CORRECTION: An item in yesterday’s digest incorrectly stated that a federal judge dismissed a case involving coal industry contributions to state regulators. The judge dismissed a different, but related, case.
SOLAR: In Wisconsin, libertarians form an unlikely alliance with environmentalists to back a new solar proposal. (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO: A pilot project aims to develop community-owned solar projects in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and rooftop solar panels pose a new challenge for firefighters. (MLive, Reuters)
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COAL: An Eastern Interconnection report projects further decline for the coal industry. (ClimateWire)
RENEWABLES: The EIA says 14 percent of U.S. electricity in the first half of the year was generated by non-hydro renewables. (The Climate Group)
FRACKING: A University of Michigan study says the state is unlikely to experience a major shale boom, and a Michigan couple sues the federal government in an effort to block drilling in a state game area. (Associated Press, MLive)
SMART METERS: An investigation by the Illinois Commerce Commission finds smart meters are not to blame for three fires that occurred during a pilot program, and new meter technology is helping utilities cut the cost of distributing power across the grid. (Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle)
OIL: U.S. oil production reaches the highest level in 24 years. (Houston Chronicle)
WIND: Representatives from wildlife groups and the wind industry meet at the White House to discuss eagle “take” permits. (The Hill)
NATURAL GAS: A small Indiana town is divided over plans for a new power plant. (Indianapolis Star)
OHIO: A boycott campaign targets FirstEnergy, and American Electric Power is named a top job creator in a national survey. (Columbus Business First, Columbus Dispatch)
WISCONSIN: A Wisconsin utility considers expanding a program that offers rate incentives for big businesses, but a consumer group says not so fast. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
TRANSPORTATION: The Indianapolis transit agency has received a $10 million federal grant to help purchase 22 electric buses. (Indianapolis Star)
COMMENTARY: How Michigan is getting it right on fracking. (CleanTechnica)