelon needs to nearly double prices to keep a New York reactor online, another sign of economic challenges for the industry. (Bloomberg)
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EFFICIENCY: The Department of Energy seeks a uniform standard for zero-energy buildings. (The Hill)
COMMENTARY: Why low oil prices won’t necessarily hurt demand for clean energy; and efficiency needs success stories, not catch phrases. (Forbes, Greentech Media)