WISCONSIN: Hundreds turn out for a pair of public hearings in Milwaukee, mostly to oppose proposed We Energies rate changes that critics say target distributed renewable energy. (Midwest Energy News, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
ALSO: Critics say a 2009 We Energies study contradicts the utility’s own claims about fair solar costs. (Express Milwaukee)
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OHIO: Several large Ohio manufacturers form their own lobbying group, in part because of disagreement with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association over its opposition to SB 310; and Fortune magazine takes a closer look at manufacturers’ role in the controversy. (Columbus Dispatch, Fortune)
COAL: The Sierra Club plans to sue over alleged pollution violations at an Ohio coal plant, why AEP’s plan to guarantee revenue for coal plants is drawing similar criticism to a FirstEnergy proposal, and can modern coal plants meet tougher pollution rules? (Columbus Business First, SNL)
SOLAR: A large solar installation company begins offering direct loans to homeowners. (Associated Press)
OIL AND GAS: Business groups fight a proposed North Dakota conservation measure, Ohio advocates call for disclosure of fracking chemicals, and Ohio University gets $1.45 million to research wastewater recycling. (Greenwire, Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Business First)
NUCLEAR: A Kansas nuclear plant may have to temporarily shut down if repairs to a backup generator aren’t completed in time. (Associated Press)
RENEWABLES: Why buying renewable power is a challenge for big data companies. (Greentech Media)
COMMENTARY: Why Wisconsin is falling behind on solar power. (Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism)