UTILITIES: At a meeting in Milwaukee, Midwest utility regulators discuss a recent wave of utility requests for increased fixed charges, with Wisconsin at the forefront. (EnergyWire)
POLICY: Researchers at Michigan State University say an environmental mindset among lawmakers can be a “potentially powerful mediating factor” in curbing carbon emissions.(Midwest Energy News)
***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.***
CLIMATE Q&As:
• Dr. Ben Santer, who will be speaking at a free event in St. Paul tonight. (Midwest Energy News)
• Anna Jane Joyner, who has helped rally evangelical Christians to support climate action. (Rolling Stone)
FRAC SAND: Neighbors of Wisconsin frac sand mines are concerned about whether their health is being adequately protected. (EnergyWire)
WIND: For the first time in several years, Minnesota regulators have no wind projects under consideration. (Minnesota Watchdog)
COAL: Strip mining has begun at three Ohio sites, but two more will not open. (Platts)
SOLAR:
• As part of a training exercise, the South Dakota Air National Guard and soldiers from Denmark are installing solar panels on the Pine Ridge Reservation. (Associated Press)
• An Iowa company installs solar panels on its corporate headquarters near Iowa City. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
ETHANOL:
• Iowa’s congressional delegation calls for a hearing in the state on EPA ethanol targets. (Des Moines Register)
• Nebraska’s governor says a Danish company is reconsidering its expansion in the state following the recent EPA blending decision. (Omaha World-Herald)
BIOMASS: Industry groups launch a campaign to “correct the record” about recent media coverage. (ClimateWire)
CLEAN ECONOMY: The White House says an initiative to attract clean energy investment has exceeded expectations, with $4 billion pledged from investment firms, foundations, universities and other private institutions. (The Hill)
TRANSPORTATION: Honda will discontinue the natural gas and hybrid versions of the Civic. (Associated Press)
MINNESOTA: Recently signed legislation includes provisions related to net metering and other energy issues. (Renewable+Law)
***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! ***
WASTE TO ENERGY: A proposed Ohio facility will convert used tires into energy and other products. (WOWK)
COMMENTARY:
• An opportunity for cleaner energy in Michigan is also an opportunity for cleaner water. (MLive)
• How politics are impacting the regulatory process in Wisconsin. (Midwest Energy News)