SOLAR: North Dakota regulators say they will not allow Xcel Energy to charge customers in the state for costs related to Minnesota’s solar standard. (Forum News Service)
ALSO:
• The nation’s largest solar installer says it will spend $200 million developing community solar in Minnesota. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• New Minnesota legislation includes a “grid fee” that municipal utilities and co-ops can charge to customers with distributed generation, as well as lower rates for some industrial customers. (Minnesota Public Radio)
***SPONSORED LINK: Learn about the latest in renewable energy and sustainability in Central Wisconsin at The Energy Fair, June 19-21. Features include keynote speaker Jon Wellinghoff, workshops, exhibitors, entertainment, and more.***
PETCOKE: Advocates criticize the Illinois EPA for declining to follow through on an effort to regulate petroleum coke storage statewide. (Midwest Energy News)
CLIMATE:
• Wisconsin’s public land commission softens its stance on employees working on issues related to climate change. (Associated Press)
• A closer look at Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s efforts to push back against climate action. (Scientific American)
• In an anticipated encyclical, Pope Francis calls for a “bold cultural revolution” to fight climate change. (CNN)
• Polar explorer and climate activist Will Steger says Minnesota has “stalled” in its efforts to cut emissions. (The Uptake)
OIL: Michigan officials continue to seek the source of an oil seep into a waterway, believed to be originating from a Depression-era drilling operation. (MLive)
COAL:
• A 13 million pound excavating machine at a North Dakota mining site is shut down after it begins sinking into the ground. (Bismarck Tribune)
• A mining company seeks to expand an Indiana coal operation beneath the Wabash River and into Illinois. (Platts)
• North Dakota regulators approve a mine expansion. (KXNews)
NUCLEAR: A new report questions whether nuclear energy is sustainable for utilities. (Port Clinton News Herald)
POLLUTION: A new report says the EPA is underestimating the impact of water pollution from power plants. (The Hill)
***SPONSORED LINK: The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association presents its annual Michigan Renewable Energy Fair June 26-27. Features include an electric vehicle showcase, workshops, renewable energy demonstrations, kids’ activities, and much more! ***
IOWA: A small town pursues energy independence. (RMI Outlet)
COMMENTARY:
• In Wisconsin, rural co-ops are leading the way on solar. (Midwest Energy News)
• Eliminating electric choice in Michigan could harm schools. (MLive)