MICHIGAN: A bipartisan group of state lawmakers proposes a package of “energy freedom” bills, designed to remove barriers to small renewable energy projects. (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO: The director of Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality says “everything is on the table” as the state figures out how to meet EPA carbon targets. (Second Wave Media)
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FRACKING: Records show a drilling company waited five days before disclosing to state and federal officials what chemicals were involved in a June 28 spill into an Ohio creek. (Columbus Dispatch)
OIL & GAS:
A surge in natural gas benefits Ohio industries. (Columbus CEO)
A deep dive into how the oil boom has impacted North Dakota’s economy and politics. (InsideClimate News)
The company responsible for a Kansas pipeline spill has faced $270,000 in fines for problems elsewhere. (Associated Press)
Minnesota regulators will study proposed changes to an oil sands pipeline route. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
CLIMATE: A poll finds bipartisan support for a carbon tax, provided it is used to fund renewable energy development. (Bloomberg)
CARBON CAPTURE: While pilot projects get off the ground, the future of carbon capture in the U.S. remains unclear. (New York Times)
SOLAR: While Ohio’s renewable energy freeze makes future projects unlikely, a new 2.1 megawatt solar array on a former Toledo brownfield site will be dedicated today; and why the “duck chart” has utilities crying “fowl,” and what can be done about it. (Toledo Blade, CleanTechnica)
POLITICS: A watchdog group wants to know more about Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s relationship with the fossil fuel industry, solar power enters the fray in Iowa’s gubernatorial race, and a Michigan congressional candidate makes climate change a central issue in her campaign. (Toledo Blade, Cedar Rapids Gazette, Climate Progress)
BIOENERGY: A study finds crop residue can play a significant role in energy production, and four farms are selected for biodigesters to provide energy to a Michigan utility. (Des Moines Register, Associated Press)
EFFICIENCY: New air-conditioning technology will cut energy use at Sioux City schools. (Sioux City Journal)
GRID: A Wisconsin researcher hopes to build one of the largest microgrids in the U.S. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
MEDIA: An analysis finds Sunday talk shows are devoting more airtime to climate change. (The Hill)
COMMENTARY: Why cutting carbon emissions will lower utility bills, not raise them. (Forbes)