CLIMATE: As utilities take steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions, scientists warn we may not be moving quickly enough. (Midwest Energy News)

MEANWHILE: During floor debate on an energy bill, a Minnesota state legislator calls climate change “a complete United Nations fraud.” (City Pages)

POLITICS: The Senate unanimously confirms Ernest Moniz to lead the Department of Energy, EPA nominee Gina McCarthy advances on a party-line vote, and conservatives say the EPA treated them unfairly in denying records requests. (The Hill, Greenwire)

FRACKING: The Obama administration releases new proposed regulations for fracking on public lands, and neither the industry nor environmentalists are happy. (National Journal)

ALSO: Oil and gas production in Ohio grows slowly, as the industry says a lack pipeline and processing infrastructure continues to hold back production. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

NATURAL GAS: Integrys Energy anticipates stable natural gas supplies for at least the next decade, and Xcel Energy plans two new natural gas power plants in North Dakota. (Green Bay Press-Gazette, Fargo Forum)

ETHANOL: A bill in Congress would allow ethanol derived from natural gas to count toward renewable fuel mandates. (Houston Chronicle)

ELECTRIC CARS: Tesla Motors plans to use proceeds from a public offering to pay off its Energy Department loan nine years ahead of schedule. (Bloomberg)

WIND: Iowa State University researchers say concrete wind turbine towers could be taller and longer-lasting than current ones made from steel. (Radio Iowa)

SOLAR: The municipal utility in Traverse City, Michigan signs on to a community solar project. (Traverse City Record-Eagle)

COAL: Wisconsin regulators sign off on an ownership transfer that will allow upgrades to an Upper Peninsula coal plant to proceed. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

SMART METERS: Michigan smart meter opponents plan to appeal a ruling allowing DTE Energy to charge an opt-out fee to those who don’t want the meters installed. (Dearborn Press & Guide)

COMMENTARY: The South Bend Tribune says a Michigan nuclear plant is running out of second chances, and Tesla haters do a 180. (South Bend Tribune, GigaOm)

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Ken Paulman

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.

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