PIPELINES: Federal regulators say Exxon downplayed risks and put off critical repairs prior to an oil pipeline rupturing in an Arkansas neighborhood earlier this year; and a new report says export pipelines will be crucial for future oil sands growth. (InsideClimate News)
NUCLEAR: In Illinois, the nuclear industry says waste materials are perfectly safe at reactor sites until long-term storage is built; and Xcel Energy Minnesota regulators hire an expert to investigate cost overruns at a Minnesota an Xcel nuclear plant. (Midwest Energy News, Minneapolis Star Tribune)
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OIL: Following another derailment and explosion, railroads seek tougher standards for tanker cars carrying crude and other flammable materials; North Dakota studies whether to allow more radioactive waste from oil fields in landfills; and Oklahomans learn to live with a string of mild earthquakes suspected to be linked to wastewater disposal wells. (Bismarck Tribune, Reuters, NPR)
FRACKING: With state fracking regulations near completion, Illinois officials say it will be at least another year before they issue permits for drilling. (Springfield State Journal-Register)
COAL: An Iowa coal plant shuts down and will be demolished, and the TVA announces it will close eight coal plants in the southeast. (Muscatine Journal, New York Times)
NATURAL GAS: Wisconsin regulators hear differing opinions on who should pay to convert a Milwaukee coal plant to natural gas. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
CHICAGO: Chicago signs an agreement with Constellation to provide coal-free electricity for two years. (Electric Light & Power)
OHIO: Breaking ranks with an industry group, large companies including Dow Chemical, Honda and Whirlpool sign a letter opposing a bill that would weaken Ohio’s efficiency mandate. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
EPA: At a hearing with EPA officials, congressional Republicans say carbon capture technology isn’t currently feasible. (The Hill)
TRANSMISSION: Xcel will pay western Wisconsin counties and cities more than $9 million to cover environmental impact fees. (LaCrosse Tribune)
WAL-MART: A new report says despite the company’s push for solar power and energy efficiency, Wal-Mart is one of the largest and fastest-growing polluters in the U.S. (Al Jazeera America)
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COMMENTARY: Why much of the Associated Press ethanol investigation is “old material given a fresh coat of blame.” (MinnPost)
CORRECTION: The final Ohio Senate panel hearing on SB 58 was held Wednesday, not Thursday as stated incorrectly in yesterday’s email digest.