EMISSIONS: U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide have fallen to their lowest point since 1994, driven largely by a shift from coal to natural gas; a new study finds EPA pollution rules will continue to drive the trend even if gas prices rise again. (The Hill)
TECHNOLOGY: Cleantech investment may be losing its allure for investors, but experts say the sector is moving into a more mature phase. (Midwest Energy News)
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OIL: An Ohio company’s technology, which helps protect pipelines from corrosion, is drawing interest from the oil industry, which has claimed oil sands crude is nor more corrosive than conventional crude. (InsideClimate News)
FRACKING: A new fracking coalition draws criticism from environmentalists and the industry, southern Illinois counties begin to see economic benefits from gas speculation, what Ohio can learn from Oklahoma, and a look inside Chesapeake Energy’s drilling lab. (Associated Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer)
ALSO: A new study finds gas drillers lose $1.5 billion each year to leaks of methane, which is also a potent greenhouse gas. (Climate Desk)
CLIMATE: A Minneapolis-based foundation turns its climate focus back to the Midwest, and new U.S. science teaching standards will include extensive lessons on climate change. (Midwest Energy News, New York Times)
WIND: Developers of a Wisconsin wind farm want state regulators to reconsider a decision rejecting the project, and the industry still awaits clarity on what it means to “begin construction” to qualify for federal tax credits. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Christian Science Monitor)
ILLINOIS: As utilities donate millions to political candidates, both the utilities and elected officials dismiss questions about whether it influences policy outcomes. (Better Government Association/Springfield State Journal-Register)
EFFICIENCY: Cleveland Public Power will begin testing LED streetlights in a two-year pilot project. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
TRANSPORTATION: Workshops in North Dakota will promote natural gas vehicles, and a Detroit startup introduces a new electric sports car. (Bismarck Tribune, New York Times)
COMMENTARY: Why FirstEnergy should “embrace” Ohio’s efficiency standards and “move on,” why fossil-fuel funded organizations are fighting renewable energy standards, and where will the new energy boom take us? (Cleveland Plain Dealer, EnergyBiz, Chicago Tribune)