NUCLEAR: A study finds that shale formations throughout the Great Lakes could provide safe storage of nuclear waste. (Midwest Energy News)

CLIMATE: A study finds human-caused warming played a role in half of 2012’s extreme weather events. (ClimateWire)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Inspiring Efficiency Awards recognize Midwest leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency. Apply or provide a nomination today.***

OIL: How the physical properties of dilbit may have contributed to an Arkansas pipeline spill, Enbridge begins dredging “solid” oil out of the Kalamazoo River, a new report says rail will be a lasting competitor against pipelines for shipping crude oil, and an analysis finds counties along the first Keystone pipeline have seen little economic benefit. (InsideClimate News, Kalamazoo Gazette, Houston Chronicle, Lincoln Journal Star)

COAL: The major of an Ohio town vetoes a city council resolution calling for an investigation of its contract with the Prairie State coal plant, a Michigan power plant will be down for six weeks for repairs, and an appeal seeks to overturn rate increases for an Indiana coal gasification plant. (Mansfield News Journal, Coldwater Daily Reporter, Indianapolis Star)

ALSO: “There could be a day he doesn’t walk out” – an Indiana newspaper talks with family members of coal miners about the worries they face while loved ones are on the job. (Princeton Daily Clarion)

SOLAR: The city of Monona, Wisconsin, will install solar panels on four municipal buildings; and Ohio seeks to recover $10 million in state loans from a now-defunct solar company. (Wisconsin State Journal, Columbus Dispatch)

NATURAL GAS: The Department of Energy is expected to lose $42 million on loans it made to a Michigan manufacturer of natural gas-powered vans. (Associated Press)

POLLUTION: Smog across Ohio is improving, but still not meeting EPA standards in many areas. (Columbus Dispatch)

WISCONSIN: State regulators approve a utility’s plan to double the size of its program offering discounted electricity rates to large companies. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

COMMENTARY: Why shutting down nuclear plants early could be bad for the environment. (Forbes)

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.

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