CLIMATE: Low Great Lakes water levels raise concerns for Midwest power plants, and a group of evangelical scientists tells Congress that not just science, but also their faith, demands action on climate change. (Midwest Energy News, ClimateWire)
TRANSMISSION: Opponents of a Minnesota-to-Wisconsin transmission line lose an appeal seeking to block the project. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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OIL AND GAS: An analysis finds that it’s rare for state regulators to fine drillers for spills or blowouts. (EnergyWire)
ALSO: Halliburton is fined for the first time for workplace safety violations in North Dakota, and residents along Minnesota rail lines worry about spills from oil trains. (Grand Forks Herald, Minneapolis Star Tribune)
PIPELINES: A new report claims Midwest gasoline prices will rise up to 40 cents per gallon if Keystone XL is built, the full extent of heavy metal contamination from an Arkansas spill remains unknown while Exxon refuses to disclose inspection reports on the ruptured pipeline, and residents affected by the 2010 Kalamazoo River spill are experiencing “cleanup fatigue” as the effort continues. (Kansas City Star, InsideClimate News, Detroit News)
BIOFUELS: A court ruled on Friday that biofuel producers will be subject to any forthcoming carbon regulations, and an oil industry group launches an ad campaign promoting repeal of the Renewable Fuel Standard. (Reuters, Des Moines Register)
COAL: A Missouri coal mining company carves out a niche by being small and nimble. (Kansas City Star)
SMART GRID: Why the smart grid may make our electricity system more vulnerable to cyberattacks, and how dynamic pricing is cutting costs for a California utility. (National Journal, Greentech Media)
AGGREGATION: A Chicago suburb’s electric aggregation program has saved residents more than $2 million so far, but rates are expected to go back up. (Chicago Tribune)
MEDIA: A look at the Koch Brothers’ efforts to attack InsideClimate News and other media outlets for publishing journalism critical of their business practices. (Washington Post)
COMMENTARY: How FirstEnergy’s efficiency practices could be costing ratepayers millions. (GreenTech Media)